PROPOSED DESIGNATIONS REPORT:
TENURE REVIEW OF FERINTOSH PASTORAL LEASE HELD BY GD SEYMOUR
UNDER PART 2 CROWN PASTORAL LAND ACT
(FOR OFFICAL USE ONLY)
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RECOMMENDATIONS
1.1
That the proposals described below be submitted to the CCL’s Agent, during the
consultation process on the preliminary proposal for this tenure review, as representing the
views developed under delegated authority from the Director-General of Conservation.
[Note that additional proposals, developed after the initial report is written, may also be put forward at the
consultation stage.]
1.2
Note that statutory consents will be required before the CCL can include (in the preliminary
proposal for this tenure review) the designations set out in paragraphs: 2.5.1, 2.5.2, 2.6.1 and
2.6.2 below.
1.3
Note that any disposition of land by the Crown will be subject to the relevant provisions of
part IVA Conservation Act.
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PROPOSALS AND JUSTIFICATION
2.1
Land to be Restored to or Retained in Full Crown Ownership and Control
2.1.1 Boundary Creek Block
Existing status: Pastoral lease
Authority:
s.35(2)(a)(i) CPLA
Proposal:
That an area of approximately 230 hectares be designated as a
Conservation Area for the purpose of protecting the natural and
historic resources and that this area be managed by the Department
of Conservation.
Description:
This area includes Boundary Stream and its margins, and the upper
montane plateau above 800 metres extending northwards from
Boundary Stream to near Betty Hill.
Justification:
The land is characterised by areas that have the following
significant inherent values:
1. Attributes which sustain the special natural quality and integrity of
the High Country landscape.
This area is a significant glacial landscape characterised by
moraines, kettleholes and associated wetlands.
Boundary Stream provides a significant landscape linkage
between the high hills, the montane plateau and the lake.
2. Meet some of the Protected Natural Area Programme criteria for
protection as priority natural areas.
Contains wetlands, which are rare in the Mackenzie Basin.
The rare
Hebe pimeliodes is present in this area.
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Matagouri shrubland is relatively mature and robust and the
best representative of this community in the area.
The riparian shrublands associated with Boundary Stream are
relatively diverse and were recognised as RAP (recommended
area for protection) 4, Boundary Stream in the McKenzie
PNAP (protected natural areas programme) survey.
The stream and tarns provide diverse habitat for avi fauna
including New Zealand scaup, paradise shelduck, grey duck
and New Zealand shoveller.
The relatively rare jewelled gecko is found in the area.
Two species of endemic freshwater fish have been noted in the
stream – Koaro, which is relatively common and upland bully,
which is not so common.
3 Attributes which add to the ecological integrity of the ecosystem.
The protection of an altitudinal sequence from the mountain
tops to the lake will add significantly to the ecological integrity
of the ecosystem.
This area links with the public conservation land on the Ben
Ohau Range creating a large integrated protected area.
Management
Management issues to be taken into account if this proposal
and boundary
proceeds include:
issues:
Fencing. Some existing fencing should be able to be used though
some upgrading may be needed. A further 4 kms of fencing may
be needed to ensure that no grazing occurs.
Animal pest control. Not a problem at present but should be
monitored.
Fire control. Firebreaking should not be needed but should be
reassessed as time goes on.
Weed control. Wilding pines should be removed.
Nordus stricta
infestation represents a serious modification but removal of
grazing should limit and control this plant.
2.1.2 Jacks Stream Block
Existing status: Pastoral lease
Authority:
s.35(2)(a)(i) CPLA
Proposal:
That an area of approximately 300 hectares be designated as a
Conservation Area for the purpose of protecting the natural and
historic resources and that this area is to be managed by the
Department of Conservation.
Description:
The riparian areas beside Jacks Stream and Whale Stream and the
glacial plateau above 900 metres between the two streams.
Justification:
The land is characterised by areas that have the following
significant inherent values:
1. Meet some of the Protected Natural Area Programme criteria for
protection as priority natural areas.
Wetlands which still have a high degree of naturalness and are
different from the Boundary Creek block, being shallower and
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containing a layer of
Sphagnum. The absence of
N. stricta also
gives these wetlands a high conservation value.
One of the largest wetlands on the entire length of the moraine
is found in this area
Remnants of
Chionochloa rigida that occur above 1000m are
good examples of this depleted grassland. The grasslands will
respond well as soon as grazing is removed.
