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CRAIGROY/BEN NEVIS STATIONS

[DOC Conservation Resources Report]

INTRODUCTION

This report covers Ben Nevis Station (14,532 ha) and Craigroy Station (4432 ha), which are leased by Robert Brown. These two pastoral leases are situated at the entrance of the lower Nevis Valley and span the Carrick/Old Woman Range across the valley to the northern Hector Mountains. Craigroy has only recently been purchased by R Brown and complements Ben Nevis Station and allows for expansion of a farming enterprise. The properties are only 32 km from Cromwell, but are relatively isolated. The access road crosses the Carrick Range near Duffers Saddle, at 1200 metres asl, before dropping down into the Nevis Valley, 660 metres asl. This crossing becomes snow-bound for some months over the winter isolating the properties.

The Nevis Valley is Still a unique valley with a wilderness quality. Man's intrusions are few; no power poles traverse the landscape and development has been low key. The lessee, Robert Brown, recently approached the department and sought comments on the conservation values of the property, as he was interested in discussing tenure change options. This report is a response to this and reflects the input of various individuals who have helped in the assessment of these conservation values.

ECOLOGICAL VALUES

Prior to the recent field inspections the relevant information pertaining to these properties was the Old Man PNAP report which identified RAP 1/4 Barn Creek as an area of interest on Craigroy. The management study on the Remarkables and Hector Mountains undertaken by Lands and Survey in 1977 is of some relevance to Ben Nevis Station.

1 CRAIGROY

a Barn Creek RAP 1/4

This RAP includes an elongated broad catchment extending from the summit tors at 1393 metres to a narrow constricted gorge flowing into the Nevis River at 670 metres. The dominant vegetation in the upper RAP is fescue tussock with patches of Chionochloa rigida scattered throughout. Blue and silver tussock occur on the damper southeast facing slopes. Other components within this area are Raoulia subsericea and the other native herbs and grasses. Sweet vernal, browntop and clover are all present with sweet vernal often prominent. Tussock hawkweed (Hieracium lepidulum) is present throughout with mousehair hawkweed (H. pilosella) common on drier north facing slopes.

In the upper RAP, flushes and wetlands contain rushes and the sedge (Carex coriacea) along with Ranunculus cheesemanii and R. berggrenii. The PNAP report mentions Chionochloa rubra as being present in the damp valley head. This has not been confirmed.

A dominant feature above 1100 m is the golden Spaniard. Below this point the fescue tussockland becomes dominant and then grades out into adventive pasture grasses. The key ecological interest in the balance of this RAP is largely confined to scattered shrubland plants located within the lower gorgey catchment at 860-920 metres around the rock tors and boulder surfaces. At 920 metres a large patch of snow totara (Podocarpus nivalis) occurs. This is very restricted in the Old Man Ecological District and was noted as a special feature in the PNAP report. Other shrubland plants are Cassinia fulvida, Coprosma cheesemanii, Olearia bullata, Carmichaelia arborea, Aristotelia fruticosa and only one plant of Brachyglottis cassinioides. Also in this locality in amongst rocks above Barn Creek the relatively rare Simplicia laxa has recently been found.

b Balance Craigroy

The general sequence of the grasslands in Barn Creek RAP is repeated along the range. The diverse scattered shrublands in Barn Creek are not repeated elsewhere; even Coal Creek is predominantly briar and matagouri. Barn Creek is a good altitudinal representation of the various communities in one respect, but it lacks good examples of the tussockland-q that are reflected elsewhere on the property. Southwards towards the Craigroy boundary, predominantly above 1150 metres (Carrick water race), extensive patches of Chionochloa rigida occur in the headwaters of some catchment-q. Fescue grasslands are more intact and the blue tussock grasslands are more extensive. The altitudinal range from 1150 metres to the property boundary at 1645 metres, provides for a greater representation and also includes extensive snow bank and wetland communities that are analogous with the adjoining RAP over the Cairnmuir back block.

Below the Carrick water races small patches of narrow leaved snow tussock and fescue tussock occur but the predominant feature is a rapid transition into adventive pasture grasses, briar and matagouri. Below 850 metres the land has been extensively OSTD and the flats are developed farmland paddocks.

2 BEN NEVIS

The flora of Ben Nevis Station is a mosaic of communities that are differentiated chiefly by altitude and topography. For the purposes of this report it is easier to divide the flora up into three distinctive zones.

a Flats and Terraces

The majority of the flats and terraces on Ben Nevis have been OSTD and are a prime component of the current farming operation. A few areas have been cultivated for hay paddocks and part of Schoolhouse Fan has a series of parallel irrigation ditches traversing the paddock. The remaining area of Schoolhouse Flat is a mixture of short tussock, exotic pasture grasses and the occasional patch of Hieracium pilosella.

