Post on 30-Jan-2023
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Ph 07-343-9017; Fax 07-343-9018, email ecology@wildlands.co.nz, www.wildlands.co.nz
PEST PLANT MONITORING AND CONTROL PLAN FOR THE TURITEA WIND FARM
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii May 2019
Project Team: Keely Paler - Report Author Astrid van Meeuwen-Dijkgraaf - Peer Review William Shaw - Peer Review Prepared for: Mercury NZ Ltd Hamilton
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii © 2019
CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. PEST PLANT MANAGEMENT GOALS 1
3. SITE OVERVIEW 1
4. PEST PLANTS 2 4.1 Overview 2 4.2 National pest plant accord 2 4.3 Unwanted organisms register 4 4.4 Regional pest management plan 4
4.5 Palmerston North City 5 4.6 Tararua District Council 5 4.7 Department of Conservation’s environmental pest plants 5 4.8 Agricultural pest plants 6
5. PEST PLANT HYGIENE 7
5.1 Selection of and preparation of a clean-down site 7
5.2 Vehicle, machinery, and equipment hygiene 8 5.3 Material other than machines 11
6. PEST PLANT MONITORING 12 6.1 Overview 12
6.2 Initial survey and control 12 6.3 Drive-by surveys 13
6.4 Monitoring of control effectiveness 13 6.5 Annual walk-over surveys 14
6.6 Post-construction walking transects 14
7. PEST PLANT MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL 15 7.1 Control priorities 15 7.2 Pest plant management units 20
7.3 Management methods 35 7.4 Reporting 36
8. PLAN REVIEW 36
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 36
REFERENCES 37
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii © 2019
APPENDICES 1. Relevant consent conditions 38 2. Pest plants species recorded at the Turitea Wind farm 39 3. Species-specific control methods 42
Reviewed and approved for release by:
_______________________ W.B. Shaw Director/Principal Ecologist Wildland Consultants Ltd
Wildland Consultants Ltd 2019 This report has been produced by Wildland Consultants Ltd for Mercury Energy Ltd. All copyright in this report is the property of Wildland Consultants Ltd and any unauthorised publication, reproduction, or adaptation of this report is a breach of that copyright.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 1 © 2019
1. INTRODUCTION
Mercury NZ Ltd was granted resource consents in 2011 for the proposed Turitea
Wind Farm, on the northern end of the Tararua Range. Sixty turbine sites are
consented: 33 in the Northern Zone and 27 in the Southern Zone. At this stage, only
the northern section is being constructed, which will require earthworks, vegetation
clearance and other site disturbances, and may potentially spread pest plant species
within or introduce novel pest plant species to the site.
This Pest Plant Monitoring and Control Plan for Turitea Wind Farm (hereafter
referred to as the Pest Plant Plan) sets out methods to monitor and control pest plants
currently on site, and those that may be introduced as a result of construction or wind
farm activities. It outlines methods for preventing the introduction of new weeds,
techniques for detecting any new weed establishments, and methods for management
and control of all pest plant species within the Turitea wind farm.
This Pest Plant Monitoring and Control Plan addresses the Northern Turbine Zone
(Figure 1).
2. PEST PLANT MANAGEMENT GOALS
The goals of pest plant management for the Turitea Wind Farm are to:
Maintain existing pest plant species densities and distributions at baseline levels.
Prevent establishment of novel pest plant species.
Control pest plants within indigenous plantings at Browns Flat.
This will be achieved by:
Undertaking regular pest plant monitoring and control operations.
Establishing and maintaining effective weed hygiene practices.
3. SITE OVERVIEW
Within the Turitea wind farm site there will be two main construction zones and one
restoration zone which will be subjected to different activities at different times:
The Northern Turbine Zone is comprised of 33 consented turbines in the
northern-most section of the site. These turbines will be the first to be
constructed.
The Transmission Corridor involves clearing areas to install power pylons.
These will be helicoptered into location and do not require the creation of other
roads and tracks.
The Browns Flat Mitigation Plantings are not part of the construction footprint,
but will be restored with indigenous plant species as part of a wind farm
mitigation package.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 2 © 2019
In addition, Mercury has long-term leases with several different land managers.
These Land Manager Zones will have implications on current and future land use and
the identity of plant species considered to be pests.
Private landowners (Priv), directly affected by the wind farm infrastructure
(excluding transmission line). The majority of this land is comprised of pasture
grassland which is used for agricultural purposes.
Palmerston North City Council manages two areas of land which will be affected
by the Turitea Wind Farm
- Turitea Water Supply Catchment (TWSC), which mainly comprises
indigenous forest and scrub. Within the Northern Turbine Zone, 14 of the
consented turbine locations lie within the Turitea Water Catchment Reserve.
- Browns Flat (BF), which is mainly comprised of rank grassland and valley
floor riparian wetlands.
4. PEST PLANTS
4.1 Overview
A range of introduced plant species are pests, or prone to becoming pests.
Environmental and agricultural pest plant species are likely to be present within the
Turitea Wind Farm site. Environmental pest plants are those that take over and
dominate indigenous ecosystems and habitats. Agricultural pest plants reduce the
productive capacity of agricultural land. Pest plant species currently known to be
present at the Wind Farm site are listed in Appendix 2, along with priorities for
control.
The National Pest Plant Accord, the Unwanted Organisms Register, and the Horizons
Regional Pest Management Plan identify pest plant species of concern that need to be
monitored and controlled.
Whilst species listed in these plans should be prioritised for control, any new
environmental pest-plant species identified during the weed monitoring process will
also need to be included in this Plan, and controlled as appropriate.
4.2 National pest plant accord
National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA)1 is an agreement to prevent the sale and/or
distribution of specified pest plants where either formal or casual horticultural trade is
the most significant way of spreading the plant species in New Zealand.
