This page last modified 19 September 1998
Po 143
Old Man Range
Otago Land District
Tenure review approved by Commissioner of Crown Lands
Back to ... Po 143 Earnscleugh
Landcorp Property Limited
DRAFT PROPOSAL OF THE COMMISSIONER OF CROWN LANDS
Application for Exchange of Property Rights
LCP Ref: Pol43
26 May 1995
PROPOSAL:
1 To accept the surrender of Earnscleugh Station Pastoral Lease (Pol43), total area 24660.5352 hectares.
2 To agree to the allocation of approximately 8060 ha as Conservation Estate.
3 To classify an area of approximately 15100 ha as farm land under Section 51(1) of the Land Act and to dispose of this to the existing lessee on freehold title under Section 54 of the Land Act subject to:
(i) Easements allowing public foot and mountain bike access on two routes to the crest of the Old Man Range as shown on attached plan.
(ii) Easement allowing public foot and vehicle access beyond Conroys Dam to the boundary of Aldinga Block Conservation Area.
(iii) Easements allowing DOC vehicle access to conservation areas.
(iv) Easement allowing ECNZ access to slip areas above Lake Dunstan.
(v) The creation of two legal roadways being the first two hundred meters (approx) of the road up Omeo Creek and the road from Fraser Dam Road to the inlet to Fraser Dam.
4 To dispose of an area of approximately 1500 ha on freehold title to the existing lessee under Section 67(1) of the Land Act 1948 which is land above 1200 meters altitude which cannot be properly classified under subsection (1) of section 51 of the Act as farm land, urban land, commercial or industrial land, or pastoral land.
5 To grant two Special Leases under Section 67(2) of the Land Act 1948 to accommodate grazing on approximately 4180 ha of land to be retained by the Crown for the purpose of managing for conservation. The leases to be administered by DOC and the land to become Conservation Estate.
LEASE:
Legal Description: Section 1 Block XI, Section 1 Block XIV, Section 180 Block X Leaning Rock Survey District, Preemptive Right see Block IV Fraser Survey District, Run 425 and part Run 249 and 249A Leaning Rock, Bannockburn, Fraser side, ObeIisk and Cairnhill Survey Districts.
Run Name: Earnscleugh Station
Area: 24660.5352 hectares
Lease Details:
Tenure: Pastoral Lease
Term: 33 years from 1 July 1989
Expiry: 30 June 2022
Annual Rent: $ 13,350
Rental Review: 1 July 2000
Crown Improvements: Nil
Stock Limitation in Lease: 8500 sheep
Personal Stock Limitation:
19000 sheep including 9000 breeding ewes
500 cattle including 300 breeding cowsBlock limit on Fraser Basin
LESSEE: Earnscleugh Station Partnership
LOCATION: 10 kms west of Alexandra on the northern shoulder of the OId Man Range.
OTHER LAND HELD: 80.0949 ha Renewable Lease
GENERAL DESCRIPTION:
(a) Aspect: Predominantly north and north-easterly
(b) Altitude: 180 metres at homestead to 1673 metres at the crest of the Old Man Range.
(c) Contour: Small proportion (170 ha) of flat and easy sloping country around homestead, balance generally easy sloping and rolling mountain tor-plateau land forms dissected by deeply cut creeks and the Fraser River. The upper slopes above 1500 metres are an example of periglacial and glacial land forms comprising wide rolling ridges and circ basin at the head of the Fraser River Catchment.
(d) Area Ploughable: 40 ha approximately.
(e) Rainfall:
350 mm around lower slopes to the east
1200 mm above 1500 metres in the west
(f) Water: Reliable natural spring and Fraser River plus Sheepshead Irrigation Scheme for flats.
(g) Subdivision: Well subdivided with rabbit and sheep fences into over 104 paddocks and blocks.
(h) Snow Risk: Snow generally does not lie for any length of time below 900 metres.
(i) Summer/Winter Balance: Previously an over balance of dry sunny country which is rabbit prone causing a reliance on sensitive unimproved high altitude grazing in late summer to accumulate winter feed.
(j) Shelter: No shelter belts, generally exposed to nor-west. Natural contour provides some shelter.
(k) Reversion/Succession: Succession to thyme and briar on lower rabbit prone slopes providing rabbit resistant cover over significant area. Matagouri reversion on steep gulIy faces at mid-altitude. SIow expansion of snow tussock at higher altitude.
(l) Erosion: Severe wind erosion has occurred and continues to occur on severely degraded rabbit prone country, particularly sunny faces on lower slopes which have not been covered with rabbit resistant species such as thyme or stone crop (Sedum acre)' Moderate wind erosion on depleted unimproved fescue tussock and AciphyIla grassland between 900 and 1400 metres.
(m) Weeds & Pests:
Pests:
13,653 ha are included within the Rabbit and Land Management Programme. Approximately 8300 ha is considered extremely rabbit prone. 5,353 ha is considered highly rabbit prone.
The property has a history of severe rabbit proneness and has experienced problems with bait avoidance over the last 10 years. Stock numbers were reduced from over 20,000 stock units prior to 1987 to around 13,000 in 1990 largely as a result of rabbits. The severely of the reduction in carrying capacity was offset to some degree by a major programme of pasture improvement.
The R & L M Programme has reduced the risk of rabbit invasion over the entire property through a major investment in rabbit proof fences. In addition a programme of pasture improvement of dryland species and oversowing and topdressing sought to redress the imbalance caused by reducing grazing on rabbit prone country.
Rabbit control has been achieved to date on all but 3000 ha of intractable country. Rabbit control costs are assessed at $10.82 per stock unit if no control work is carried out on the 3000 ha. If rabbit control is to be achieved over the total property the cost would increase to $14.35 per stock unit. While rabbit control is dependent on poisoning and mechanical control techniques, resource protection is dependent on property viability. Property viability is unlikely if rabbit control costs exceed $10/su on the basis of a long term average price for wool of $8/kg. Resource protection is therefore dependent on either maintaining stock numbers or reducing rabbit control costs.
Weeds:
The property contains an infestation of broom of approximately 100 ha adjacent to the lookout road north of the Fraser River.
(n) Soils & Land Use Capability:
Proposed Freehold:
| Class III | Fraser sandy loams, Earnscleugh shallow sandy loams and silt loams on Homestead Flats. | 46 ha |
| Class IV | Flat and easy sloping land comprising Fraser and Waenga fine sandy loams, border dyke irrigated around Homestead and within Omeo Gully and Conroys. | 124 ha |
| Class Vie1 | Conroy soils, wild flood irrigated at Sheepshead. | 124 ha |
| Class VIe2 | Blackstone and Cairnside Hill soils between 550- 900 metres to the south providing the best oversown country. | 1800 ha |
| Class Vie3-e5 | Blackstone hiIl, Cairnside and Conroys soils mainly to the north and east. | 3000 ha. |
| Class VIIel | Conroy and Cairnside soils comprising dry gulIy faces below 800 metres. | 3000 ha. |
| Class VIIe2-e4 | Carrick Soils above/900 metres with cover of snow and fescue tussock, moderately to severely depleted. | 2200 ha. |
| Class VIIe5-e6 | Becks and Conroy Soils on warm sunny slopes below 900 metres, moderately to severely depleted. | 3590 ha. |
| Class VIIe8 | Conroy and Cairnside soils found on sunny drier slopes below 900 metres, most severely depleted country. | 2600 ha. |
| Total Area: | 16600 ha |
Proposed Conservation Estate:
| Class VIe5 | Conroy and Cairnside soils below 900 metres, best country in Aldinga's Block Reserve. | 100 ha |
| Class VIIe2 | Carrick and Dunstan soils 900 to 1300 metres with good snow tussock. | 1650 ha. |
| Class VIIe3 | Carrick soils on range flanks around 1300 metres, mainly blue and fescue tussock. | 2600 ha |
|
Class VIIe5-e6 |
Becks and Conroy soils severely depleted country within Aldinga's Reserve. | 240 ha. |
| Class VIIe4 | Carrick soils in Fraser Basin on sunny slopes, mainly induced in blue and fescue tussock. | 1600 ha. |
| Class VIIIec | Obelisk and Carrick soils mainly above 1450 metres with cover of short alpine vegetation. | 1870 ha |
| Total Area Proposed for Conservation Estate: | 8060 ha |
(o) Cover:
Area proposed for freehold:
| 290 ha | Irrigated pasture |
| 44ha | Dryland Lucerne |
| 224 ha | Direct drilled |
| 3620 ha | AOSTD silver and fescue tussock grassland |
| 1020 ha | Good mid-altitude browntop, sweet vernal, fescue tussock grassland |
| 9190 ha | Low predominantly sunny country with mosaic of depleted scabweed sunny faces and ephemeral species with improved grasses and clovers on shady faces |
| 2200 ha | Predominantly fescue and blue tussock grassland with patches of snow tussock in wetter areas and speargrass and sheeps sorrel in more depleted areas |
| 16600 ha | Total |
Area Proposed for DOC Estate:
| 100 ha | Improved grasses and clovers on shady faces |
| 240 ha | Annual and ephemeral species plus scabweed, dryland shrubs on steep country above creeks |
| 1650 ha | Tall tussock grassland comprising Chionochloa macra and C. rigida interspersed with cushion bog vegetation |
| 4200 ha | Blue and fescue tussock within Fraser Basin |
| 8060 ha | Total |
(q) Summary Description:
Earnscleugh Station is a very large property known for its
fine wool and rabbit problems. The property ranges in altitude
between 180 to 1680 metres and contains an extreme range of climate
from semi-arid to moist sub-alpine to severe alpine at the crest
of the Old Man Range. Approximately one-third of the area of the
property is extremely rabbit prone. The property has consequently
experienced a history of problems with containing rabbits with
rabbits frequently having reached plague proportions over the
last 100 years. The property does however contain a large area
of highly productive mid-altitude country in improved pasture
which can sustain relatively high stocking rates. The unreliability
of winter grazing being availabIe on the lower rabbit prone country
has meant a reliance on grazing high altitude country in the late
summer and autumn to allow feed to be saved for wintering in the
mid-altitude. This has been due in the past partly to periodic
outbreaks of rabbits but also to the natural climatic variability
and periodic spring droughts. A programme of rabbit fencing and
pasture development on the lower mid-altitude country has reduced
the risk of rabbit blowouts and alleviated to some degree the
problem of winter carrying capacity. Natural climatic variability
still calls for the retention of buffer grazing. Per head rabbit
control costs remain high on the property. This may be reduced
post-freeholding by a reduction in the area of rabbit prone country
within the property through sale for aIternative uses and by increasing
stock numbers through development and purchase of additional land.