The focus of botanical interest in the flats is centred around Schoolhouse Fan and adjacent terraces. The majority of these fans have not been developed, and have only been extensively grazed. The flat is a mosaic of short tussock, sedges, exotic grasses, bare ground, cushion vegetation and the occasional remnant of Chionochloa rubra cuprea. This red tussock is in discontinuous patches of various dimensions growing on poorly drained flats and terraces. These stands are isolated and surrounded by pasture grasses, which also intrude through the red tussock. In some areas the red tussock is 1.8 metres tall. A few herbs occur within these stands including the rare Ranunculus ternatifolius. Other species are Gentiana grisebachii, Gaultheria nubicola and Ranunculus cheesemani.

The remaining conservation interest on parts of this broad fan is the sedge Carex muelleri, a dense tough rhizomatous species only 10-16 cm high. It forms distinctive communities that at first glance look like highly degraded festuca grasslands. This species is not common in Otago and the Nevis is described as the type locality for the plant. An inspection of the total Nevis Valley has revealed that Schoolhouse Flat is the only area where it survives as a viable community. The flat also hosts other relatively rare species, these being an unnamed Leptinella and Galium, both only found elsewhere in Otago on the Pisa Flats. Another sedge, Carex kaloides is also becoming increasingly rare in Otago and the Nevis population is now one of the most important. Other species present are brown top, sorrel, hawkweed and a variety of native herbs. Near the terrace edge above the Nevis River, Olearia odorata and matagouri occur, along with Muehlenbeckia exillaris, Myosotis n. sp. glauca and Raoulia australis

b Front Faces: 800-1800 metres

These are the front faces of the broad spurs rising above the flats and terraces. The lower slopes have been OSTD and have a mixture of pasture grasses, short tussock and a few scattered Chionochloa rigida. The latter slowly becomes more prominent with altitude. The front faces form the major grazing component of the farming operation and are extensively grazed. Hard tussock is the other major component, with silver tussock occurring in the more fertile sites and along the road edges. Above 1300 metres, C. rigida forms fairly dense stands up to 0.8 metres tall, but hard tussock still occupies 40% of the native cover. Above 1600 metres exposed rocky ground is more prominent with cushion vegetation and some small wetland areas near the crest of the spurs.

c Hector Mountains and Associated Valley Systems

This area of 6844 ha includes the true right bank of the Doolans left branch, the catchment-q of the Nevis burn, Schoolhouse and Commissioners Creeks. This land was voluntarily retired in 1980 and is fenced. The botanical values vary extending from shrublands, tussockland-q, herbfield, fellfield, wetlands and rocky slopes. These are found within an altitude zone extending from 800 metres near the flats to Hector Ridge of 1900 metres and Ben Nevis itself, 2234 metres.

The lower slopes of all these valley systems reflect similar vegetation patterns to the front faces. Tall tussock is scattered at the lower altitudes before becoming thicker at about 1250 metres. Fescue and blue tussock are a component throughout, along with adventive grasses at the lower altitudes. The creeks climb steeply and the riparian zones contain a shrubby element of matagouri, Hebes and Coprosmas. In Schoolhouse Creek on a south facing slope, a large shrubland of Hebe anomala, Carmichaelia orborea, Coprosma ciliata and C. propinqua extends between 900 metres to 1200 metres. Other creeks may host similar habitat but was not recorded. Above 1500 metres, depending on aspect, slim leaved snow tussock (Chionochloa macra) occurs in patches along with Celmisia sessiliflora, Aciphylla kikii and A. Ie comtei. Above 1700 metres the snow tussock thins and becomes restricted to sheltered sites. The more exposed sites and those above 1750 metres contained cushion vegetation off Dracophyllum muscoides, Poa colensoi, Chionohebe thomsonii and Raoulia hector) being some of the plants observed.

The fellfields are predominantly stable rock and scattered plants of Aciphylla simplex, Edelweiss and Dolichoglottis Iyallii. Around lakes and cliffs in the upper Doolans left branch Ranunculus buchananii was recorded, minus flower heads and some leaves due to goat browsing.

Around the tarns extensive wetlands occur as well as diverse snowbank communities. Other species recorded were sheets of Celmisia hectorii, several clumps of Brachyglottis bellidioides var. orbiculata, Gentiana divisa, Anisotome capillifolia, Brachyscome longiscapa and Raoulia youngii.