1 Listed on Ministry for Primary Industries Unwanted Organisms Register accessed on 08 January 2019
https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/finding-and-reporting-pests-and-diseases/pest-and-
disease-search?Customisnppa=1
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 4 © 2019
Plant species present at the wind farm site and listed in the NPPA are:
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)
Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)
4.3 Unwanted organisms register
The Unwanted Organisms Register1 is a list of unwanted organisms which are defined
in the Biosecurity Act 1993 as any organism a chief technical officer believes capable
of causing unwanted harm to any natural and physical resource or to human health. It
also includes any new organisms under the Environmental Risk Management
Authority or any organism specified in the Second Schedule of the Hazardous
Substances and New Organisms Act 1996. It is an offence to breed, knowingly
communicate, exhibit, multiply, propagate, release or sell an unwanted organism
unless permission is obtained from a chief technical officer. Plant species which may
be present at the wind farm site and listed on the Unwanted Organisms Register are:
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)
Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)
Tradescantia fluminensis
4.4 Regional pest management plan
Horizons Regional Council’s Regional Pest Management Plan lists species subject to
pest plant control activities. Pest plants are assigned to one of four categories
(Exclusion, Eradication, Progressive Containment or Sustained Control), which are
described below.
Exclusion Programme
Exclusion pest plants are present in New Zealand, but not yet established in the
Manawatu-Wanganui Region, although they have the potential to become a serious
pest in the future. The principle objective for Exclusion pest plants is to prevent their
establishment in the region. Section 100V of the Act may be used to instigate
emergency control of new incursions of pests that are not otherwise listed in this Plan.
No Exclusion pests are known from the Turitea Reserve.
Eradication Programme
These pests are present in the Manawatu-Wanganui Region but are limited in their
size or extent of infestation, or their eradication is feasible and a cost-effective
solution to protecting production or environmental values into the future. The
principle objective for Eradication pest plants is to eradicate them from the region. In
the short to medium term, eradication involves reducing infestation levels of the
subject to zero levels. This category includes potentially invasive pests where their
rate of increase or geographic extent is not well known, but is assumed to be at low
densities or low geographic spread.
1 Listed on Ministry for Primary Industries Unwanted Organisms Register accessed on 08 January 2019
https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor/searchframe.htm
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 5 © 2019
One Eradication pest plant species may be present within the Turitea Reserve:
Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)
Progressive Containment Programme
The intermediate outcome is to contain and reduce the geographic distribution of the
pest to an area over time. Containment usually arises in situations where the subject
is at high densities in part of the Manawatu-Wanganui Region, but of low extent or
limited range. Eradication is not feasible, but it is feasible to prevent the pest from
spreading to other parts of the Region or to eradicate the pest from other parts of the
Manawatu-Wanganui Region.
Five Progressive Containment Programme pest plant species may be within the
Turitea Reserve:
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)
Broom species (Cytisus sp.)
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.)
Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Yellow ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris)
Sustained Control Programme
The Sustained Control Programme covers species which Horizons District Council
has determined the levels of which can be cost-effectively reduced to reduce their
impacts on economic values and/or environmental values are (i.e. that the cost of
control is less than the opportunity costs that arise if these pests go unmanaged).
These pests are widespread within the Manawatu-Wanganui Region. The focus is on
ensuring pest plant densities do not reach a level where they are causing significant
impacts. Sustained control is a strategy for pests of low to moderate densities, but of
such wide geographical spread that they cannot be easily eradicated. No Sustained
Control pests are known from the Turitea Reserve.
4.5 Palmerston North City
Pest plant policy refers to the Horizons Pest Management Strategy.
4.6 Tararua District Council
Pest plant policy refers to the Horizons Pest Management Strategy.
4.7 Department of Conservation’s environmental pest plants
Environmental pest plants are species which invade indigenous ecosystems and
adversely affect the survival of indigenous flora and fauna. A comprehensive list of
these has been collated by the Department of Conservation (Howell 2009) and the
following environmental pest plant species may be present within the Turitea Wind
Farm:
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 6 © 2019
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)
Radiata pine (Pinus radiata)
Tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis)
Wild broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa)
Blackberry (R. fruticosus agg.)
Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Browntop (Agrostis capillaris)
Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata)
Red fescue (Festuca rubra subsp. rubra)
Floating sweetgrass (Glyceria maxima)
Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus)
Perennial rye grass (Lolium perenne)
Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum subsp. arundinaceum)
Jointed rush (Juncus articulates)
Soft rush (Juncus effusus)
Montbretia (Crocosmia × crocosmiiflora)
Tradescantia fluminensis
Californian thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Marsh thistle (Cirsium palustre)
Scotch thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Purple cudweed (Gamochaeta spicata)
Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris)
Lotus (Lotus pedunculatus)
Woolly nightshade (Solanum mauritianum)
Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum)
4.8 Agricultural pest plants
Agricultural pest plants are species that interfere with the farming objectives of the
land. As many of the turbines are to be built within pasture areas used primarily for
grazing and other farming purposes, the introduction of agricultural pest plants may
have an impact on landowners.
AgPest from AgResearch have developed an agricultural pest directory listing
agricultural pests and provides practical information on them. The following pest
plant species have been recorded:
Annual poa (Poa annua)
Blackberry (Rubus fruticosus agg.)
California thistle (Cirsium arvense)
Catsear (Hypochaeris radicata)
Creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens)
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea)
Giant buttercup (Ranunculus acris)
Gorse (Ulex europaeus)
Lodgepole pine (Pinus contorta)
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 7 © 2019
Mouse-ear chickweed (Cerastium fontanum)
Oxtongue (Helminthotheca echioides)
Ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris)
Scotch thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris)
Sow thistle (Sonchus oleraceus)
Wild broom (Cytisus scoparius)
Woolly mullein (Verbascum Thapsus)
5. PEST PLANT HYGIENE
The following pest plant hygiene methods address the protocol required to prevent the
introduction of new pest plant species to the site.