PRODUCTION:
Sheep
| Ewes | 7100 |
| Wethers | 5500 |
| Hoggets | 4500 |
| Rams & Killers | 300 |
| Total: | 17400 /14310 su's |
Cattle
| Breeding Cows | 192 |
| Rsg 2 yr Heifers | 59 |
| Rsg 2 yr Strs | 3 |
| Rsg 1 yr Heifers | 67 |
| Rsg 1 yr Strs | 42 |
| Rsg 1 yr Bulls | 52 |
| BulIs | 4 |
| 419/ 1900 su's |
Total Stock Carried 16210 su's
CONSERVATION VALUES:
The report by the Department of Conservation on the conservation values contained within Earnscleugh Pastoral Lease is appended to this report.
DETAILED PROPOSAL:
The proposal has been developed through consultation between the Lessee, DOC and Landcorp. The aims of this proposal are:
To promote the sustainable management of the land contained within the lease.
The protection of the Crown's interest in nature conservation and recreation and the protection and appreciation of historic sites on the property.
Land Proposed for Freehold:
Refer to Pages 4 and 5 of this report for a description of the Land Use Capability and cover of the area to be freeholded. The attached map outlines the proposed boundaries between land retained by the Crown and that to be freeholded plus public access routes.
Details of Easements to be registered on freehold title:
Justification for Freeholding:
Of the total 16600 ha proposed for freeholding 11390 ha is Class VII land, the majority of which (9190 ha) is low altitude rabbit prone country where the constraint to sustainable pastoral use is the economics of rabbit control rather than the limitation of environment. This land has potential sustainable future uses for pastoralism (given certain minimum wool prices), horticulture, viticulture, or alternative lifestyle blocks including such uses as honey production.
An area of approximately 700 ha between 900 - 1200 meters which is sunny north facing slope classified as class VII on the SWCP map is proving capable of successful aerial oversowing. Hence this land can be considered capable of reclassification to farm land.
An area of approximately 1500 ha between 1200 - 1500 metres within the Obelisk, Ewe and Frenchman's Block is not considered capable of sustained pastoral production in an unimproved state due to its fragile nature and in some places degraded condition resulting from the severe climate at this altitude. This area is therefore not considered suitable or adaptable for pastoral purposes. At present the application of inputs such as fertiliser into this class of country is considered uneconomic and is thus unlikely to occur. This area does not contain conservation values of any significance. Due to the added cost of fencing off this area it is considered desirable to include this area in the area to be freeholded. The issue of sustainable use must be addressed under the Resource Management Act.
Areas proposed for retention by the Crown (to be administered by DOC except proposed legal roads):
Proposed Conservation Reserve in Upper Fraser Basin, Upper Omeo and Upper Obelisk. 3860 ha
Special Lease under Section 67 (2) Land Act 1948 in Lower Fraser Basin. 3840 ha
Special Lease under Section 67 (2) Land Act 1948 at Conroys (Aldinga Block). 340 ha
Earnscleugh Cave Conservation Area. 1 ha.
Castle Rock Conservation Area. 2 ha.
Saline Soil Conservation Area1 ha.
Butcher's Dam Reserve. 3 ha.
Fraser River Historic Reserve. 9 ha.
Triglochin palestre Conservation Area. 2 ha.
Crown land to become legal roads. 2 ha.
Total Estimated Area to Remain in Crown Ownership: 8060 ha
Easements to be registered on Crown land:
Justification for Retention of areas in Crown Ownership:
The case for retention in Crown ownership of is included in the DOC report on conservation values.
The phase out period for grazing within the upper Fraser Basin and Upper Omeo catchments is proposed as seven years. This is a compromise between immediate destocking prefered by DOC and a longer period sought by the lessee to allow him to make adjustments in his farming system.
Fraser Basin Special Lease:
Area: 3840ha approximately
Justification: The lower Fraser Basin contains important landscape and recreation values in both summer and winter plus moderate nature conservation values. It is more modified in terms of vegetation than the upper Fraser Basin but is predominantly native.
Due to natural extreme fluctuations in climate the pastoral enterprise requires a buffer area which is not subjected to drought like the lower altitude zone, to maintain stock numbers. The Fraser Basin has traditionally met this role.
There are acknowledged risks to continuing grazing this class of country. However, so long as impacts of grazing are carefully monitored and grazing levels adjusted in responce to any associated undesirable vegetation change such risks are reduced.
Summary of Conditions:
Lease purpose: to provide for the maintenance and enhancement of nature conservation, landscape, soil and water and public recreation whilst allowing for continued grazing of the land.
Rent: market rate per head actually grazed.
Term: 7 years with rights of renewal on monitoring showing that grazing is having no detrimental impacts on the vegetation cover.
Other conditions:
Aldinga Block Special Lease:
Area: 340 ha approximately.
Justification: The block contains important historical sites spread over much of the block. It is also known to contain a population of chafer beetle, a native beetle thought to be relatively rare.
Lease Purpose: To provide for the protection of historic sites' the protection of a viable population of chafer beetle and public access to the area to facilitate recreation and appreciation of historic sites.
Rent: Nil rental, review every 7 years.
Term: 7 years with rights of renewal on lease conditions being met.
Other Conditions:
SUMMARY:
The Commissioner of Crown Lands Proposes the following for public comment:
1 To accept the surrender of Earnscleugh Station pastoral lease under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948, total area 24,660.5352 ha.
2 To issue a Special Lease under Section 67 (2) the Land Act 1948 over an area of approximately 3840 hectares within the Fraser Basin under Terms and Conditions summerised in this report. This lease to he administered by DOC and the land to be transfered to the Conservation Estate.
3 To issue a Special Lease under Section 67 (2) of the Land Act 1948 over an area of approximately 340 hectares within Aldinga's Block under the terms and conditions summerised in this report. This lease to be administered by DOC and the land to be transfered to the Conservation Estate.
4 To allocate approximately 8060 hectares to the Department of Conservation as Conservation Estate of which approximately 3860 hectares will be destocked over a phase out period of seven years.