Above the fellfields, extensive debris slopes occur largely devoid of vegetation except lichens. At 2180 metres Hebe haastii var. humilis was recorded.

FAUNA

Entomological Values

The key entomological values on Ben Nevis Station are confined to two principal areas, Schoolhouse Flat in the Nevis Valley itself, and the alpine zone above 1500 metres. This latter area encompasses native herbfelds, cushionfields, fellfields, tussock grassland and wetlands. The species diversity reflects, many common elements typical of the Central Otago block mountains and also significant species from the western Otago mountains. Of the aquatic species, Hydrobiosis n. sp. (Main Divide), Holcoperla magna (western Otago), Spaniocercoides howesi, Tiphobiosis montana and Zelandobius [??] are western species, the last named from the Pisa Range. The aquatic insect fauna of this part of the Hector Mountains is distinctive and nationally important (pers. comm. B Patrick).

The remaining insect fauna consists of many orders including beetles, flies, moths, grasshoppers and black cicadas. Two rare moths are known, Xanthorhoe firgida and Eurythecta n. sp., a flightless species only known elsewhere from the highest point on the Garvies. This zone has a large number of species with quite small distribution patterns.

Schoolhouse Flat in the Nevis Valley is a broad fan of degraded tussockland in a semi natural condition. Despite over 100 years of grazing, invertebrate fauna has survived in these vegetation communities. While other fans in Otago have been developed, and have as a consequence lost their native invertebrate fauna, Schoolhouse Flat has become a key conservation area in a lower altitude environment.

This flat contains moths, grasshoppers, weevils and beetles that are associated with semi-natural grasslands. Caddis, mayflies and moths occur in the wetlands and small tributaries. One species of moth is poorly known and rare (Orocrambus sophronellus). The area also contains species normally associated with the alpine tops. Schoolhouse Flat is a key site for invertebrate conservation in Central Otago, because of its location, lack of development and the insect diversity.

Birds

At cursory glance, Ben Nevis appears to have a more diverse birdlife than Craigroy. The Hector Mountains host the occasional kea and NZ falcon. Skylarks and pipits are widespread throughout both properties. Around the tarns paradise ducks, South Island oystercatchers and black-backed gulls are often seen, either as pairs or in small groups. Around the lower slopes, especially around the shrubby areas, finches and yellowhammers have been observed. The harrier hawk also ranges through the area.

The main focus of interest on these properties is the Nevis River itself and the associated marginal wetlands. A recent river survey in November 1993 recorded 11 species between Commissioners Creek and the Nevis Crossing. Oystercatchers numbered 43, with mallard and paradise ducks the next significant population. Terns, spurwinged plover and black shags were also recorded along with magpies and white-faced herons. The species composition in the lower Nevis was similar to the upper Nevis Valley. Banded dotterels are numerous on the unmodified portion of Schoolhouse Flat.

Lizards

The Nevis Valley was surveyed by Whitaker in 1986 as part of a systematic search for the large Otago endemic skinks Leiolopisma grande and L. otagense. No large skinks were found but a small cryptic skink L. inconspicuum was discovered in lush vegetation near the Nevis Crossing and near the Lower Nevis township. This small skink is endemic to Otago and Southland and is only known from six localities. As its distribution is limited and their populations are sparse it is considered desirable to protect an area on both sides of the Nevis River below the Nevis Crossing. This area will be fenced and destocked.

Fish

The Nevis River is an important trout fishery that is renowned for fly fishing. It appears that trout have extended their range into most side streams on Ben Nevis and Craigroy, with the exception of two smaller creeks, where access from the main river has been cut off by a swamp and a small waterfall. Here a subspecies, the Otago galaxid (Galaxias anomalus) occurs in small discrete populations. These isolated populations are vulnerable to change from sedimentation, climatic events, swamp drainage, any event which allows easy access for trout. The upper reaches of the other streams may also contain galaxid populations, as steep rapids may have prevented the passage of trout into these catchments.

Feral Animals

Craigroy has only hares, rabbits and the occasional pig, while Ben Nevis has all of the above plus feral goats and the occasional chamois. The feral goats and chamois have been the subject of periodic wild animal control programmes undertaken normally by helicopter. Rabbits do cause some concern in isolated pockets on the lower slopes of both properties, making some rabbit control necessary.

PLANT PESTS

One of the major attractions of the Nevis Valley is that it is relatively weed free. Briar is the most common plant at lower altitudes and mainly on Craigroy. Elsewhere it is in controllable patches on spurs and around old gold workings, especially the old tailings. Broom is found alongside the Nevis River and in isolated patches alongside the road. These infestations are not yet serious and are controllable. The other major plant pest is hawkweed that is widespread on some of the flats, terraces and on parts of the hillside. Cultivation, top dressing and changes in farm management techniques have to date kept the weed at bay.

