Jo Ritchie and friend at a kiwi release. |
At long last and after considerable hard work the Bream Head Conservation Trust is ready to release its Assessment of Environmental Effects Report. The AEE presents a comprehensive description of the proposal to build a pest-proof fence at the Bream Head Scenic Reserve and includes an assessment of the effects on the environment of the Trust’s proposed fencing, animal pest eradication programme, and associated activities.
The AEE has been compiled by Jo Ritchie (Natural Logic Environmental Management). Jo’s considerable experience in conservation and environmental impact assessment includes working as the project manager for Auckland’s Tawharanui Regional Park during the building of its pest-proof fence.
Jo has received input from a wide range of professionals and the document has been peer-reviewed by the Trust and the Department of Conservation, with specific sections reviewed by the Maungatautari Trust, Jackie Nairn (Friend of the BHRP, Duffill Watts Consulting Group) and Alan Saunders (Pacific Invasive Initiative ecologist).
The proposal is being investigated as part of a larger community initiative to restore and enhance an area that has been identified by scientists and DOC as being of outstanding conservation value. Once the fence has been built the next critical phase is the actual removal of the all mammalian pests. This barrier and pest eradication approach is the only way in which maximum protection of threatened flora and fauna species and ecosystems can be achieved on the mainland.
The AEE includes four Sections. The first describes the Bream Head Partnership, the Reserve, its cultural heritage, its geology, landscape, and ecology.
Section 2 covers the restoration programme with, amongst other things, a detailed description of the pest-proof fence, its location, design, earthworks and vegetation clearance, monitoring and maintenance of the fence, construction duration and the timing between completion of the fence and pest eradication. Also in Section 2 eradication principles and options are discussed with recommendations for Bream Head, including a discussion on the risks involved, the revegetation programme planned, and a programme for the reintroduction of native species.
Section 3 covers legal requirements such as resource consents, those pertaining to DOC and a Code of Practice.
The last section looks at risk assessment and performance standards with respect to the ecosystem, an assessment of the proposed project on soil and water quality, on non-target fauna species, on human health and community wellbeing, and on cultural heritage.
In part the AEE has been compiled for resource consent and a summary has been produced for this purpose. But the full document goes well beyond these requirements. Too big to e-mail, it will be available on request as a CD. To obtain a copy e-mail the Bream Head Conservation Trust on info@breamheadtrust.org.nz or write to The Secretary, Bream Head Conservation Trust, P O Box 855, Whangarei. E-mailed or hard copies of the summary will also be available.
Very best wishes
David Monro
To request AEE Report copies please click here and use the form provided... |