5 To classify an area of approximately 15,100 hectares as "farmland" under Section 51(1) of the Land Act 1948.
6 To preferentially allocate approximately 15,100 hectares classified as "farm land" to Earnscleugh Station Partnership under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948 subject to easements as detailed earlier in this report.
7 The preferential allocation in freehold title of approximately 1500 hectares which cannot properly be classified under section 51(1) of the Land Act 1948 under Section 67(1) of the Land Act to Earnscleugh Station Partnership.
Back to ... Po 143 Earnscleugh
DOC CONSERVATION RESOURCES REPORT
EARNSCLEUGH PASTORAL LEASE
INTRODUCTION
Earnscleugh Station is a large pastoral lease of 24,810 ha located at the northern end of the Old Man Range and extends across the ObeIisk Range towards the Old Woman Range. It is located entirely within the Old Man Ecological District and encompasses an altitude range of 1685 m asl at its highest point, down to approximately 330 m asl.
Included within the property is the majority of the Fraser River catchment. The high altitude Fraser Basin block of 7170 ha provides summer grazing presently of importance to the property. This block of unimproved native vegetation contains the major conservation interest in the property. It includes approximately 2580 ha of the Obelisk-Old Man Ranges RAP, has high landscape and historic values and is extensively used for recreation purposes.
Other significant conservation features exist elsewhere on the property but they tend to be smaller and more specific in their values.
A ECOLOGICAL FEATURES (MAP A)
1 PNAP SURVEY RECOMMENDATIONS
See Appendix 1, extract from the survey report attached. This extract outlines the characteristics of the RAP OM 1/7, a very large RAP which extends over the summit crest and plateau landform of the Obelisk-Old Man Ranges, into the headwaters of the Fraser Basin with an extension eastwards into the headwaters of the Omeo Creek.
Key RAP features from this report that are present on Earnscleugh are as follows:
Landform
Vegetation
Flora
Carallospartium crassicaule - Omeo Creek. Southern limit of range.
Plus species of known limited distribution, not recorded on survey:
Other species of note recorded in January 1994 in the lower reaches of the Omeo Creek part of the RAP were:
The RAP is described as a diverse and outstanding landscape representative of all components of the east Old Man and much of the Waikaia land system. It shows striking altitudinal and longitudinal climatic gradients, illustrating the significance of the Obelisk-Old Man Ranges as an interface between dry Central Otago and moist Southland climates.
Upper Omeo Creek represents the dry extreme along the range with one of the most extensive communities of narrowleaved snow tussock in the northern part of the district.
Summit of the Obelisk-Old Man Range hosts the most accessible, best representative and most spectacular variety of periglacial landform features in the district. Landform variation is closely reflected by changing vegetation community structure and composition.
Range crest and high altitude basin provides an important natural breeding and moulting area for a number of waterfowl and wading birds, eg, southern black-backed gull, black shag, South Island pied oystercatcher, banded dotterel, paradise shelduck, spur-winged plover.
The Old Man and Obelisk Ranges support a high degree of endemism in both the flora and insect fauna. Many species have their type localities on these ranges.
PASAC Comment
(NB: PASAC was an independent scientific panel which audited the Old Man PNAP Survey Report.)
Recommendation (Fraser Basin Headwaters)
Because of the sensitivity of the bog vegetation to damage by livestock, PASAC strongly supports the run management plan to fence the headwaters of the Fraser River Basin since this will control stock and reduce damage to the bogs with RAP OM 1/7.
Recommendation (Headwaters of Omeo Creek)
PASAC recommends that this north-eastern arm of RAP OM 1/7 be included in the RAP but that it stop at the present fence. The existing management is acceptable, excluding topdressing and oversowing.
NB: The PNA survey report RAP boundary did not take this into account prior to publishing. The Prophets block (see attached map) appears to be topdressed and therefore the lower boundary of this part of the RAP should be the lower boundary fence of the Top Prophets block.
2 BLACK MANS SALINE AREA (MAP B)
(See Appendix 2, extract from "Register of Saline Soil Sites in North and Central Otago. Volume 2".)
This proposed site includes (see photos):
a Blackmans saline area
b another salty site nearby, and
c silver tussock.
A fenced site of 10 ha approximately would fully encompass these three features.
Justification
a Blackmans saline area is a top priority site for protection. It is ranked sixth best of the remaining identified saline areas in Central Otago. It includes the following rare/uncommon plant species:
Also present are the two rare species of diurnal moths, Loxostege n. sp. and Paranotoreas fulva.
A sketch map of the proposed protected area is attached (see Map B).
b Silver tussock (Poa cita) is rare at this altitudinal zone in the Old Man Ecological District. Additionally, this is the only known opportunity to protect a sizeable area of the species. Silver tussock occurs here on a slope less than 500 m from the Blaclunans Saline Area. The population consists of a very dense patch surrounded on two sides by a scattering of plants. The silver tussock plants are lush and have the native grass Dichelachne crinita (plume grass) within (see photos). Although small, this population of silver tussock appears to be viable and is certainly worthy of an effort to protect it. It would be logical to fence widely around it (50 m) and link it to another protected area so that to some extent the natural dynamics of the site are catered for.
c A dynamic low biodiversity saline site occurs between the Blackrnans Saline Area and the silver tussock population. It is perhaps an important source of salts and therefore important for the long term viability of salty soils in the area. The salty flat below it is very close to the silver tussock area and might benefit from some rehabilitation.
Management
The site must be totally fenced to exclude livestock and rabbits. The latter will detrimentally disturb the small site. This means moving the northern fence about 25 metres to the north for its entire length within the protected area. This will give full protection to the exposure of salts at Blackmans and the flats below the intermediate salty area. The fence could be located around the ridges above the Blackmans Saline Area, alongside the vehicle track on the south side and around the dry cushionfield ridge to the east of the silver tussock community (photo 3).
It would be ideal if no rabbits or briar were present in the protected area so natural regeneration could occur. Thistles are omnipresent in mid-summer but do not appear to be a problem to either the Myosurus or saline communities. Vehicle access is unnecessary in the small protected area and foot access could be encouraged without compromising the identified values.
3 SIMPLICIA LAXA (CASTLE ROCK)
This endemic grass species is classified as endangered. Originally described from a composite of specimens gathered from the Ruamahanga Valley, eastern Wairarapa, Waikouaiti and Deep Stream, Otago by Kirk and Petrie (Kirk 1897).
The species was not seen again for over 90 years until its accidental rediscovery by I M Ritchie in 1969 at Castle Rock. In 1991 a process of scoring threatened species for conservation priority rated Simplicia laxa as the most important plant species.
Subsequent discoveries in limestone country in North Otago (one plant) and Nenthorn (29 plants) have increased the present known range of the species. The Castle Rock site contains at least 76 plants. Dr P N Johnson of Landcare Research has reported on the species in some detail in his publication titled, "The rare grass Simplicia laxa: field status, ecology and conservation", 1993.
A large number of other potential habitats in Otago have been searched for the species, without success.
Castle Rock is a notable landform feature in its own right and is considered to be one of the largest rock tors in Central Otago. Whilst no specific proposals are suggested, some general landuse principles should be adopted that prevent adverse impacts occurring from developments such as siting of buildings, afforestation, etc, which could compromise this landform feature. A buffer zone to prevent heavy oversowing and topdressing affecting the Simplicia laxa is necessary.
Management
This species has the ability to grow in dry shade below rock overhangs/shallow caves where there is low light intensity and permanently or seasonally dry soils. Whilst appearing to be a stress tolerant plant it nevertheless grows only in places where it lacks competition from other plants. Its rarity is likely to be partly a natural phenomenon and its known habitats are very much 'islands" with a specific micro habitat. Historically it would appear to be a species of revictual status, and minor taxonomic variations between the different populations illustrate a probably long-standing degree of genetic isolation.
The Landcare Research report recommends that all three known sites should be managed so that populations and habitats can be maintained and ideally given formal protection. Castle Rock is an extremely large schist rock tor surrounded by heavily oversown and topdressed exotic pasture with scattered native shrubland. Monitoring has commenced and further study undertaken to hefter understand the ecology and conservation needs of the species.
The plant appears vulnerable to stock pressure, ie, alteration to soil nutrient levels, trampling and physical disturbance. It is desirable to fence off some of the accessible plants and monitor to determine future fencing needs of this population.
A small buffer zone against further farm development should be established. A road loops round the immediate environs of the rock tor.