LANDSCAPE

The Remarkables and Hector are mountains of international repute that are spectacular when viewed from the Wakatipu area. However, they are no less impressive when viewed from the Nevis Valley. A Department of Conservation landscape report summarised both properties as follows:

There has been little change or development to significantly impact on the overall early cultural and natural character of the valley. Vegetation modification has occurred from pastoralism. Short tussock has replaced tall tussock over mush of the mid and lower country. Hieracium is well established on the western face of the Old Woman Range and on the valley floor. However, the level of change is not at a level to have a significant impact on the overall indigenous landscape character of the valley.

Landscape Character of Nevis Valley

The landscape character of Ben Nevis and Craigroy pastoral leases (and the larger Nevis Valley) is derived from:

• The homogeneous gold tussock cover which is the dominant vegetation.
• Distinctive and highly visible landform. The valley is enclosed by the steep glaciated mountain slopes of the Remarkable Range to the west which contrasts with the flat-topped Old Woman Range to the east. Old river terraces are a distinctive feature of the valley floor. Rock outcrops are a feature throughout.
• Prominent cultural character which reflects it rich cultural history, ie:
  • Mining: Extensive early mining activity including dredge and elevator ponds and tailings; other gold mining sites up and down the valley showing various mining techniques; the road through to Garston is a strong cultural feature; the Carrick water race (and other water races); remnants of buildings and settlements.
  • Pastoralism: The Nevis Valley saw early pastoral settlement. Today there are still two high country pastoral complexes in the lower Nevis. These retain the characteristics of early pastoral sheep stations, ie, homestead, farm buildings and plantings with stockyards and small paddocks close at hand, surrounded by vast hectares of predominantly tussock grassland.
• Enclosed remote and relatively isolated nature of the valley. Reinforced by the evident harsh climate and the isolation of the valley by snow during winter.

Scenic Values

The Nevis Valley and Hector Mountains are well recognised as being visually very impressive. Impressive and changing views of the valley are obtained from the Bannockburn-Nevis-Garston Road and the tops of the surrounding mountains.

The diversity in landform, eg, flats, gorges, terraces, together with tor lined gullies (and slopes in some locations) contribute to the spectacular nature of the valley. The station farm buildings, old gold workings, plantings and other cultural features add interest and diversity.

The visually impressive, remote but accessible nature of the Nevis Valley, together with the historic/cultural character make the valley a popular destination for recreation, in particular driving for pleasure, and also for camping and fishing.

Threats

The Nevis Valley character is vulnerable to certain changes. These include modification of the existing vegetation cover through increased grazing pressure, burning and farm intensification. This applies to the flats, in particular the Schoolhouse Flat, and lower slopes.

The introduction of cultural elements such as transmission lines and also buildings and structures (depending on location and design) would impact upon both the character and visually impressive nature of the valley and could change its remote isolated characteristics. Also earth disturbance which would result in scars and cause visual disruption.

Tree planting is a further threat to the valley's character. This includes large shelterbelt plantings of dark conifers which would significantly change the character.

RECREATION

Legal Access

Access to these properties is by a formed public road from Cromwell that crosses the Carrick range near Watts Rock. This road winds down into the Nevis Valley and then traverses the lower flats and terraces on the left bank of the Nevis River as it heads up the Nevis Valley. Key access points are bridged, while smaller creeks are only fords, which can restrict vehicle traffic during wet periods. Craigroy has a legal paper road running south along the crest of the Carrick Range. This paper road does not lie on the formed 4WD track that currently exists. On Ben Nevis Station a paper road runs north from the Nevis, crossing towards the Doolans Saddle. This paper road does not lie on the existing 4WD track that heads north.

The Nevis River has a marginal strip on the true left bank with an unformed legal road acting as a marginal strip on the true right hank. The Ben Nevis lease has recently been renewed with marginal strips being laid off up Commissioners Creek, Schoolhouse Creek and the Nevis Burn. The Doolans Creek left branch has a marginal strip running along its length. While these marginal strips provide riparian protection to the creeks, they only provide limited recreation access. Once the creeks enter the confines of the valley systems, they climb steeply making foot access extremely difficult.