A nominated person will manage any current or future pest plant issues. They will be
responsible for developing skills in identifying common agricultural and
environmental pest plans and must know how to access services necessary for the
identification of suspect plants. A visual inspection for pest plants should be
conducted as part of routine Health and Safety, Risks and Hazards check of the site,
and the nominated person must know how to respond to the presence of particular
pest plants.
A Pest Plant Plan will be available at the site office that identifies all pest plants
known from the site and outlines best practice protocols for dealing with each species.
A useful resource is https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/. If new species are located then
information about these will be added to the Pest Plant Plan. A suitably qualified (e.g.
Grow Safe certified) and experienced person will control or otherwise remove pest
plants and maintain a record in the Pest Plant Plan of where the plants were located,
how the plants were controlled (or removed and disposed of), and the success of these
control operations. These records will be available at the site office. In addition, a
map of the site will mounted in a highly visible location illustrating pest plant focus
areas where extra precautions may be necessary to avoid relocating pest plants; this
map as a minimum will highlight areas of new-to-the-site species, species known to
spread quickly, or hard to control pest plant species.
To educate all staff on site, photographic examples of all relevant plant pests will be
displayed in the site office. All staff will be instructed to look out for and remove
such plants from the site or their machinery once identified. Such plants shall be
placed in the designated “Pest Plant Bin” for appropriate disposal. Staff will be
encouraged to contribute to the records in the Pest Plant Plan.
Other hygiene methods proposed to reduce the spread of pest plants are listed below.
5.1 Selection of and preparation of a clean-down site
Heavy machinery should be cleaned down at the end of each job or when moving
onto the site. Clean-down procedures include washing, blowing, vacuuming,
sweeping, steam-clearing and dislodging unwanted material from equipment,
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 8 © 2019
machinery and personnel. An appropriate site needs to be chosen and prepared for
clean-down activities. Contractors must undertake the following, as appropriate:
Consult with the landholder and Horizons Regional Council pest plans Officer
about an appropriate clean-down site. In many situations, clean-down is best
undertaken in the vicinity of where the work has been undertaken rather than
moving elsewhere on the property or onto a new site.
Select a site (or sites) at the edge of or close to areas where pest plants already
exist or will not grow, e.g. land sloping back into an infested area or adjacent
areas not susceptible to pest plant infestation such as sealed road.
Always locate clean-down sites at least 30 metres from a watercourse or storm-
water drain and where runoff or other clean-down products will not enter the
watercourse. This will prevent spread of pest plants downstream or pollution of
the watercourse.
When water is used, the clean-down area should be mud-free and gently drained
away from the vehicle, e.g. gently-sloped, well-grassed, gravelled, or paved
surface.
When water is used and large quantities of effluent result or there is a risk of
extensive overland flow and low soil infiltration or high soil erosion, then the
clean-down area should be bunded and a sump constructed to dispose of effluent.
Mark, map and record clean-down sites with the landowner and the Horizons
Regional Council pest plants Officer for subsequent monitoring and pest plant
control.
5.2 Vehicle, machinery, and equipment hygiene
General Clean-Down Procedure
The Site Manager will be responsible for ensuring that vehicles, machines, or items of
equipment are cleaned thoroughly. Contractors must follow this general clean down
procedure to a high standard, as appropriate, at the end of each job and before moving
to a new location. A log should be kept of what was cleaned, when and if any
unwanted organisms found, what were they and what was done with them. If the
contractor can not provide proof that cleaning has been undertaken at the previous
location then cleaning will be undertaken at the designated cleaning site at the new
works location.
Park the vehicle, machine or item of equipment safely (e.g. overhead power line
precautions taken).
Inspect the vehicle, machine or item of equipment inside and out for soil and plant
material, including seeds. Remove guards, covers or plates if required. Put any
suspect plants or plant parts into the bins provided.
Knock off clods of mud. Use a crow bar if necessary.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 9 © 2019
Use a vacuum, compressed air, or a brush for removing plant material from the
radiator and other small spaces.
Clean down with a high pressure hose and stiff brush or crowbar. Use freshwater
when washing down in the field. Start with the underside of the vehicle then
progress to the sides and upper body.
Clean any associated implements (e.g. buckets).
Check for and remove loose soil or plant material that could be readily dislodged,
and dispose of appropriately.
Steam clean or rinse vehicle with clean water when cleaning in wash bays.
Sweep or vacuum the cabin, including mats, floor and under the seat.
Wash effluent away from vehicle. Do not drive through wash effluent.
Specific Clean-Down Procedures: Tractors and Other Wheeled Machinery
Contractors responsible for tractors and other wheeled machinery must systematically
inspect and clean, as appropriate, according to the following procedure:
Remove shields and covers where necessary.
Wash down the body of the tractor including engine compartment grill, chassis,
undercarriage, cab steps, hollow sections in front axle tubes, guards and axle
housing, around fuel tank, hollow sections in draw-bars, general holes, ledges,
gaps and crevices in body including damaged boots and covers plates where
material may lodge.
Clean tyres including inside and outside wheels, rims, spaces between dual wheels
and chains, if fitted.
Clean around mechanisms such as gearboxes and three point linkages.
Clean the engine bay, including radiator, oil cooler, grill, air filters and sound
deadening panels.
Clean attached implements such as buckets and blades, including teeth and
adaptor plates.
Clean hydraulic arms, in particular crevices where material may lodge.
Clean the cabin, including mats, floor and under seats.
Recheck around the outside of machine and replace shields and covers.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 10 © 2019
Specific Clean-Down Procedures: Ground-Engaging Equipment
Contractors responsible for ground-engaging equipment such as ploughs, discs, drills,
seeders, posthole diggers, vegetation planting equipment and rippers must
systematically inspect and clean, as appropriate, using to the following procedure:
Remove bulk of soil by scraping or dislodging with a crowbar or similar.