4 TRIGLOCHIA PALUSTRE (CAIRNMUIR FLATS)
Commonly known as marsh arrow grass, this native grasslike herb has a status of vulnerable. It is widespread in the Northern Hemisphere but is only known to occur in New Zealand historically from five inland sites in Canterbury and Otago. These collections were made in the early 1900s. Current knowledge consists of four sites of population in the wild; at Lake Coleridge and Lake Clearwater in Canterbury and the Cairnmuir Flat site and Styx Basin in Central Otago. Protection of these sites is desirable. See appendix for further details. Information on the existence of this species location on Earnscleugh Station still requires field checking prior to firm recommendations being made for formal protection.
5 OVERLAP OF IWO THREATENED SPECIES OF FLIGHTLESS
CHAFER BEETLES {PRODONTRIA MODESTA AND P. BICOLORATA)
These two species' distributions have been the subject of research by Brent Emerson of the University of Otago. Both endemic species have a status of endangered and no part of the range of P. bicolarata is included in any existing formally protected area. They are threatened by habitat loss and over their existing range substantial habitat modification has resulted from grazing by stock and rabbit browse. A particularly interesting feature is the area of overlap between the two species which occurs in the area of Earnscleugh Station between Fraser Dam Road and Conroys Dam.
DOC has given P. Bicolarata, the more at-risk species, a ranking of category I + (urgent research needed) in its science and research internal report No. 53.
It is desirable to formally protect both species and given the scientific interest in the sympatry (breeding between species) and protection for evolutionary study, an approximate 20 ha protected area is proposed adjacent to the Conroys Dam DOC-controlled conservation land. The area should be destocked to improve its naturalness and provide increased biomass for the beetles to feed on.
6 EARNSCLEUGH CAVE
Located amongst the band of rock tors in the Conroys Creek catchment is this recently discovered cave. Originally discovered in the 1870s, its scientific importance was recognised by F W Hutton of the Otago Museum who collected animal material from excavations in the cave, including a moa neck, other moa bones and pieces of eggshell. Of particular importance was the recovery of bones of the extinct South Island goose, Cnemiornis calcitrans.
These recoveries were made from the upper levels of the cave. In the lower levels were the remains of nests, eggs, bones and feathers of a previously unknown duck species Eunyanas finschi (Finsch's duck). Also found at this level was the "jaw" of a pleurodont lizard. All material was deposited in the Otago Museum.
The site of the cave was not accurately recorded and some doubt existed amongst archaeologists whether the site was a natural deposit or not, since Fraser, the lessee reported to Hector of the presence of chert knives and flakes being found at the site, or nearby.
The exact location of the cave has interested herpetologists recently as Hutton's pleurodont lizard jaw has been identified as belonging to an extinct giant gecko, comparable to Hoplodactylus delcourti presumed to have inhabited the North Island. The species is known from one mounted skin specimen in the Marseille History Museum.
Following rediscovery, further excavations have recovered material belonging to two moa, Finsch's duck, extinct goose. and several other forest and open country birds. See Appendix o. No evidence of any cultural use of the cave was found and it is concluded the deposits are natural.
The cave still contains valuable deposits and warrants formal protection. An area 50 metres by 50 metres would suffice around the cave entrance.
Stock damage and pollution from dung is very minor and the area would not need to be fenced to exclude stock. The major threat to the cave and its deposits is human disturbance by curio hunters.
The cave rediscovery is the subject of a paper published in ''Archaeology in New Zealand", volume 36, December 1993, a copy is attached as Appendix 4.
7 FRESHWATER FISHERIES
Freshwater fish databases are very limited for the Old Man Ecological District. Information on the following waterways is:
Butchers Creek koura
Conroys Creek brown trout, koura
Fish Creek brown trout
Five Mile Creek brown trout
Fraser River perch, brown and rainbow trout, long-finned eel, unidentified bully
Omeo Creek brown trout.
B LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT (MAP C)
Field assessments of areas for natural landscape protection have been completed for all pastoral leases in the Old Man Ecological District. Whilst no separate report exists for Earnscleugh Station, the significant landscape characteristics are common for the upland parts of all properties in the Old Man-Obelisk Ranges.
1 Old Man Crest-Dome Landscape Management Zone
It includes all land above 3800 feet (1150 metres) asl and overlaps the upland parts of all properties along the ranges.
The summit dome is gently undulating. The surface terrain is even with cushionfield-herbfield vegetation providing an overall smooth flowing appearance. Tall tors of dynamic and angular shape jutting upward contrast sharply with the smooth rolling topography. The summit is exposed, isolated, remote and barren. Impressive views are obtained along the Old Man Crest-Dome and to the surrounding mountains and valleys. The sky and weather patterns dominate on this high altitude summit. The landscape features and characteristics, and the vulnerability of these features, makes this zone a key feature to retain these indigenous or natural qualities. Its significance for recreation is also of major importance.
Refer to summary sheet attached.
Threats to the landscape character are:
2 Conroys Dam Landscape Management Zone
This area of DOC controlled land is essentially the impoundment and riparian strip. It has the potential for increased recreational use along the shoreline accessible from Conroys road. The hillslope backdrop to the dam is essentially a modified exotic shrubland, free of intrusions such as buildings and other structures. It has the potential to be managed for amenity purposes to enhance the setting of this body of water. The area of interest corresponds to that identified for protection of endangered chafer beetle Prodantria bicolorata.
3 Butchers Dam Landscape Management Zone
A small ungrazed part of the pastoral lease is located east of State Highway 8 adjacent to Butchers Dam. The area in landscape terms is an integral part of the setting of this water body and is largely free of structures and buildings. It provides safe practical access from the highway to the dam and is used extensively for recreation already. Retention in DOC ownership of this area would provide a logical access point for public use of the recently acquired Flat Top Hill Conservation Area. Alternative access to this area from the highway is hazardous and is of major concern to both DOC and Transit NZ. Until suitable alternative safe access is available, continued restrictions on public access to the conservation area will remain.
4 Hawksburn Road Landscape Management Zone
Whilst much of the native vegetation viewed from this is degraded, this back road has qualities of remoteness due to the lack of buildings along it. In management terms some control over unsympathetic man-made impacts or changes in land use should bed applied along the road's visual corridor. Some discussion with the district council regrading these special qualities should occur.
C HISTORIC/ARCHAEOLOGICAL
(See maps in attached report plus air photo enlargement)
A comprehensive report on these features located on Earnscleugh Station has been prepared and is attached. A brief summary of the key features of this report is as follows:
Comparative Assessment of the Historic Resource on Earnscleugh Station
What happened here?
The gold mining sites on Earnscleugh Station cover the entire span of the history of gold mining in New Zealand from the earliest gold rush days in Conroys Gully in 1862 to modern devastation above the Fraser Dam. As part of the Dunstan rush it was the second big goldfield to be discovered in Otago. Numerous Chinese as well as European miners worked their claims at both high and low attitudes.
What remains?
Sluiced gullies and creeks worked by wing dams and diversion channels, along with water races, reservoirs and huts are dispersed through the upper Fraser Basin and Sisters fields, Omeo, rough, Frenchmans, Conroys and Butchers Creeks. The only high sluice faces are in the branch of Omeo Creek behind Prophets rock. There is only one well documented battery site and reef - the Alpine Battery in the head of the Fraser Basin, though there was some reef mining somewhere in Conroys Gully. The high altitude section of the Fraser Basin contains numerous river diversions and a most interesting pattern of hut sites.
Why are these sites important?
The linear field of the upper Fraser Basin, from its battery site at the top, through the basins behind the Sisters, to damaged tailings above Frasers Dam is the most continuous, undamaged and longest high altitude set of river workings in New Zealand. It is also very unusual to find a settlement pattern of huts uninfluenced by anything except gold mining.
Though rather dispersed and not as spectacular as some sites, the Conroys Gully workings should be given priority as a site of early and very rich workings. No particular feature can be described as having been formed in the first gold rushes of 1862-63, since the ground was reworked later, as elsewhere throughout the goldfields. (Water races were brought in and the small pot hole and cradle workings washed away.) The complex of tributaries around the twin huts at the poplars in the south western section of the gully provide an attractive and accessible site for interpretation to the public. Refer to air photo enlargement attached.
The intactness of whole systems of races, reservoirs and workings made the Fraser catchment sites particularly valuable.
What is needed to retain significance?
