Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Disturb soil (fencing) - A5617848

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.

Disturb soil (fencing)

15 years (with maintenance rights)

It is considered that there are significant farming benefits to the soil disturbance for fencing. Appropriate conditions can be applied to avoid, remedy, or mitigate the effects on the land. We consider that disturbing the soil at these locations to allow fences to be constructed will make it easier to farm and will help management to more effectively manage stock in this part of the lease. The area of disturbance has been modified through oversowing and topdressing and with appropriate conditions there should be minimal effect on the landscape.

Consent is granted for soil disturbance, subject to the following conditions:

1. That soil disturbance is limited to the approved areas as indicated on the attached map. Some minor modification of the alignment is permitted to minimise the amount of ground levelling and soil disturbance.
2. The fenceline is to be constructed in accordance with best practice protocols.
3. Soil disturbance will be limited to the minimum amount required to safely construct a stock proof sheep and cattle fence.
4. For avoidance of doubt, this consent also authorises any scrub clearance required as part of the soil disturbance.
5. Soil disturbance may be undertaken utilising a dozer or digger/excavator. 
6. No mechanical soil disturbance or clearing with a dozer shall occur within 5m of any waterway to prevent erosion and sedimentation into the water. 
7. The width of soil disturbance should not exceed 3.5 metres and, where practical, the general ground cover shall remain intact.
8. Cut-outs shall be installed every 30-50 metres in steeper sections, in order to minimise runoff and scouring.
9. Any soil disturbance for the fencing shall avoid denser areas of wetlands, diverse shrubland and forest.
10. All machinery brought in to carry out the soil disturbance shall be cleaned of any earth and plant material prior to access. In addition, cleaning should occur when moving machinery between lines close to areas of gorse and/or broom to lines which are currently clear of these weeds.
11. All disturbed ground shall have seed sown as soon as practical after the disturbance has occurred.
12. Weed control will be undertaken along disturbed areas to prevent weed establishment.
13. That all contractors and employees working on Beaumont (Southland) exercising this consent are informed of the conditions of this consent prior to any work commencing.

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