Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Burning - A7774750

For this decision summary: 

• LINZ received the application before 17 November 2022
• accordingly, the decision was made under the Land Act 1948 excluding the amendments taking effect on 17 November 2022.

Burning

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that there are inherent values within the area shaded in red that he considers desirable to protect. These values include:

• Shrubland and tussock grassland ecosystems supporting flora and fauna, particularly in the steep lower slopes 
• Native flora species including populations of four At Risk - Declining plant species
• This site provides habitat for native fauna species including the At Risk – Declining New Zealand pipit, and four Threatened or At Risk freshwater fish species
• The lower slopes contain scattered seepage wetlands, which are classified as endangered ecosystems, ranked as Naturally Uncommon
• High natural landscape values, particularly in the upper and lower parts of the application area
• Vegetation on lower slopes lies within a Chronically Threatened land environment.

The Commissioner considered the identified benefits to farming as set out in the application and determined that these did not outweigh the potential adverse effects on inherent values.

In making this decision the Commissioner also noted that portions of the lease had been burnt in 2019 and 2024 that require ongoing management to encourage appropriate recovery and that further burning in the foreseeable future would not be desirable while this recovery takes place.  

Consent is declined for burning.