Fraser Catchment: Like the other high altitude workings of the Criffel, Buster or the Upper Nevis, the workings in the upper basins, combined with the rolling patterns of spur and gully and the wide expanses of tussock and herb field, create a landscape that "strikes to the heart,'. The protection of these traces of human endeavour should be given equal importance with the biological and landscape values of these basins. Transfer of the whole basin and most of the lower gorge of the Fraser River to the Department of Conservation would give the best protection to the historic values, with a special lease or conservation covenant as second choice. The best area of these high altitude sites for interpretation to the public is where the access track fords the Fraser River to the Southern Sisters field.
Where the Earnscleugh River forms the boundary of the Earnscleugh Pastoral Lease, all the sites except the Long House are on the True Right and within the pastoral lease. Because it is an integral part of the workings in this part of the Fraser Creek, the Long House should be protected along with them.
Conroys Gully: Give the presence of post-1900 workings and the subfossil bone sites, protection other than the Historic Places Act would be useful. Transfer to the area to the Department of Conservation and the setting up of a type of reserve that gave certainty of protection to all the sites in the gully would be the most suitable tenure considering the values described above. As a second choice a special lease or conservation covenant with a strong input from the Department of Conservation and Historic Places Trust in the setting and monitoring of conditions could be appropriate. It should be noted that DOC had listed the Conroys workings in its draft 1990 Otago Goldfields Park Management Strategy as a site for inclusion within the park.
The exact boundaries of the area should be established by a landscape architect so as to provide an appropriate setting for most of the historic sites. If the whole gully cannot be considered, the southwest section around the poplar huts should be protected. Any opportunity to acquire freehold with intact workings below the irrigation dam should he given priority.
Management problems include burrowing by rabbits in water races and reduction of public access to sites by briar. Over-grazing by both sheep and rabbits increase erosion of water races and increase the size of flood events in the creek beds. Any form of management which increases plant cover, other than woody weeds, would help protect sites.
D RECREATION
1 Access (Maps D, E, F, G)
There are several legal roads which traverse the pastoral lease. Most of these are at least partly formed and provide access of variable condition for public recreational use. Of particular note are:
The roads along the Fraser River above the Fraser Darn and the middle and upper sections of the Omeo Gully Road are unformed.
2 Use
In 1953, the Vincent Ski Club was formed in Alexandra with the intention of developing a skiing area near Obelisk. Road access up to the Obelisk-Old Man Ranges was partially developed the following year but the interest of the club shifted to Coronet Peak before any skifield development occurred.
The major winter activity both for existing and potential use is cross country skiing. The activity is usually confined to land above 1200 metres asl. The easy access at several points of entry to the snowline makes the Old Man, Obelisk and Old Woman Ranges a very desirable destination for day trips from enthusiasts in Dunedin and Invercargill. The expanse of undulating natural country is ideally suited to this type of activity.
The main limitation on this use is the severity of the weather. Frequent and rapid changes in weather occur and there are comparatively few huts or natural shelter available. Experience in alpine travel and survival are essential for safe use in winter.
Summer recreation is largely dominated by the use of off-road vehicles, and frequently involve traverses of the ranges. This activity has resulted in severe and long-term damage to the alpine wetlands and peat bogs through irresponsible actions of trailbike riders, leaving the alignment in alpine locations. Damage to roads and adjacent land occurs when used by vehicles when ground conditions are wet or subject to freeze thaw cycles. As one route becomes impassable, new routes through the fragile tussocklands and herbfields are developed which become unsightly, result in further vegetation damage and in turn themselves become unusable. Many private tracks are also used extensively
The only alpine road that has been constructed to a standard capable of sustaining use in such conditions is Symes Road. It is maintained periodically by Broadcasting Corporation of New Zealand to service the television translator at the Obelisk. This road is receiving increasing use by sightseers during summer who appreciate the outstanding views over the Central Otago range and basin landscape and the naturalness of the summit vegetation.
Earnscleugh, because of its terrain, attractions, and proximity to centres of population is attracting growing interest from recreation groups such as trampers, walkers, horse trekkers and mountain bikers. The retention of existing legal roads, formed and unformed, and some farm access tracks to be made available for recreational use is becoming an important issue. The adjoining Cairnmuir pastoral lease is currently undergoing tenure review and has been through the public consultation phase of the process. Public submissions on that property highlighted recreational access to the shoreline of Lake Dunstan and some walking/horse trekking, mountain hiking opportunities along the lower Molyneux Faces and from Bannockburn to Cairnrnuir Hill. There may be public interest in the extension of the Cairnmuir Hill proposal to link up with, eg, the Hawksburn Road, to create either a through trip to Clyde or a round trip back to Bannockburn. No specific proposal is suggested for Earnscleugh but any ideas arising from submissions should be seriously considered.
The only licensed commercial recreation activity on the lease is a snowmobile tour operation which traverses part of the Upper Fraser Basin when snow conditions and access are suitable.
Trout fishing is a locally important activity at the three dams and picnicking also is popular, especially at Butchers Dam next to the state highway, a well used rest area. The small area of the pastoral lease adjacent to this dam is of particular interest as it has the potential for a safe and practical access from the highway for public use of the DOC controlled Flat Top Hill Conservation Area. The lack of suitable access to date has prevented DOC from encouraging public use of this area.
Game bird hunting for chukor occurs in the area between Conroys Gully and Rough Creek. Californian quail are hunted around Fraser Dam, below Conroys Dam along the lower Fraser River, Hawksburn, Weatherall, McKenzie and Byford Creeks and wherever else suitable scrubby habitat exists.
No marginal strips exist although several waterways such as the Fraser River, Omeo Creek and Conroys Creek are more than three metres wide over part of their length and would legally require marginal strips to be established if the Crown disposed of the land adjoining
All the dams were created for irrigation purposes. The land surrounding Conroys Dam is under DOC control as is a strip of former closed road at Butchers Darn.
Management Considerations
The largest area of conservation interest in this pastoral lease is the Fraser Basin, Omeo Creek headwaters and Obelisk-Old Man Range eastern faces above 1150 metres.
This area is predominantly natural in its landscape appearance and contains extensive and important parts of the Obelisk-Old Man Range RAP, a substantial array of historic sites, many of them undisturbed by fossickers. The broad rolling expanse of the summit terrain is ideally suited to a range of existing and potential recreational uses. Management of this part of the property should be aimed at retaining and enhancing these conservation features. Where possible, boundaries have been determined to take advantage of existing fences. Grazing of RAPs and some other areas of high ecological value should ideally cease.
The importance of some continued grazing use of Fraser Basin where it can be sustained over time without detriment to natural values will have to be considered part of the tenure review negotiations. It is proposed that this use be restricted to the lower part of the Fraser Basin. This will require construction of a new fence, conservative stocking and monitoring of vegetation trends. The ideal outcome would be that no grazing or special lease arrangement be agreed to because of serious doubts about the continued sustainability of such a practice.
The bulk of the remainder of the pastoral lease has been extensively modified by grazing, agricultural development and the severe depredations of rabbits and in some areas major problem plants such as briar, thyme and Sedum acre have become dominant. Despite this there are several remnant or localised areas of considerable conservation interest. These areas because of their vulnerability to irreversible change, will require careful and probably more intensive management in order to preserve these features. Key characteristics of some of these sites is the high level of endemism/rarity present, eg, the Prodontria bicolarata flightless chafer beetle, Simplicia laxa the small grass, Blackmans saline soil area and associated species and communities and the Earnscleugh cave.
Historic sites in Conroys Creek are of note as early and very rich gold workings still largely intact, a valuable example requiring protection from future disturbance, and the extensive workings in the Fraser/Omeo catchments.
Fraser, Conroys and Butchers Dams are well used locally important recreation attractions being oases in an extremely arid landscape. Marginal strips will need to be laid off along waterways where there is a legal requirement.
Local community interest should determine the relevance of district scheme zoning for landscape management in the Hawksburn Road environs.
KAUPAPA ATAWHAI MANAGER'S CONTRIBUTION
This area has quite a lot of significance in our very old traditional lore based around the traditions relating to a giant or monster-type being called Kopuwai. The landscape features associated with Kopuwai also spread into other areas of Otago.
Firstly, the Old Man Range carries the traditional name of Kopuwai. Retention by the Crown of the higher altitudinal lands would give body to this association. The Obelisk or Old Man Rock is the manifestation of Kopuwai.