Existing Use

By comparison with other areas in Otago, this area receives little use. The most popular area is the Nevis River and its environs. In the summer, picnickers and campers make use of the broad river flats. Here the main pastimes are fishing, camping, mountain biking, shooting, gold panning and exploring the old gold workings. Elsewhere, use is low, spasmodic and tends to be localised. The area around Duffers Saddle receives a lot of vehicle use, from people either wishing to view the Nevis Valley, or cross country skiers, or family groups having a day out to play in the snow. The cross country skiing fraternity venture along the Carrick Range to the hut on the Cairnmuir back block and make use of this area during the winter months. A few venture further afield along the Old Woman Range, but all this activity takes place off the properties in question. During the summer months a low level of use also occurs in the area, by trampers or off-road vehicle enthusiasts.

Ben Nevis and the associated Hector Mountains currently receive little use apart from a few hardy souls looking for a true wilderness experience. This tends to be tramping, climbing and skiing. The latter is normally in the form of heliskiing as the area is very accessible from Queenstown. Currently there is a reasonable level of use on the periphery of this property as trampers and skiers venture into the Wye and Lake Alta area from the Remarkables skifield. Access from the Nevis Valley to the higher tops is relatively straightforward as farm tracks wind up the front faces of the truncated spurs to 1800 metres asl. This gain in altitude makes the steep and craggy hinterland reasonably accessible from these points. While the major creeks are attractive in their own right, getting up them is not easy as their lower sections are steep and broken. Their headwaters are extremely attractive and easy access can be gained from the ridges. High tarns in the headwaters provide settings with the spectacular Hector peaks behind.

Potential exists on these properties for a range of activities, and tenure review may well result in an increase of use in the area. Camping and exploring will increase on the valley floor and needs to be sensitively handled. Climbing, skiing and tramping have endless possibilities in the Hectors. Shooting is probably limited in the area, as game animals are scarce. Red deer have virtually disappeared; chamois are in low numbers; goats offer the only sport as they still persist in isolated pockets. The lower, warmer country does offer opportunities for quail and chukor shooting. Mountain biking may well increase through the Nevis Valley as the ride is described as a classic mountain bike ride from Cromwell to Garston. Recreational gold panning under a special licence within the confines of the Nevis River may well occur in the future.

HISTORIC

The Nevis Valley has had a long history of human occupation, beginning from about the 14th Century and continuing to this day. The early history of the lower Nevis is documented in a report on Ben Nevis and Craigroy, "The Cold Sequestered Nevis" written by Jill Hamel in September 1994. Her report outlines the brief known history of the area, includes information on the remaining field evidence that exists today and makes a series of recommendations.

This report summarises briefly Hamel's report and recommendations.

Maori Occupation

A large moa hunter site at the mouth of Schoolhouse Creek was recorded in 1917 and revisited in 1984 by Neville Ritchie. The site has been extensively disturbed by gold mining and is not evident today. Another Maori site was described in 1917 as being on a hillside three kilometres away from Schoolhouse Creek. This site, however, has not been relocated.

Farming

The history of 19th Century farming in the Nevis Valley is a bit mysterious and requires further work. It appears that Ben Nevis and Craigroy were part of the Hawksburn Run taken up in 1859. However, it is thought that Ben Nevis may have been farmed as a separate entity rather than an outstation of Hawksburn. Craigroy was separated out of Hawksburn in 1910, with a homestead possibly being built between 1920-1930.

The Ben Nevis buildings have the layout of early runs, but the exact dates for the buildings are unclear. The stone buildings are of similar design to the Galloway buildings and it has been suggested that these buildings may date from the 1859-60 period, while others talk in terms of the early 1900s. The wooden men's quarters are part of the second school building which was built in about 1913 and was relocated to its present site in more recent times.

another early building near the Nevis township was owned by William Masters, and was possibly built in the 1870s. Today this building has many of its original features intact and from an historical perspective should be preserved.

Gold Mining

The history of gold mining in this valley is comprehensive and dates back to 1862 and has continued in a spasmodic fashion up until recent times. Early mining methods were paddocking and cradling, with sluicing beginning in 1864. By 1866 there were 600 people in the valley with the associated stores and hotels. Sluicing, along with associated water races survived until the easy gold ran out in the 1880s. In the 1890s hydraulic sluicing and elevating began, new water races were built or old ones were extended. This type of mining extended into the early 1900s and was used again in the 1930s.

Throughout this period dredging was also an important component of gold mining in the Nevis Valley. Four dredges were operating in 1893, and by 1902 six. One dredge worked periodically through until the 1940s and was probably the longest running dredge of its period. Today it lies partly submerged in a pond adjoining he Nevis River.

