Discretionary pastoral activity decision for Mt Hutt - Planting trees - A5568249

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.

Planting trees

10 years

For the part of the consent that was granted

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that inherent values present are minimal and on balance it is considered that making it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes by providing wind breaks and shelter for stock and protecting inherent values can be achieved by implementing wilding conifer, weed and pest control and implementing good management practises associated with applying fertiliser, spraying chemicals and undertaking planting. Conditions imposed on the consent will mitigate the identified risks associated with the activities.

For the part of the consent that was declined in part

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that the proposed exotic conifer planting from 660-700m above sea level in this area is at a higher altitude than is desirable as it is beginning to diminish inherent values associated with natural landscapes. Approval has been granted to plant natives on this line instead.

For the part of the consent that was declined

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that the proposed planting of Douglas fir presents too greater risk of wilding pine spread. Douglas fir produces a light seed that can be blown some distance. It is also one of the least palatable species and is therefore not grazed as readily by stock. There has been significant investment by the Crown, various agencies, and landowners to control wilding conifers including Douglas fir. There are alternatives to the lessee to plant the pine species listed under condition (1), as these species have a lower risk or spreading.

Consent is granted for planting vegetation along the red and blue lines and in the areas outlined in red and blue on the relevant map, subject to the following conditions:

1. The following tree species may be planted along the red lines and within the area outlined in red on the plans attached: 

   • Pinus radiata
   • Pinus radiata x Pinus attenuata hybrid

   These species are not to be planted along the blue line and within the area outlined in blue on the plans attached, see point (2) below.

2. Native plants and/or trees may be planted in the area outlined in blue, and along the blue line on the plans attached. Natives planted are to be species that are eco-sourced, and endemic to the front mountain country of the Canterbury Plains, preferably the Mt Hutt Range area.
3. Re-planting the approved species in conditions (2) and (3) is permitted, if some don’t survive the initial planting.
4. Wilding conifers must be monitored regularly and removed from the pastoral lease, particularly in non-cultivated areas, wetlands and around waterways.
5. Spraying methods are to be adopted that ensure only the approved tree planting areas are sprayed. Spray applicators should be experienced in precision agricultural chemical application, use properly calibrated equipment, and spray in suitable weather conditions.
6. For the planting of shelterbelts, a digger or bulldozer can be used to rip a line to prepare the soil for planting.
7. For planting on the stabilisation areas identified as red on Plan 1 and the blue triangle on Plan 2, any soil disturbance associated with the tree planting shall be kept to the minimum necessary to carry out the planting by only digging a hole at each plant site (i.e., no rip line to be used across the planting areas).
8. Weeds and pests are to be controlled within the planting areas.
9. Any fertiliser applied to the plantings must be based on justifiable requirements, and undertaken in a way that prevents nutrients from reaching any wetlands and waterways.
10. Any contractor machinery and equipment is to be cleaned to ensure no weed seeds are introduced, and any fuel stores are to be sited where there is no risk of a spill entering wetlands and waterways.
11. The lessee is responsible for ensuring any contractor operates under the conditions of this consent.

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

Consent is declined in part for the planting of Pinus radiata x Pinus attenuata hybrid along the blue line on the relevant map.

Consent is declined for the planting of Douglas fir within any of the areas where tree planting consent has been granted in part under 1.(a).