The recently rediscovered Earnscleugh cave within the Conroys Creek catchment is quite possibly the one referred to traditionally as the Te ana o te Karara - the cave of the monster (or literally lizard). The description of the cave tits with the traditional description which referred to two higher entrances. It was described as being on the lower reaches of the range and if this is not it, it must be close by.
I would also like to identify a lagoon if it still exists, or where its location is, called Te hapua o Kaiamio. Traditional lore says it is between the cave and the river. If identified I would like to see some protection measure established for recognition purposes as a taoka-traditional site of importance. If it exists as a waterbody, to protect it from drainage.
The areas identified' eg, Fraser Basin, Omeo Creek headwaters, etc, from an iwi perspective are important in the sense that the native cover is still on the land - Te kakahu o Papatuanuku. Incidentally, I suspect that Omeo Creek is a contraction of Kaiamio. This needs research to confirm. I see many varieties of tikumu are present amongst which possible Celmisia semicordata would be used in the creation of tikumu cloaks. Sources of the bigger leaved Celmisia varieties could become sought after for that purpose. Sphagnum mossfields may have importance for other uses. Considered holistically though, retention of the cloak/kakahu on Papatuanuku is considered important by Kai Tahu whanui.
These particular areas retained as Crown land through the review of tenure process should be managed in accordance with tikanga because of the high traditional values associated with the area.
Comments supplied by Matapura Ellison
RECOMMENDATIONS (Map H)
1 The pastoral lease tenure review negotiations should be negotiated on the basis the Crown retains in DOC ownership the following areas:
2
3
4 The Crown's equity in the pastoral lease be available to meet any costs associated with additional fencing required, eg, subdivision of Fraser Basin and Obelisk blocks, and the costs of survey to define areas agreed to be transferred to DOC.
A P Perrett Manager
PNAP/Pastoral
for Regional Conservator
APPENDIX 5
EARNSCLEUGH CAVE FAUNA
Euryanas finschii Finschs duck
Nestor notabilis Kea
Cnemiornis calcitrans Extinct goose
Coenocopha aucklandica NZ snipe
Notornis mantelli Takahe
Leiolopisma sp. Large skink of otagense
Petroica australis Robin
Acanthisitta chloris Rifleman
sceloglaux albifacies Laughing owl
Dinornis gigcuteces Moa
Mystacina of robusta Short tailed bat
Aegotheles novaezealandiae Owlet nightjar
Cyanoramphus sp. Parakeet
Sphenodon punctatus Tuatara
Coturn7x novaezealandiae Quail
Euryapteryx geranoides Moa
Back to ... Po 143 Earnscleugh
PANZ Submission on Draft Proposal for
Tenure Exchange
Earnscleugh Station
The Manager
Landcorp Property Limited
P O Box 27
ALEXANDRA
24 July 1995
Dear Sir,
Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the draft proposal.
We are appreciative that the lessee has been willing to advance the proposals for public submission. However there are several aspects, itemised below, where we have concerns. We request further explanation and consultation with us on these prior to a final case being made to the Commissioner of Crown Lands.
This is probably the most significant pastoral tenure review so far in Otago. It was inevitable that there would be a few bugs in it. However we believe that it is possible for it to proceed within the constraints of the existing Land Act provided some modifications are made. The practical impact of our suggested amendments should be minor on the pastoral enterprise, but make major improvements for nature conservation, and public recreation in particular.
Summary
(1) We support the proposed conservation area in the upper Fraser Basin and on the Obelisk crest, but with a 5-year phasing out of grazing.
(2) We ask that all of the Obelisk, Ewe, and Frenchmans blocks be retained in Crown ownership, preferably reserved, with public rights of use, and with monitored grazing rights granted.
(3) We support other conservation area proposals.
(4) We ask that full width marginal strips be established along all qualifying waterways and reservoirs.
(5) We ask for either a marginal strip or reserve along the bank of the Fraser River between Rough Creek and the Fraser Dam, sufficiently wide to protect historic sites.
(6) We ask that road formations on Hawksburn and Fraser Dam Roads be legalised.
(7) We seek clarification of the legal status of two proposed public access easements.
(8) We seek horse access as well as foot and mountain bike access, along two of the proposed easements.
(9) We ask for year-round access over all public access easements.
(10) We seek a public access link to the Cairnmuir Mountains.
(11) We ask that game bird hunter access be provided by way of registered covenant, with the Otago Fish & Game Council as covenantor.
(12) We request further consultation on aspects of the tenure review.
Objects of tenure review
The aim of the proposals is stated to be-
While these objects are partly achieved by the proposals, to a significant degree they are not. We ask that the proposals be amended to more fully recognise these aims and the Crown's responsibilities under the Land Act.
Upper Fraser basin
We support the Obelisk crest, upper Omeo Creek, and upper Fraser basin being reserved. These are very important for nature conservation and recreation. However this is not the full extent of the public interest on Earnscleugh station that needs to be accommodated in the tenure review.
We would prefer grazing to be phased out sooner than 7 years. There is obvious damage by stock to wetlands in the cirque basins. This should be eliminated as soon as possible. We believe that 5 years should be long enough to rearrange farm management to allow destocking of the reserve.
It needs to be clarified if huts within the special lease area will become public property and therefore available for public use-they should be.
Lower Fraser basin
We support reservation of lower Fraser basin but have doubts over the appropriateness of grazing. There are major questions about sustainability of this use. This is confirmed in the DOC Conservation Resources Report.
We have reservations about the practicalities, and environmental/landscape impacts of new a fence separating the Fraser basin block. We have major doubts that any fence could be maintained as stock-proof at this altitude (up to 1600m). Snow damage will be severe. Any fence construction must prohibit bulldozing.
We note that there will be "a free right of public access". What is need is a free right of public recreational use. This should be open to foot, ski, mountain bike, and horse use. Any other forms of use should be subject to a public management planning process.
Obelisk, Ewe, and Frenchman's blocks
Freeholding of these blocks would be contrary to the conclusions and recommendations of DOC's Conservation Resources Report. The DOC report identifies these areas as part of the eastern faces of he Old Man Range above 1150m which is predominantly natural in appearance. "The broad rolling expanse of the summit terrain is ideally suited to a range of existing and potential recreational uses. Management of this part of the property should be aimed at retaining and enhancing these conservation values" (p10). DOC recommended on page 12 that grazing be terminated in the Obelisk block, with only "conservative grazing use" of the Ewe and Frenchman's blocks under a section 67(2) lease.
On page 9 DOC records that cross country skiing is usually confined to land above 1200m, whereas freeholding is proposed up to 1500m. DOC recommends that the Old Man Crest/Dome landscape management zone above 1150m be retained in Crown ownership. An accompanying 'Map E' confirms that all the Ewe block and part of Frenchman's is within this zone.
The "justification for freeholding" (page 10 of proposals) for "an area of approximately 1500 ha between 1200 and 1500m", within these blocks, is no justification at all and contradicts the rationale advanced for a special lease over the lower Fraser basin.
The proposals state that "an area of approximately 1500ha between 1200-1500m within the Obelisk, Ewe and Frenchman's Block is not considered capable of sustainable pastoral production in an unimproved state due to its fragile nature and in some places degraded condition resulting from the severe climate at this altitude. While going on to conclude that "this area is not considered suitable or adaptable for pastoral purposes", there is a strong inference that the area will continue to be used for pastoral purposes, as no restraints on such use are proposed and "the issue of sustainable use must be addressed under the Resource Management Act". The recommendation to use section 67(1) to dispose of the area appears to be an argument of expediency with little bearing on the intended use. While the 'pastoral land' classification will be officially removed, pastoral use will continue. In effect it will remain 'pastoral land'. In our view this an abuse of the provisions of the Land Act.
Contrast the above approach with the proposal for a special lease over an extensive block of country in the lower Fraser basin between 1300 and 1600m. This is even more fragile and liable to degradation from pastoral use than continuing use of the Obelisk, Ewe and Frenchman's blocks for grazing. Surely the observation that for the proposed special lease area, "there are acknowledged risks to continuing grazing of this class of country-however, so long as impacts of grazing are carefully monitored and grazing levels adjusted in response to any associated undesirable vegetation change such risks are reduced", are more applicable to the Obelisk, Ewe and Frenchman's blocks.