2. Attributes which add to the ecological integrity of the ecosystem.
Protection of this area will link the high hills and the inter-
montane plateau via the waterways to the lake producing a
valuable altitudinal sequence.
This area links with the public conservation land on the Ben
Ohau Range creating a large integrated protected area.
Management
Management issues to be taken into account if this proposal
and boundary
proceeds include:
issues:
Fencing. Approximately 3km of fencing will be needed to
exclude stock from the plateau and the riparian areas.
Animal pest control. Not a problem at present but should be
monitored.
Fire control. Firebreaking should not be needed but should be
reassessed as time goes on.
Weed control. Wilding pines should be removed if they establish.
2.2
Land to be Restored to or Retained in Crown Control (Qualified Designation)
Not applicable.
2.3
Existing Reserve
Not applicable.
2.4
Existing Conservation Area
Not applicable.
2.5
Land Being Disposed of Subject to a Protective Mechanism
2.5.1 Boundary Stream Easement.
Existing status:
Pastoral Lease
Authority:
s.40(1)(b) CPLA
Proposal:
That an area of approximately 1 hectares ( 1km x 10m ) be
designated as land that may be disposed of subject to the creation
of a protective mechanism for the purpose of public access.
Description:
The track leaves the State Highway north of Boundary Creek and
climbs steeply to the plateau. Access would be as of right, 365
days per year, for walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.
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Justification:
The track provides access to the inter-montane plateau proposed
for protection. Good views of the lake and the mountains beyond
will be obtained from the track, and on reaching the plateau, the
wetlands will provide visual and botanical interest.
Management
The track should not need to be fenced. Styles and signposting
and boundary
may be needed.
issues:
Type of
Easement under s.7(2) Conservation Act
qualification:
2.5.2 Jacks Stream Easement
Existing status:
Pastoral Lease
Authority:
s.40(1)(b) CPLA
Proposal:
That an area of approximately 2 hectares ( 2km x 10m ) be
designated as land that may be disposed of subject to the creation
of a protective mechanism for the purpose of public access.
Description:
The track leaves the State Highway south of Jacks Stream and
climbs via a rough 4wd track up the hill and around to Jacks
Stream to meet with a track that joins Jacks Stream and Whale
Stream. Access would be as of right, 365 days per year, for
walkers, mountain bikers and horse riders.
Justification:
The track provides access to the inter-montane plateau proposed
for protection between Jacks and Whale Streams. Good views of
the lake and the mountains beyond will be obtained from the
track, and on reaching the plateau, the wetlands will provide
visual and botanical interest.
Management
The track should not need to be fenced. Styles and signposting
and boundary
may be needed.
issues:
Type of
Easement under s.7(2) Conservation Act
qualification:
2.6
Other qualified designations
2.6.1 Boundary Stream Crown Access
Existing status:
Pastoral Lease.
Authority:
s. 36(3)(b) CPLA
Proposal:
That the designation of land under s.35(3) CPLA, for disposal, be
subject to the creation of an easement for the use of the crown agency
managing the conservation area.
Description:
Access would be over the track leaving the State Highway north of
Boundary Stream.
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Justification:
Vehicle access is required for management of the proposed
Conservation Area.
Management
Fencing of the track should not be required.
and boundary
issues:
Type of
Easement under s. 60 Land Act
qualification:
Attachment:
Term and conditions
2.6.2 Jacks Stream Crown Access
Existing status:
Pastoral Lease.
Authority:
s. 36(3)(b) CPLA
Proposal:
That the designation of land under s.35(3) CPLA, for disposal, be
subject to the creation of an easement for the use of the Department
of Conservation.
Description:
Access would be over the track leaving the State Highway south of
Jacks Stream.
Justification:
Vehicle access is required for management of the proposed
Conservation Area.
Management
Fencing of the track should not be required.
and boundary
issues:
Type of
Easement under s.60 Land Act
qualification:
3.
Exemption or variation of a marginal strip width
When the CCL gives notice under Part IVA Conservation Act of any disposition of land these matters
will be further investigated.
4.
Other Matters
The recommendations made in this report are in line with what the NGOs were seeking.
5.
Attachments
5.1
Additional Information
(i)
Terms and conditions of protective mechanism
5.2
Illustrative Map
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