Discretionary pastoral activity decision - Tracking - A5563894

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.

Tracking

10 years with maintenance rights

The Commissioner of Crown Lands has determined that on balance it is considered that making it easier to use the land concerned for farming purposes and protecting inherent values can be achieved by minimising tracking disturbance where possible, use of culverts to protect waterways, and implementing good management practises in track construction. Conditions imposed on the consent will mitigate the identified risks associated with the activities.

Consent is granted for tracking and track maintenance, subject to the following conditions:

1. New tracks may be formed along the red lines and existing tracks may be upgraded along the blue lines on the plans attached.
2. Soil disturbance is to be kept to the minimum required for the formation of the tracks, and disturbance to adjacent waterways and wetlands is to be avoided.
3. The following maximum soil disturbance widths apply to specific tracks labelled on the plans attached: 
   • Middle Block Track – 3.5m including any batters and spill
   • Main Access Track New – 3m plus any batters and spill 
   • Main Access Track Upgrade – between the cattleyards loop and top gate, 3m
   • Area 2 Track – 3m 
   • Yards & Main Entrance Tracks – 4.5m
4. Culverts of a size appropriate for flood conditions may be installed at the points labelled “C” on the plans attached. The positioning of culverts is to meet the following fish passage objectives: Maintain continuity of instream habitat; minimise alterations to stream alignment and gradient; maintain water velocities and water depths within a range equivalent to adjacent stream reaches; minimise constraints on bank-full channel capacity resulting from the culvert; avoid vertical drops; provide an uninterrupted pathway along the bed of the structure.
5. Clearance of matagouri shrubland in the area labelled ‘Matagouri’ is to be kept to the absolute minimum required for the new Main Access Track to be formed along the edge of the shrubland.
6. Any surplus soil within waterway gutters is to be removed to a site where it will not be carried into waterways and wetlands; and any track fill required for waterway gutter crossings must be clean rock or shingle to minimise sediment entering waterways and wetlands.
7. Uphill batters are to be sloped off or struck back to minimise slumping and allow re-grassing.
8. Tracks are to be sloped at approximately 3-4cm per metre (2 degrees) in towards the bank and a water table constructed to provide free drainage of water to safe disposal via culverts and/or frequent cut-offs.
9. Any culverts and cut-offs are to be constructed with adequate protection at the inlet and outlet to prevent erosion. Run-off transfer should be to an area where any sediment can settle or be filtered by vegetation before it reaches a waterway.
10. Disturbed soil is to be re-seeded with a certified weed and impurities-free permanent pasture mix as soon as possible after completion of the activity.
11. If any metal or gravel is to be used to create the surface of the track, it shall be obtained from a nearby source that is free from any weed species including broom, gorse, lupin and false tamarisk.
12. Tracks must be maintained and kept clear of debris that could impede drainage.
13. Any contractor machinery and vehicles are to be steam cleaned prior to entry to the lease to minimise the possibility of weed infestation. Any fuel and oil storage facilities are to be sited to eliminate the possibility of a leak or spill into any water ways.
14. The lessee is responsible for ensuring any contractor operates under the conditions of this consent.
15. The track labelled ‘Cattleyards Track’ may only be formed if a personal stock exemption has been granted to the lessee by the Commissioner of Crown Lands to run cattle on Mt Thomas Block.

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