On the question of using the Resource Management Act to regulate pastoral use, the proposed reliance on the RMA contradicts official advice to the Minister of Lands as contained in the appendix 4 of 'The Tenure of Crown Pastoral Land: The Issues and Options" by the Commissioner of Crown lands in February 1994. This concludes that existing use rights are protected under section 10, whereby land may be used in a manner that contravenes any rule in a district plan or proposed plan if the use was lawfully established before the rule became operative. Pastoral use is lawfully established by way of a lease with the sanction of an Act of Parliament. As there is no proposal to change the use over the blocks concerned, there is no prospect of the RMA being used to address sustainablity issues as the proposals for tenure review claim.
It is a completely fallacious statement on page 10 of the proposals to claim that the three blocks "do not contain conservation values of any significance". This is contradicted by the DOC Conservation Resources Report and our own knowledge of the areas. The Ewe block contains similar vegetation and landforms to the summit and Fraser basin areas proposed for reservation. It is a predominantly natural landscape modified by pastoral use to a similar degree as the lower Fraser basin. It is admirably suitable for public recreation as the areas proposed for reservation. The Obelisk block contains the largest remaining extent of snowgrass left on the property. It is comparable in stature to that in the smaller Top Prophets block proposed for reservation.
The proposal further argues that "due to the added cost of fencing off this area it is considered desirable to include this area in the area to be freeholded". There is no necessity to fence of the area-each block is already fenced. It is the proposals that will result in extra cost, by the plan to subdivide the Obelisk block with a fence at approximately 1300m.
It is apparent that the proposed boundaries between public land and freehold do not relate to the character of the land, its conservation and recreation values, or the statutory considerations arising from sections 51 or 67 of the Land Act that the CCL is obliged to honour.
There is sufficient evidence in DOC's report, and at our disposal, to conclude that there are significantly high conservation and recreation values on the three blocks to make retention of Crown ownership highly desirable. The areas do no qualify for declassifaction from "pastoral land". We point out that the Land Act does not require reclassification for the Crown to resume pastoral lands for public purposes.
We submit that the classification of the three blocks remains 'pastoral land' however the blocks be surrendered from the pastoral lease to become either reserve or Crown land with grazing rights granted by DOC or the CCL on terms similar to that proposed for the lower Fraser special lease. Such arrangements provide the best prospect of sustainable pastoral use while maintaining natural values, and provide formal opportunities for public recreation such as walking, cross country skiing, mountain biking, and horse riding for which the area is admirably suited.
Other conservation areas
We support the other reserve proposals. The Aldinde and Butchers Dam proposals in particular will provide a significant and welcome improvement in recreational opportunities in the Alexandra area. Unlike the other areas proposed for reservation, the latter areas will suit a wider range of users, in non-alpine environments.
Fishery values
Butchers Dam and Creek
Butchers Dam, which is an irrigation dam, dissects the Butchers Creek in its lower third. The dam wall stops any interaction or migration of upstream species. The dam and above has a brown trout population and the creek is extensively used for spawning by trout from the dam itself. It is also home to a fully sustainable perch population (Perca fluviatilis) This species lays its eggs on the weeds found within the lake. Butcher's Creek is very important to this dam as it supplies the only spawning ground available to keep the population at its level. Butcher's Creek from Lake Roxburgh to the dam has a self sustaining population of brown trout and does supply surplus fish to Lake Roxburgh. Some limited spawning of rainbow trout in the lower section has also been recorded.
Fraser River
This river is a very important system as it not only has a mixed population of species in the bottom but also has trophy fish in the headwaters. The river enters the Clutha above the Alexandra township and at the bottom of the goldmining tailings on Earnscleugh Flat. It has three sections of its own, one major tributary - Conroys Creek, and another one that flows through the orchard area called Omeo Creek.
Upper Fraser
This river has brown trout only and is a trophy fisher. Fish have been observed past Frenchman's Gully tributary (species unknown) but it is expected that they will be right into the headwaters. It was very popular with overseas anglers until the mining in the early 80's had an adverse effect on the lower part of the fishery. This has made it very difficult to negotiate the banks over the first two kilometres. Nevertheless from where the mining has ceased upstream there is still an excellent population of trophy fish which are still being utilised by a few overseas visitors. The Fraser Dam, which is another irrigation dam, has a limited population of fish due to the steep sides of most of the reservoir. There is some good brown trout fishing along the margin on the true left hand bank. Some interaction from the fish living in the dam occurs during the season over the first kilometre of the river. From the dam down river to the small unnamed dam, sometimes called Hawksburn. The Hawksburn stream itself enters the Fraser River between this area on the true let bank it also has a brown trout population. It is unknown how far up the valley they go. From the unnamed dam down to the power generation dam at the Fraser Recreational Reserve there is also a brown trout fish population. There is limited fishing through this area because of the rough terrain. From the electrical power dam to the Clutha River the brown trout population again exists, as well as a limited rainbow trout population. This section of water is badly affected during summer by the withdrawal of water for irrigation. A small quinnat salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) population sometimes enters the lower Fraser River and have been recorded up as far as the Research Nursery. This often occurs during high flows in the Clutha River when it is discoloured. A few perch have also been recorded in the lower section up and just beyond Marshall Road.
Omeo Creek
Omeo Creek is a tributary of the Lower Fraser and has brown trout throughout its entire length. A few rainbows have also been recorded up as far as Hawley Road. Again this tributary is affected by the removal of irrigation water during the summer.
Conroys Creek and Dam
The major lower tributary of the Fraser River has an irrigation dam in its headwaters. This is called Conroys Dam. It has a brown trout population and the majority of fish are small. There is very limited spawning above the dam. From the dam to where it enters the Fraser River there is a brown trout population. A few perch have been recorded in the lower section above Marshall Road.
Marginal strips
We note that no marginal strips exist on Earnscleugh Station, however they will be as a result of tenure review. There is a legal road on the true left bank of the Fraser River that will complement a marginal strip on the true right or Earnscleugh side. However at 20 metres wide this would appear to be insufficient to protect the numerous historic sites recorded by DOC between Rough Creek and the Fraser Dam. The DOC report recommends reservation of these sites however the proposals do not reflect this.
We submit that a wider strip be laid off. This will be possible shortly with passage of the Conservation Amendment Bill (No. 2). Failing that, we suggest creating a recreation reserve for the extra width.
The creation of marginal strips the full length of the Fraser River (including along the banks of reservoirs), Omeo and Conroys Creeks will allow formal protection of riparian areas in the future if this is necessary for fishery enhancement. The strips will also establish 'The Queen's Chain' along all major waterways, this being very important in securing angler access to the fishery resource. We submit that there be no waivers or reductions in width for newly created marginal strips.
Public roads
Several formed roads deviate from the legal alignments. The formations must be defined and dedicated as roads before freehold titles are raised. The roads needing attention are:
Public Access Easements
Three public access easements are proposed.
The public wants assured access at all times. This should be a primary consideration in any tenure review. We request further consultation on the necessity for and timing of lambing closures. We believe that the fact that legal roads exist in part over the proposed routes, or in proximity to them, means that the routes could be deemed to be legal roads, in which case the public has a right of unhindered passage at all times. If this is the case, there is no legal ability to limit public use. The Chief Surveyor's opinion should be sought as to the status of the routes. We note that DOSLI has recorded 'Omeo Gully Road' beside the formed route on the NZMS 260 topographic map.
The timing of closure is crucial to cross country skiers. It is proposed that the routes be closed for one month in October/November but does not specify exactly when. If the closure was during early October this would disadvantage skiers, whereas if during late October it is less likely to.
Section 7(2) of the Conservation Act should be used for authorisation of the easements, as this prevents the Minister from disposing of any interest in the land. It would also be desirable to register the easement under the Land Transfer Act to enable recording on the certificate of title.
Cairnmuir access link
The opportunity to provide a public access link from the Cairnmuir Flats to top of the Cairnmuir Mountains should not be lost. This would provide opportunities for through trips. It would be ideally suited to mountain bike or horse use. The existing 4WD track to near the Jackson-Fish Creek saddle appears to be the most suitable route, however local advice should be obtained about this.
Upland Game Bird Hunting
There are good populations of California Quail on Earnscleugh. These are widespread in lower gullies and flats where they take advantage of briar and matagouri cover. Coveys are moderate to large. Several groups hunt quail during the Upland Game Hunting season (Queen's Birthday to the end of August) and is generally regarded as good hunting.
There are residual coveys of Chukar in open country and along the Molyneux faces which are hunted on occasions. Hunting pressure is declining due to declining population.
This is an important recreational hunting resource which is publicly owned. However the land on which it is located will not be, with the exception of part of Conroys Gully. Arrangements should be made to ensure continuing access for licensed hunters.