Today the field evidence in the lower Nevis has been little modified by farming. Distinct gold workings are visible along with their water races. The latter are complex and not readily visible from the road. Many of the workings have been disturbed by later gold methods, but in some instances the early sluicings, elevator ponds and dredge holes are still visible almost side by side. Hamel has suggested that the Nevis township, along with the associated sluice faces and water races should become an historic reserve; that the Ben Nevis buildings be considered for classification by the NZ Historic Places Trust; and that other sluicings, dredge ponds and elevator holes should be protected by an extended marginal strip or by a covenant. She also suggests that if a dam is build at the Nevis Crossing further investigations and documentation of existing historic sites should be undertaken.

OTHER VALUES

The Nevis river and its numerous tributaries provide potential water for irrigation, hydro-electricity generation and local water supply purposes. To date, this potential is untapped, although the lower Nevis has been considered for possible hydro electricity generation. This concept is to build a small dam near the Nevis Crossing and create a small lake, with the generating plant further downstream. This lake will flood the lower terraces up to 664 metres asl just beyond Schoolhouse Creek tributary. This will drown the Ben Nevis and Craigroy farm buildings and yards.

The Nevis Valley forms part of the proposed Kawarau National Water Conservation Order, which seeks to protect the water and its immediate environs. While much of the Nevis is protected under this order, there is the possibility that the local power authority may seek to use some of the water for hydro electricity purposes. This small scheme will affect a small portion of Craigroy and Ben Nevis.

DETAILED PROPOSALS

The areas of conservation interest on these properties are as follows:

Craigroy Pastoral Lease

1. On Craigroy all of the land above the Carrick water race, 1185 metres, to within one kilometre of Duffers Saddle should become conservation estate. From the one kilometre point west of Duffers Saddle the conservation boundary will head due-north capturing the headwaters of Barn Creek, crossing the Nevis-Cromwell Road and joining the northern Craigroy boundary near the 1229 metre mark.

This area includes the top portion of RAP 1/4 and representative tussockland-q and snow bank communities further south. As this area adjoins the Cairnmuir back block now in DOC ownership, public recreation and access rights are assured. Fencing will be a requirement to ensure that the area is destocked. While fencing may be difficult above the water race, a more practical line may mean that the water race is cries-crossed at times but access provisions for water race maintenance will be provided for if necessary.

2. The RAP 1/4 of Barn Creek below 1100 metres has been reassessed and under this proposal it is considered that the values are well protected in I above or are not of importance, except for the shrubland community and Simplicia laxa in the rocky gorge between 860-920 metres. This shrubland will be protected under a conservation covenant as a special area, with the provision that sheep only graze this block.

Ben Nevis Pastoral Lease

1. The Hector Mountains and all the main catchments of the major tributaries will become conservation estate and eventually form part of the proposed Remarkables Conservation Park. This area of 6844 ha (approximately) has been informally retired since 1980. Fencing was erected at this time and follows practical ridgeline boundaries up each spur to its apex and then down a major ridge into the next creek. The apex of each spur is between 1400 metres and 1800 metres, at considerable height. While it may be considered undesirable for land at this altitude outside the fenced area on the front faces to become freehold, the practical options are limited. From a conservation perspective, the 6844 ha protects a wide variety of ecosystems and communities, so the higher altitude communities and tussock grassland on the front faces are well represented elsewhere. To include this land would involve a fence crossing the front faces at 1100-1200 metre contour. Such a line would have harsh landscape implications, as the line would have to be bulldozed to ensure any proposed fence stayed upright. From a practical perspective, fencelines across hill slopes are difficult to maintain, especially in this area of relatively high snowfall.

Fencing at a lower altitude (900-1000 metres) is possible and would not have as great an impact or suffer from practical problems. However, it would include land that has been extensively OSTD and is productive farmland or has the potential to be. While this land could become a special lease area under DOC control, such an option would be expensive and unnecessary. The values in the area do not warrant DOC control or expensive monitoring. Concerns from a landscape perspective will be covered in 4 below, which should ensure the tussock surviving now remains in perpetuity and a harsh green line between pasture and native grasses is avoided.

2 . Schoolhouse Flat: An area of 100 ha of Schoolhouse Flat running from the Nevis river northwest across the road to Schoolhouse Creek could be fenced and protected as conservation estate. This area will protects the rare sedges, herbs and invertebrate fauna and avifauna that have survived under grazing. This area excludes some small patches of red tussock on the upper terraces, which are too disjointed and modified to protect. These will be protected under a broader covenant.