Clean bearing housings.
Dislodge soil from and wash or brush down discs, shears, cutters, and tynes.
Dislodge soil from and wash wheels, tyres, and conveyors.
Clean out any holding bins.
Dislodge soil from and wash or brush down chassis, frames, hollow frames and
axles.
Clean down lifting mechanisms.
Dislodge soil from and wash down or brush safety guards.
Specific Clean-Down Procedures: More Delicate Equipment
All equipment that could be damaged by water-blasting must systematically inspected
and cleaned, as appropriate, according to the following procedure:
Detach front and clean where practical.
Remove shields and covers where practical.
Blow or brush down the outside of the machine.
Clean the stone trap/s if fitted.
Clean all elevators, slides, augers, drums and concaves.
Clean around mechanisms such as gearboxes and pullies.
Clean the straw spreader or chopper.
Run the machine at high speed to ensure everything is dislodged.
Check and clean around the fan housing, sieves and screens.
Clean the engine bay including radiator, grill, air filters, and oil cooler.
Brush or blow out grain bins and seedling trays.
Clean-out pickup and around bale chamber and knotters area (balers only).
Clean the cabin, including mats, floor and under the seat.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 11 © 2019
Recheck around the outside of machine and replace shields and covers:
- Use only compressed air or a large vacuum cleaner. Empty vacuum cleaner
bag on the property at a site agreed to with the landowner or in the pest plant
bins provided.
- Do not clean with high water pressure. This can cause serious damage to
equipment.
5.3 Material other than machines
Any material delivered to the site needs to be covered during transportation to
prevent contamination. These measures can include covering with material such
as tarpaulin, enclosing materials in a container, or chemical (or other appropriate)
treatment.
Base metal and sealing chips will only be accepted from inspected and clean
quarries or sources. The waybill should be inspected to ensure that the material
has come from an approved source.
Any outside top soil or mulch that may be required will be inspected, for pest
plants prior to delivery. If possible the soil or mulch should be steam treated prior
to delivery to kill seeds, or quarantined on site for at least four weeks to determine
how weedy the material may be.
Sites of stockpiled and exposed soil, on disturbed land, act as pseudo-colonising
substrate, where generalist pest plant species are likely to emerge or colonise from
the local pest plant seed bank in the stripped topsoil. If soil is required to be
stored on site for short periods (e.g. less then a couple of weeks) then they will be
covered with tarpaulins or weed matting cloth to prevent weed seeds establishing
on the soil and to slow the growth of any pest plans contained within the soil.
If soil is to be stored or exposed for a longer period then the mound or strip will be
sprayed with an appropriate grass seed mix to retain the soil and help prevent pest
plans establishing.
Nursery stock arriving to be replanted will be inspected and any pest plans and
liverworts removed and disposed of (to a sanitary landfill site), before planting
out. A specific site needs to be set aside for this replanting stock. If possible,
steam-cleaned soil will be obtained for replanting the nursery stock to reduce the
risk of pest plant invasion.
Note that in Palmerston North there is also the risk of translocating the plague
skink (Lampropholis delicata) and/or its eggs with soil and planting stock. Ensure
that planting stock and soil are sourced from a supplier that has good plague skink
management procedures in place, or is not known to be within the plague skink
area. All plant stock should be inspected for eggs prior to and during planting and
any observed eggs should be reported to determine best course of action.
Earthworks will be accompanied with stormwater and sediment control measures
(including revegetation), to reduce sedimentation (and transport of pest plant
propagules) and nutrification of natural and manmade waterways which degrade
riparian margins (and others) and enhance their suitability for pest plant
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 12 © 2019
establishment. This is especially important within the Turitea Water Catchment
Reserve and all associated waterways.
6. PEST PLANT MONITORING
6.1 Overview
Monitoring inspections for pest plant species will be carried out by suitably qualified
and experienced people. This will be undertaken across the entire wind farm and in
any adjacent habitats which may be affected by construction, which have been
defined for the purpose of this project as being within 10 metres of any construction
works. These inspections will be undertaken once prior to works commencing and
then at three-monthly intervals (as a minimum) from the start of construction and
throughout the construction phase until one year after completion of construction.
The locations of pest plants located will be recorded and then controlled or removed
as per best practice protocols set out in the Pest Plant Plan.
One year after construction has been completed, the frequency of monitoring will be
reassessed. However, pest plant inspections and associated pest plant control will be
undertaken at a minimum of annually for the duration of wind farm operation in all
areas that were affected by construction works. Shorter monitoring intervals may be
required if problematic pest plant species are present. Such monitoring methods
allow the early detection of pest plants into the site, or of pest plants that are
spreading within the site.
6.2 Initial survey and control
An initial survey for pest plant species will be carried out in the month prior to
construction commencing. This survey will establish a baseline of pest plant
abundances and distributions, and will be used to inform and add to listed pest plant
species in Appendix 3. It will be carried out by a suitably experienced person who
will search for pest plant species along the entire extent of works, including within ten
metres of any construction works. If the construction work is carried out in stages,
then this initial survey should also be staged.
Any pest plants located during this survey will be identified, their locations recorded
and mapped on the pest plant map, as described in the ‘Pest Plant Hygiene’ section
above. Any high priority species will be controlled as soon as possible and at a
minimum, prior to works commencing. High priority species to be controlled are:
Montbretia
Broom species (on private land, along South Range Road (SRR) and within the
Southern Turbine Zone (STZ))
Reed sweetgrass
Licorice plant
Bluebell
Yellow ragwort
Himalayan honeysuckle (SRR and within the STZ)
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 13 © 2019
Lodgepole pine
Radiata pine (wildings)
Blackberry
Woolly nightshade
Tradescantia
Gorse
Hemp agrimony
Spanish heath
All other pest plants located at the site will either be controlled or efforts made to
ensure they don’t spread beyond their current distributions.