We request that a covenant be registered against any freehold titles requiring the owner(s) to permit authorised licensed hunters access onto the land for the purposes of game bird hunting. The Minister of Conservation has approved Fish and Game Councils to enter into such agreements under section 77 Reserves Act. In this case the Otago Fish & Game Council, being a statutory body under the Conservation Act, would be the covenanting authority. The Council would be required to negotiate the exact terms of the covenant with the landholder, and to seek further approvals from the NZ Fish and Game Council.
Conclusion
It is evident that a deal the size and complexity of Eanscleugh will require further consultation and goodwill between parties to arrive at a successful result. PANZ would like to see a deal proceed as the potential benefits for conservation and public recreation are large. We believe that the 'problem areas' we have identified are important in terms of the public interest but possibly minor in terms of their potential impact on the overall needs of Earnscleugh Station. We hope our comments and criticisms are seen as constructive contributions towards achieving the Crown's objectives.
Yours faithfully,
Bruce Mason
Researcher & Trustee
Back to ... Po 143 Earnscleugh
(Official Analysis of ) PUBLIC SUBMISSIONS
EARNSCLEUGH STATION TENURE REVIEW
A total of 15 submissions were received.
SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS:
Express support for the proposed conservation area in the Fraser Basin, Obelisk and Upper Omeo. No of Submissions Received= 8
Express support for the other proposed conservation areas, Aldinga Block, Butchers Dam, Fraser River, Castle Rock, Earnscleugh Cave, Saline Soil Reserve. No of Submissions Received= 7
Oppose Ewe, Frenchmans and lower Obelisk Blocks being freeholded and would prefer retention in Crown ownership under Special Lease. No of Submissions Received= 7
Favour legalising as legal road Omeo Gully and/or Blackmans Road to the DOC estate. No of Submissions Received= 6
Support or accept the Special Lease proposed for lower Fraser Basin. No of Submissions Received= 4
Oppose 7 year phase out term for grazing in upper Fraser in favour of 5 year term. No of Submissions Received= 4
Seek access for horses on the two public access easements through the proposed freehold to the proposed conservation estate. No of Submissions Received= 4
DETAILED SUMMARY OF SUBMISSIONS
PUBLIC ACCESS NEW ZEALAND
A F MARK
OTMC
RITCHIE BAILEY
ROYAL FOREST & BIRD - UPPER CLUTHA BRANCH
MATHEW SOLE
FIONA LUNDY
CENTRAL OTAGO TRAMPING CLUB
OTAGO GOLDFIELDS HERITAGE TRUST
CROMWELL RIDING CLUB
A C SANDERS & SONS
DUNSTAN ADULT RIDING CLUB
FEDERATED MOUNTAIN CLUBS
ROYAL FOREST & BIRD - SOUTHERN OFFICE
JOHN DOUGLAS
Back to ... Po 143 Earnscleugh
Knight Frank
Land Resources Division
Our Ref: Pol43
26 March 1996
Public Access NZ
Dear Submitter
EARNSCLEUGH TENURE REVIEW
I am pleased to advise that the Commissioner of Crown Lands has approved the proposal to exchange property rights on Earnscleugh Station. A summary of the Commissioner's decision with regard Earnscleugh Tenure Review is as follows.
The Commissioner has approved the following:
1 The surrender of pastoral lease Pol43 Earnscleugh Station under Section 145 of the Land Act 1948, total area 24,660.5352ha.
2 The classification of an area of approximately 15,100 hectares as "farmland'' under Section 51 of the Land Act 1948.
3 The preferential allocation in freehold title of approximately 15,100 hectares classified as "farm land" to Earnscleugh Station Partnership under Section 54 of the Land Act 1948.
4 The preferential allocation in freehold title an area of approximately 1,500 ha under Section 67(1) of the Land Act 1948, that being land above 1200 meters altitude within Ewe and Frenchmans blocks which cannot properly be classified under subsection (1) of Section 51 of the Act as farm land, urban land, commercial or industrial land, or pastoral land.
5 The issue of freehold title to be subject to the following:
(i) The creation and vesting as new legal roads four existing road formations:
(ii) The vesting as legaI road and the stopping of those adjacent portions of legal road not required for road purposes the road formations of Fraser Dam Road, the eastern two thirds of Hawksburn Road and the road from Conroys Road to Conroys Dam where these are not within the present legal roads.
(iii) Marginal strips within the area proposed for freehold as required under Part IVA of the Conservation Act 1987.
6 The issue of a Special Lease under Section 67 (2) the Land Act 1948 over an area of approximately 3,840 hectares within the Fraser Basin under terms and conditions as summarised below. This lease is to be administered by the Department of Conservation.
Lease Purpose: To provide for the maintenance and enhancement of nature conservation, Landscape, soil and water and public recreation whilst allowing for continued grazing of the land.
Rent: Market rate per head actually grazed.
Term 7 years with right of renewal on monitoring showing that grazing is having no detrimental impacts on the vegetation cover.
Schedule: Management Prescription Document describing; vegetation at commencement of lease, goals of management, description of how the goals are to be met, vegetation monitoring methodology to be applied, and maximum grazing levels to be applied.
Other Conditions:
Phase out Period:
lt has been agreed that the construction of the fence across the Fraser Basin and the destocking of the upper Fraser and Omeo catchments will not occur for 5 years. This five year period will commence with this summer season being the first (ie 1995/96).
7 The issue of a Special Lease under Section 67 (2) of the Land Act 1948 over an area of approximately 340 hectares within Aldinga Block under the terms and conditions as summarised below. This lease is to be administered by DOC.
Lease Purpose: To provide for the protection of historic sites, the protection of viable populations of the chafer beetle species and public access to the area to facilitate public recreation and appreciation of historic sites.
Term: 7 years with right of renewal on Iease conditions being met.
Rent: NiI rental, review every 7 years.
Other Conditions:
8 The issue of a Grazing Permit under Section 68A of the Land Act 1948 for the period of phase out grazing over approximately 3860 ha of Crown land in Upper Fraser and Omeo catchments, to be transferred to the Department of Conservation. Exclusive rights of occupation do not apply to this licence.
9 The granting of an access easement under Section 60 of the Land Act 1948 for moving stock over Crown land within proposed conservation estate in the Upper Omeo catchment (as shown on attached map) in favour of the proposed adjoining freehold title.
10 The allocation to the Department of Conservation as Conservation Estate approximately 8,060 hectares comprising those areas listed beIow and subject to those leases and licences proposed above.
Proposed Conservation Area in Upper Fraser Basin, Upper Omeo and Upper Obelisk. 3860 ha
Total Estimated Area to Remain in Crown Ownership: 8060 ha
These areas are shown on the map attached to the original publicly notified proposal.
11 The Special Lease S356 located at the Obelisk summit held by Broadcasting Corporation New Zealand will be transferred to the Department of Conservation.
The Commissioner of Crown Lands acknowledges that the following matters have been negotiated as part of the tenure review proposal approved by the Minister of Conservation under the Conservation Act 1990:
(i) Easements allowing public foot and mountain bike access on the two routes shown on the plan attached to the original notified proposal plus a route from Hawksburn Road to the boundary of Hawksburn Special Lease under section 7(2) of the Conservation Act 1987.
(ii) Easements allowing DOC vehicle access to proposed conservation areas under Section 7(2) of the Conservation Act 1987.
(iii) Conservation Covenant under Section 77 Reserves Act 1977 over Obelisk block with the object of [maintaining landscape amenity values and to provide for winter recreation access -deleted: error notified 29/3/96; now reads] "maintaining landscape and amenity values" as in the attached draft document.
(iv) Conservation Covenant under Section 27 Conservation Act 1987 over the upper portions of Ewe and Frenchmans blocks (generaIly above 1300 metres) with the object of allowing public use of the land for winter recreation and maintaining landscape amenity vaIues.
(v) Agreement with the lessees that the lessees shalI construct a stock fence across the Fraser Basin on a line shown on the map attached to within five years of approval of the proposal.
(vi) Agreement with the lessees that the lessees construct a fence across Obelisk Block on a line shown on the map attached to the original notified proposaI.
The lessees of Earnscleugh Station have agreed to the above proposal.
Thank you for your submission.
Yours faithfully
Philip Murray
for Manager, Alexandra
KNIGHT FRANK (NZ) LIMITED