The plants in this area have survived under a grazing regime and it is envisaged that this area will continue to be grazed for an indefinite period. A monitoring programme will be set up to determine what vegetation trends are occurring and what the grazing regime should be. Research over time may indicate that stocking is undesirable. In that case it will be discontinued.

3 .The lower Nevis township area is proposed as an historic reserve. This area includes parts of the township, water races and workings, part of the races from Commissioners Creek to the sluice faces just south of the Hen and Chicken Rocks, and includes the stone ruins of the Nevis Hotel and the Masters homestead. This concept covers 100 ha and would protect an entire entity, something which has not been achieved to date in Otago. Also this reserve would provide protection to a sequence of historic events dating from 1862 and running through to the 1930s. This reserve would continue to be grazed under a long-term lease, and would allow for OSTD and weed control. The only constraint would be on the erection of new buildings and fences. Sensitive areas may require fencing off to protect the structures from stock damage. This reserve would also be available for camping and picnicking and its location should have the effect of concentrating public use in one general area. A small creek located in this proposed reserve contains an important galaxid population and its protection by fencing may be desirable if at all practical.

4. A covenant over the entire freehold of both properties would protect key features and involve cooperation between the landowner and DOC. The key features are:

a The broad homogenous landscape that is vulnerable to certain changes. These would be primarily threats from buildings and forestry.

b Key ecological features, such as red tussock on some of the terraces and the shrubland remnants in Barn Creek will be managed in an integrated way. Grazing and earth disturbance are the main threats to these key areas.

c Mining features will be listed and maintained where possible. These include the pack track, coal pits and the key gold workings on the western slopes of the valley. These are Johnstons, Sutherlands and the unemployed workings south of Schoolhouse Creek and the water races and workings north of Schoolhouse Creek. The latter races are part of the Nevis township complex and protection of a total system is desirable.

The management prescription for the above would be relatively simple, with the overall aim of protecting the special character of the valley.

5. The existing marginal strip/legal road along either side of the Nevis River above Schoolhouse Creek will be extended to cover the entire riverbed and the wetlands. This reserve will provide habitat protection for the fishery and birdlife that exists in or alongside the river. This area will also allow for greater recreation access and use. It is envisaged that this reserve will fit in around existing fenceline-q. In some areas new fencing may be required for protection purposes.

Below the Nevis Crossing an extended marginal strip will also protect the small cryptic skink found in the rocky bluffs and grassland strips above the river. Fencing will be desirable in this locality. Also, fencing of two small creeks on Ben Nevis is desirable to protect the as yet unnamed Otago galaxid that is only found in the Nevis Valley.

6. Public access is necessary into the proposed conservation estate and while legal paper roads provide theoretical access points, agreements need to be in place relating to the use of formed farm tracks. These key farm tracks run up the broad western front faces above the Nevis River. These tracks will be "as of right" walking and mountain biking access easements, with vehicle use being subject to permission from the landholder which will not be unduly denied. However, permission for vehicle use may be declined for farming or climatic reasons. Access up these tracks provides direct relatively easy access into the conservation estate. Use of the riparian strips is largely impractical as the creeks rise steeply once they are confine by adjoining ridges.

The key access points are highlighted on the attached map. The unformed legal road heading north to the Doolans Saddle will become a surveyed easement based on the existing farm track lower down the hill slopes and be subject to similar access provisions as outlined above.

Access into the conservation estate on Craigroy is provided for from the Nevis Road when it passes through the proposed conservation estate.

Access to the Nevis River will occur through existing marginal strips, the conservation area on Schoolhouse Flat and via an easement near the Nevis Historic Reserve.

MANAGEMENT CONSIDERATIONS

Some 7944 ha could become conservation estate to be managed by DOC. The areas on troth properties would be contiguous with existing DOC estate and enhance recreation and ecological protection of existing areas. Several issues would need to be addressed. These are as follows:

1. Public Access

Key access easements under the Conservation Act should be identified by appropriate signs and stiles and markers over the freehold land where necessary. These access points should be for non-vehicular use, unless permission is sought from the landowner. Some of these routes may not he developed in the short term, but may become available as demand increases. The access point north to the Doolans Saddle should become a surveyed easement and could he available for foot and vehicle access, the latter being subject to farming and weather conditions. The access road from Watts Rock to the Cairnmuir Block should continue to be used by 4WD vehicles and may require periodic maintenance.

2. Recreation

Access routes into the DOC estate should provide for improved recreation opportunities. Many of these opportunities can be successfully catered for with minimal management input. Heliskiing and concessions in existence or proposed, should be formalised.