6.3 Drive-by surveys
Drive-by surveys of the wind farm will be carried out pre- and post-construction,
every three months from the start of construction until one year after the completion
of construction, as per Consent Condition 41.2. At the one-year post construction
anniversary, drive-by surveys shall be undertaken at least annually, or more
frequently as required.
This will require two people to drive slowly along all areas subject to wind farm
construction and note and map the location (including GPS coordinates) and
infestation size (area) of any new pest plant species. If novel or unknown species are
seen then a sample of the plant(s) is to be collected for identification or verification,
and photographs are to be taken and added to the Pest Plant Plan. The locations of
any new pest plant species or populations will be added to the Pest Plant Plan and
methods for control and/or removal of these species. The person or contractor in
charge of pest plant control will receive a copy of the information for any new
locations or new to the site pest plants so that these can be dealt with in a suitable
manner.
As the wind farm is constructed, areas difficult to view during drive-by surveys
(within the wind farm footprint and within ten metres of any construction activities),
should be identified and noted in the Pest Plant Plan and on the Pest Plant Map.
These areas then need to be surveyed by systematic post-construction walk-through
inspections.
6.4 Monitoring of control effectiveness
Monitoring of pest plants is essential in order to measure the success of ongoing pest
plant control activities.
All pest plant control activities should be recorded and, as a minimum, the following
data should be collected: staff persons present (Team Leader identified), general
weather conditions, ground covered during the work (via GPS tracking), weed species
controlled and control method, amount and type of chemicals used, and any new weed
infestations located. All staff will carry GPS units to track their movements, and
record points of interest such as certain weed locations or infestations
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 14 © 2019
A map of pest plant species will be used throughout the process to keep track of and
illustrate the location of pest plants. It should also indicate any pest plant focus areas
where extra precautions may be necessary to avoid relocating pest plants, and should
be used to highlight areas of new to the site species, species known to spread quickly
or hard to control pest plant species. This map should also reflect areas subjected to
pest plant control. Various iterations of this map should be kept as a record of pest
plant locations and pest plant control through time.
Quality control of previous pest plant control operations will need to be assessed
concurrently by searching for new plant incursions, using drive-by surveys (as
outlined above) and walking transects (Section 6.6), to search for pest plant species in
areas previously subjected to pest plant control. For key species identified in the Pest
Plant Plan, the density and area of the pest plant infestation needs to be measured and
photopoints will be established on appropriate vantage points to ensure that the target
is achieved.
To determine whether pest control operations have been successful, there should be
similar or fewer pest plants than recorded during the baseline surveys, i.e. a zero net
increase in pest plant species or pest plant densities. Additionally, pest plant control at
revegetation plantings should control all pest plant species, to enable the
establishment of an indigenous canopy.
6.5 Annual walk-over surveys
During the construction phase and after one-year post-construction, all areas affected
by construction activities will be walked over at least annually to locate and assess
any difficult to spot pest plants, for example, species which are low stature or
obscured by taller plants or topography.
This will include scanning for pest plants within ten metres of the construction
footprint. GPS tracks will be recorded by staff undertaking these annual walk-overs
to ensure that all areas affected by construction activities are surveyed adequately.
New infestations or new species will be noted in the Pest Plant Plan and on the Pest
Plant Map, and will be subjected to management and control procedures, as listed
below.
6.6 Post-construction walking transects
Walking transects will be used post-construction of the wind farm as a quality control
mechanism to ensure adequacy of pest plant surveys and pest plant control. The pest
plant species, pest plant density, and location of pest plants will be recorded along
these transects every three months for the first two years post construction and at least
annually thereafter for up to 10 years.
Permanent walking transects will be established in at least five areas with a high
likelihood of pest plant establishment. These areas should include the pest plant
hygiene stations, adjacent to imported soil or on-site soil stockpiles, entry points to
the site, areas with significant infestations that are being controlled, or areas near pest
plants of concern. For every one hectare of construction footprint within these high
likelihood areas, 100 metres of permanent transects will be established. For example,
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 15 © 2019
the northern fill site comprises approximately five and a half hectares, so would
require 550 metres of transect lines to traverse the affected areas, extending at least
10 metres beyond. The purpose of these transects is to carry out quality control for
the removal of pest plants from highly affected areas, and monitoring of pest plant
control success.
All areas noted in Section 6.3 as being difficult to view during drive-by surveys will
need to be surveyed at least annually using transects at least one 100 metre transect
per hectare of area. The pest plant species, pest plant density, and location of pest
plants will be recorded along these transects every three months for the first two years
post-construction and at least annually thereafter for a further three years. The
purpose of these transects is to ensure that the whole site is adequately surveyed for
pest plants, including areas not immediately visible from vehicle-accessible areas.
Any new pest plant species or infestations will be added to the Pest Plant Map as
specified in the section above on ‘Pest Plant Hygiene’.
Species, locations, and area of coverage for pest plant species seen on these transects
will be noted in the Pest Plant Plan and on the Pest Plant Map, and will be subject to
active management and control procedures as set out below.
7. PEST PLANT MANAGEMENT AND CONTROL
7.1 Control priorities
All environmental and agricultural pest plants (refer to Section 4 and Appendix 2) that
are currently on land intended for wind farm purposes or are introduced as part of
wind farm activities should be removed or controlled. Additionally, an area at
Browns Flat is not part of a construction zone, but will be restored with indigenous
plant species as part of a mitigation package (Wildland Consultants 2019b) and will
also need to be subject to pest plant control.
Pest plant species have been ranked according to their relative priority for control.
For some species, this ranking is dependent on its location within the wind farm.
These rankings are listed in Appendix 2. This list may be adjusted or amended as
additional pest plant species are discovered or if the densities of these species change
over time.
