Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Burning vegetation - A7333062

For this decision summary:

• LINZ received the application before 17 November 2022
• accordingly, the decision was made under the Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 excluding the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.

Burning vegetation

5 years

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that granting consent to burn has positive farming benefits that outweigh negative impacts on inherent values that it is desirable to protect. Conditions have been imposed to ensure that the adverse impact of fire on the plant species wishing to be protected are minimised. Continued application of fertiliser to the areas of burning is required. 

Consent is granted for burning, subject to the following conditions: 

1. Burning is limited to the defined area.
2. Shrubland in the deep gully that forms the southern border of the application area is to be avoided (shown on the insert in the attached plan).
3. No burning shall occur within 10 meters either side of any wetland, seep or permanent waterways.
4. Oversowing and top-dressing should be done within 6 months of the initial burn; this will protect the soil structure once it is exposed.
5. Adequate fertiliser applications should be maintained indefinitely.
6. A spelling period of 3 months after burning.
7. The burn areas to be lightly stocked for the 12 month period following the burn
8. Burning to be carried out between 1st June and 31st October and only when soil conditions are damp and during ideal weather conditions.
9. No area shall be burnt more than once during the term of this consent.
10. Fire retardant and fire breaks to be undertaken to contain the fire to the approved areas.
11. Adequate experienced manpower is to be available throughout all burning operations. The people involved in lighting and controlling the fire shall have prior experience with burning and shall supervise the burn closely throughout the duration of the burn. Furthermore, the burnt area shall be inspected thoroughly following the completion of the burn to ensure the fire is completely extinguished before leaving the area.
12. A fire management plan should be discussed with FENZ prior to the burn.
13. A helicopter with a monsoon bucket is to be held on standby during the burning operation.
14. LINZ Portfolio Manager is to be advised of the burn within 24 hours of ignition.
15. LINZ Portfolio Manager is to be advised within three days that the burn has been completed.
16. Any fire that burns outside the area for which consent has been granted, for whatever reason, is to be reported to the Commissioner of Crown Lands within 14 days of the burn occurring, supplying full details of the circumstances.
17. That all staff and/or contractors employed to work on The Herrons are aware of the approved areas for burning and the conditions imposed on the consent. 

The Crown Pastoral Land Act 1998 provides that permission to undertake the activity may still be needed under other enactments.