Recreation in the valley floor will need defining and managing. Limited facilities such as toilets, along with signposting, may be desirable in the near future. Where possible this will be confined to the historic reserve to ensure minimal disturbance to the surrounding farmland.

3. Grazing

Grazing should not be a feature of the 7994 ha of conservation estate. Fences are already in place on the Ben Nevis area and will only require periodic maintenance. While these fences are old they are adequate and sections could be improved as part of this tenure review deal. On Craigroy a new fence would be required alongside or near to the Carrick water race. This will destock this entire area.

Grazing of the historic reserve will be on a long-term basis, with activities such as OSTD and weed control permitted. The only constraint will be the requirement to obtain consent from Historic Places Trust and Department of Conservation prior to any earth disturbance. The Schoolhouse Flat special area should be wholly a joint approach with monitoring a DOC responsibility. Stocking rates of this area will be dependent on scientific and farming advice. Fencing of this area could facilitate better stock control and allow for stock manipulation to ensure survival of existing plant species.

4. Pest Control

Goat control in the Hectors could be an ongoing management problem and form part of a broader control plan. Chamois and pigs will probably be controlled, where necessary by recreational shooting. Rabbits will not affect the higher altitude lands, but some control may be required in the historic reserve and Schoolhouse Flat lease area if numbers start affecting the conservation values.

Briar and matagouri control around historic sites may be required periodically. Scattered broom in the Nevis River bed should be controlled or eliminated if possible. Hawkweed may possibly affect the Schoolhouse Flat area, but if possible the management regime will be designed to inhibit its spread and in the longer term eliminate it.

5. Landscape Protection

A covenant should cover the entire freehold of troth properties as outlined earlier. It is envisaged that the following management prescription will apply in order to protect the special character and identity of the valley.

a Management which retains or improve the appearance of continuous tussock cover would be encouraged. This would not preclude oversowing, topdressing and cultivation.

b Management which protects the extensive cultural character including both early mining and early pastoral character.

c Buildings, structures and earthworks require sensitive siting and design. No production forestry or block of trees. Shelterbelt planting requires careful siting and design.

e Applications for mining to be considered on merit.

6. Historic Sites

Management of the majority of the sites should not require any specific input. Some of the old buildings around the Nevis township area may require fences to keep stock away. Stone walls may require stabilising or restoration. A conservation plan for the sites and general area will have to be jointly developed with the landowner.

The Masters homestead requires some remedial work and could he fully restored as funds permit. The environs around the Masters homestead would make an ideal picnic area adjacent to the main road. Vegetation control around key buildings and sites may be required. Transferring some of the existing small sections to the Crown or landowner could form part of this tenure exercise as part of a general rationalisation.

7. Hydro Electricity Generation

The Nevis Valley is protected in part by the Kawarau River Conservation Order. This order does however allow for low key hydro development. Currently the Otago Power Board is investigating the feasibility of damming the lower Nevis. This concept is still in its development stages but it is likely that a low dam will be constructed at the Nevis Crossing. This dam will drown the marginal strips and river to the 664.4 metres (2180 feet) mark just beyond the Nevis River and Schoolhouse Creek confluence. This lake will not affect the planned covenant on Schoolhouse Flat nor the historic reserve and will only inundate the first terrace above the river. 'This inundation includes the farm buildings on Craigroy and Ben Nevis some of the recent dredge tailings and elevator holes. This scheme is outside the scope of this report and is a separate process.

If the property remains pastoral lease the consent from the Commissioner of Crown Lands would be required. This consent currently could be freely given without taking into account any conservation values. DOC could only comment under the Resource Management Act process. Under freehold title the same process consents under the RM Act applies. The Commissioner's consent is not required. Freehold title will allow the landowner some freedom to negotiate freely with the local authorities.

The department however is keen that prior to any development a full-scale study is made of the area to adequately document all the sites and buildings. This may mean full archaeological exploration and reciting existing buildings because of their historic context.

Any hydro development proposals should recognise the character of the area and relevant plans for landscape and recreation should he cooperatively developed.

8. Gold Mining

The lower Nevis River bed has been dredged for gold in recent times. The lower section of Schoolhouse Creek is the subject of a mining licence which to date has not been activated. The upper Nevis Valley is currently being mined and it is anticipated mining interests will continue in the lower valley. However protection of key sites within the historic reserve and over the covenanted freehold land should offer historic sites some protection from future mining investigations.

9. Marginal Strips

Extensive marginal strips have been laid off on some of the creeks on Ben Nevis at lease renewal and provide for riparian and fishery protection.

Mike Clare

Senior Conservation Officer (PNAP/Pastoral)

END