Plants which have been ranked as a high priority for control are either species listed in
the National Pest Plant Accord, the Unwanted Organisms Register, or within this
Horizons Regional Council Pest Management Plan, or are currently present in low
densities, so should be controlled to prevent further establishment and spread. These
species require management as soon as possible.
Plants which have been ranked as a moderate priority for control tend to be ones
which can have a significant impact on indigenous and/or agricultural ecosystems,
and are currently present in moderate or occasional densities within the wind farm
site. These species require active management.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 16 © 2019
Plants which are listed as having a low priority for control are ones which have a low
impact on indigenous and/or agricultural ecosystems, or are common or widespread
within the wind farm. These species should be controlled in areas to prevent their
spread or establishment of any infestation, or should be controlled to prevent their
impact on revegetation plantings.
Some plant species have been listed as requiring no control at this stage as they are
providing ecological benefits, including a food source for indigenous bird species or a
nurse crop allowing for the establishing of indigenous plant species. Rankings for
these species may need to be reassessed again at a later date.
These species-based rankings provide the basis for prioritisation of pest plant control
activities. This prioritisation is further determined by the current vegetation type and
intended land use. The following vegetation/habitat types will be subjected to
different pest plant control methods:
Areas of Himalayan honeysuckle-indigenous scrub have regenerated since pine stands
were felled in 2011. These areas initially regenerated with a high proportion of exotic
species, dominated by Himalayan honeysuckle, but were relatively quickly succeeded
by indigenous broadleaved scrub. It is anticipated that pine stands felled in 2018 will
follow a similar regeneration trajectory. Himalayan honeysuckle should therefore not
be subject to control as it is acting as an effective ‘nursery’ plant, enabling the
establishment of indigenous species able to out-compete the exotic species. Other
pest plant species in these vegetation types include licorice plant (Helichrysum
petiolare) and blackberry (Rubus. fruticosus agg.), which should be controlled as soon
as possible as they are currently not widespread and may become an issue if left
uncontrolled.
Areas of pasture grassland, which are currently farmed, are comprised almost entirely
of exotic species. Most of these species are appropriate for grazing purposes.
However, some agricultural pest plant species occur or have the potential to be
introduced as a result of wind farm construction activities, such as ragwort, nettles
and thistles. It would be appropriate to control these species within a 10 metre buffer
of wind farm works to ensure they do not negatively affect the viability of pasture for
farming activities.
Browns Flat is comprised of a high proportion of rank grass and exotic species,
including Yorkshire fog (Holcus lanatus), creeping buttercup (Ranunculus repens),
and lotus (Lotus pedunculatus). These species are preventing widespread
establishment of indigenous plants (Wildland Consultants 2019a). It would be
appropriate to locally control these species in areas subjected to indigenous
revegetation activities. This should be continued until a time where the indigenous
plants have successfully established and can out-compete exotic rank species.
Additionally, gorse, broom, and Himalayan honeysuckle are not currently wide-
spread in Browns Flat and may have negative ecological impacts, reducing the quality
of indigenous vegetation particularly in sphagnum-dominated wetland habitats, and
these species should be controlled within this environment. Tree lucerne
(Chamaecytisus palmensis) and pine (Pinus radiata) are not recommended or control
species at Browns Flat. Tree lucerne provides a valuable food source for birds and
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 17 © 2019
has not significantly spread since about 2005, while radiata pine suppresses rank grass
enabling the establishment of indigenous plant species, although the pines will need to
be removed at some stage.
Areas of mature forest or horopito forest/scrub currently have low levels of pest plant
species. This is particularly the case within the Turitea Water Catchment Reserve.
Any new pest plant species found in these areas should be controlled to prevent their
establishment.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 20 © 2019
7.2 Pest plant management units
Pest plant management units will be used as a framework for all activities. These units are informed by the vegetation types, the
construction or revegetation activities to be undertaken and the currently prevalence of pest plant species. Figure 3, below, includes the
different vegetation types in each of the management units, which include a 10 metre buffer around proposed construction activities.
Management Unit 1: Private land within the northern turbine zone.
Common Name Scientific Name Felled pines
Mosaic of Rimu/Tawa
forest, Tawa forest and
secondary forest
Pasture grassland
Plantation forest
Secondary broadleaved forest
Montbretia Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora High High High High High
Broom species (exotic) Cytisus sp.
High High High High
Spanish heath Erica lusitanica High High High High High
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum High High High High High
Licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare High High High High High
Bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. High High High High High
Yellow ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris High High High High High
Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa
High High High High
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta High High High High High
Radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata
High High
High
Blackberry R. fruticosus agg. High High High High High
Woolly nightshade Solanum mauritianum High High High High High
Tradescantia Tradescantia fluminensis High High High High High
Gorse Ulex europaeus Moderate High Moderate Moderate High
Water pepper Persicaria hydropiper Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
California thistle Cirsium arvense Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Scotch thistle Cirsium vulgare Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea
Moderate Eucalypt Eucalyptus sp. Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Cudweed Gamochaeta coarctata
Moderate Catsear Hypochaeris radicata
Moderate
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris
Moderate
Giant buttercup Ranunculus acris
Moderate Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens
Moderate
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 21 © 2019
Management Unit 2: Turitea Reserve within the northern turbine zone.
Common Name Scientific Name Felled pines
Himalayan honeysuckle-indigenous
scrub
Horopito forest and
scrub
Pasture grassland
Plantation forest
Secondary broadleaved
forest
Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua
tussockland
Montbretia Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora High High High High High High High
Broom species (exotic) Cytisus sp. High High High High High
Spanish heath Erica lusitanica High High High High High High High
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum High High High High High High High
Licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare High High High High High High High
Bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. High High High High High High High
Yellow ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris High High High High High High High
Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa High High High High High
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta High High High High High High High
Radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata High High High High
Blackberry R. fruticosus agg. High High High High High High High
Woolly nightshade Solanum mauritianum High High High High High High High
Tradescantia Tradescantia fluminensis High High High High High High High
Gorse Ulex europaeus Moderate Moderate High Moderate Moderate High High
Water pepper Persicaria hydropiper Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
California thistle Cirsium arvense Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Scotch thistle Cirsium vulgare Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Moderate
Eucalypt Eucalyptus sp. Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Red fescue Festuca rubra subsp. rubra Moderate
Cudweed Gamochaeta coarctata Moderate
Catsear Hypochaeris radicata Moderate
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Moderate
Giant buttercup Ranunculus acris Moderate
Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens Moderate
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 22 © 2019
Management Unit 3: South Range Road and Tracks to Power Pylons 36-44.
Common Name Scientific Name Horopito forest
and scrub Plantation forest
Secondary broadleaved forest
Toetoe and Chionochloa
conspicua tussockland
Montbretia Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora High High High High
Broom species (exotic) Cytisus sp. High High High High
Spanish heath Erica lusitanica High High High High
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum High High High High
Licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare High High High High
Bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. High High High High
Yellow ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris High High High High
Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa High High High High
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta High High High High
Radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata High High High
Blackberry R. fruticosus agg. High High High High
Woolly nightshade Solanum mauritianum High High High High
Tradescantia Tradescantia fluminensis High High High High
Gorse Ulex europaeus High Moderate High High
Water pepper Persicaria hydropiper Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
California thistle Cirsium arvense Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Scotch thistle Cirsium vulgare Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Eucalypt Eucalyptus sp. Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Red fescue Festuca rubra subsp. rubra Moderate
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 23 © 2019
Management Unit 4: Power Pylons 31-35.
Common Name Scientific Name
(Sparse remnant emergent
podocarps)/mixed secondary forest
Horopito forest and scrub
Indigenous shrubs/rank
grasses shrubland
Toetoe and Chionochloa
conspicua tussockland
Montbretia Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora High High High High
Broom species (exotic) Cytisus sp. High High High High
Spanish heath Erica lusitanica High High High High
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum High High High High
Licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare High High High High
Bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. High High High High
Yellow ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris High High High High
Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa High High High High
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta High High High High
Radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata High High High High
Blackberry R. fruticosus agg. High High High High
Woolly nightshade Solanum mauritianum High High High High
Tradescantia Tradescantia fluminensis High High High High
Gorse Ulex europaeus High High High High
Water pepper Persicaria hydropiper Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
California thistle Cirsium arvense Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Scotch thistle Cirsium vulgare Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Eucalypt Eucalyptus sp. Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Red fescue Festuca rubra subsp. rubra Moderate
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 24 © 2019
Management Unit 5: Power pylons and access tracks to Pylons 25-30.
Common Name Scientific Name Horopito
forest and scrub
Horopito/rank grasses
shrubland
Pasture grassland
Plantation forest
Rank pasture
montbretia Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora High High High High High
broom species (exotic) Cytisus sp. High High High High High
Spanish heath Erica lusitanica High High High High High
hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum High High High High High
reed sweetgrass Glyceria maxima High
licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare High High High High High
bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. High High High High High
yellow ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris High High High High High
Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa High High High High High
lodgepole pine Pinus contorta High High High High High
radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata High High High High
blackberry R. fruticosus agg. High High High High High
woolly nightshade Solanum mauritianum High High High High High
tradescantia Tradescantia fluminensis High High High High High
gorse Ulex europaeus High High Moderate Moderate High
water pepper Persicaria hydropiper Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
California thistle Cirsium arvense Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
marsh thistle Cirsium palustre Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Scotch thistle Cirsium vulgare Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
foxglove Digitalis purpurea Moderate
eucalypt Eucalyptus sp. Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
red fescue Festuca rubra subsp. rubra
cudweed Gamochaeta coarctata Moderate
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus Moderate
catsear Hypochaeris radicata Moderate
Juncus articulatus Moderate
soft rush Juncus effusus Moderate
selfheal Prunella vulgaris Moderate
giant buttercup Ranunculus acris Moderate
creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens Moderate
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 25 © 2019
Management Unit 6: Private land required for Pylons 1-24 and the associated access tracks.
Common Name Scientific Name Broadleaved indigenous hardwood
Manuka and or kanuka
Pasture grassland Plantation forest
Montbretia Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora High High High High
Broom species (exotic) Cytisus sp. High High High High
Spanish heath Erica lusitanica High High High High
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum High High High High
Licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare High High High High
Bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. High High High High
Yellow ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris High High High High
Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa High High High High
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta High High High High
Radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata High High High
Blackberry R. fruticosus agg. High High High High
Woolly nightshade Solanum mauritianum High High High High
Tradescantia Tradescantia fluminensis High High High High
Gorse Ulex europaeus Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Water pepper Persicaria hydropiper Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
California thistle Cirsium arvense Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Scotch thistle Cirsium vulgare Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Moderate
Eucalypt Eucalyptus sp. Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate
Cudweed Gamochaeta coarctata Moderate
Catsear Hypochaeris radicata Moderate
Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Moderate
Giant buttercup Ranunculus acris Moderate
Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens Moderate
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 26 © 2019
Management Unit 7: Browns Flat Rehabilitation Area. Common Name Scientific Name Rank Pasture
Montbretia Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora High
Broom species (exotic) Cytisus sp. High
Spanish heath Erica lusitanica High
Hemp agrimony Eupatorium cannabinum High
Reed sweetgrass Glyceria maxima High
Licorice plant Helichrysum petiolare High
Bluebell Hyacinthoides sp. High
Yellow ragwort Jacobaea vulgaris High
Himalayan honeysuckle Leycesteria formosa High
Lodgepole pine Pinus contorta High
Radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata High
Blackberry R. fruticosus agg. High
Woolly nightshade Solanum mauritianum High
Tradescantia Tradescantia fluminensis High
Gorse Ulex europaeus High
Water pepper Persicaria hydropiper Moderate
California thistle Cirsium arvense Moderate
Marsh thistle Cirsium palustre Moderate
Scotch thistle Cirsium vulgare Moderate
Eucalypt Eucalyptus sp. Moderate
Yorkshire fog Holcus lanatus Moderate
Juncus articulatus Moderate
Soft rush Juncus effusus Moderate
Lotus Lotus pedunculatus Moderate
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 35 © 2019
7.3 Management methods
Work will be carried out during appropriate seasons when weeds can be more easily
identified and targeted for control. Weed control methods to be used are described
below, but the exact method to be used for each plant will depend on the species, its
growth stage and location, and the weather conditions on the day when control is
carried out. Isolated weeds, not on the list, and other items of interest will be recorded
(GPS coordinates) and location data will be downloaded at the end of each control
visit. Methods for control of relevant species are outlined in Appendix 3.
All pest plant control operations should first consider options for a manual approach,
but if the application of chemicals is required, then this should be undertaken in line
with the manufacturers’ guidelines, current best practice procedures, and NZ
Standards of agrichemical management (Agrichemical Users’ Code of Practice, NZS
8409 2004: The Management of Agrichemicals). It is recommended that all staff will
be Growsafe certified. Any chemicals used, the type of chemical and the quantities
applied, will be recorded.
All mixing of chemicals, and cleaning and refuelling of equipment will be carried out
greater than 20 metres from surface water bodies, and care will be taken to minimise
the risk of spillage. The volume of herbicide used will be minimised by favouring
more direct and manual methods over foliar spraying. Agrichemical use will be
recorded throughout the project.
In particular:
Only Glyphosate or direct application methods (cut-and-paste) may be used over
flowing water or where there is potential for spray drift into or over water.
All mixing of spray chemicals and cleaning of equipment shall be undertaken at a
sufficient distance (>20 metres) from any surface water body, with appropriate
techniques used to reduce the risk of spillage.
Direct application or manual methods (e.g. cut and stump painting, drill and inject)
should be used to minimise the volume of herbicide used and non-target effects.
Manual releasing of pest plant species from non-target plant species should be
undertaken prior to foliar spraying where practicable.
Methods to be used include:
Cut stump and treat: Used to control woody pest plants and larger climbers that
have woody stems, e.g. broom. Trunks/stems of the plant will be cut close to the
ground and herbicide immediately applied to the stump. This will be either a gel-
based herbicide in an applicator bottle, or a liquid in a small hand held spray bottle.
This is generally recommended for woody pest plants between 0.5 metres and
3.0 metres high.
Cut, release and foliar spray: This method will be used if any thin-stemmed,
multi-stemmed climbers are discovered within the 10 metre buffer. It is most
applicable where cutting and stump treating is impractical, the small stems do not
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 36 © 2019
give sufficient surface area to adequately absorb the herbicide, and where the lower
stems of the weed have enough leaves that can take up the herbicide. This method
involves cutting the climber at such a height that leaves enough foliage to uptake
the chemical, pulling it away from desirable plant(s), and foliar spraying the
section of lower foliage. The remaining section of the pest plant can be left hanging
in trees to decompose over time. Where the weeds are climbing over desirable
vegetation, any parts to be sprayed will be removed and isolated from the desirable
vegetation.
Foliar spray: This method will be used on woody pest plants, e.g. gorse. This is
effective for large patches, particularly of seedlings, and isolated plants, where
there are no immediately adjacent desirable species. Foliar spray would be applied
evenly to the plants, ensuring good cover is achieved. This method cannot be
carried out when rain is imminent and/or during windy periods.
Hand-pulling (non-herbicide manual control): This method will be used on
seedlings and small plants of any of the weed species, provided that the entire plant
and root system can be removed to ensure that resprouting does not occur.
All pest plants removed from the site will be placed in a designated bin, the contents
of which will be disposed of at an appropriate landfill. Any areas of bare soil will be
revegetated as soon as possible to prevent the establishment of further pest plant
species.
7.4 Reporting
An annual report will be submitted to the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council's
Environmental Compliance Manager by 1 July each year for 10 years following the
commencement of construction works, outlining the results of the pest plant
monitoring and control works and reporting on compliance with the Pest Plant
Monitoring and Control Plan.
8. PLAN REVIEW
This plan will be reviewed by the consent holder if required. Any review amendments
will be provided to Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council's Environmental
Compliance Manager for review, acting in a technical certification capacity. Any
amendments shall not be implemented until technical certification has been obtained.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Mason Jackson and Duncan Annandale from Mercury are thanked for initiating this project
and providing useful information
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 37 © 2019
REFERENCES
Agresearch: AgPest. Accessed 09/01/2018 (http://agpest.co.nz/identify/)
Biosecurity New Zealand 2018: Pest and disease search. Accessed 09/01/2019
(https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/finding-and-reporting-pests-and-
diseases/pest-and-disease-search?Customisnppa=1).
Groundtruth. 2018: Native forest restoration and carbon; Browns Flat scoping study.
Prepared for Palmerston North City Council. 13 pp.
Horizons Regional Council 2017: Horizons Regional Council Regional Pest Management
Plan 2017-2037. 73 pp.
Howell C. 2009: Consolidated List of Environmental Weeds in New Zealand. Department of
Conservation Research & Development Series 292. 42 pp.
Ministry for Primary Industries: Unwanted Organisms Register. Accessed on 8 January 2019
(https://www1.maf.govt.nz/uor/searchframe.htm).
Weedbusters NZ 2019: Weedbusters. Accessed 08/01/2018
(https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/).
Wildland Consultants 2019a: Assessment of indigenous revegetation trial plots at Turitea.
Wildland Consultants Ltd Contract Report No. 1950s-xi. Prepared for Mercury
Energy, Wellington. 57 pp.
Wildland Consultants 2019b: Rehabilitation and revegetation plan for Turitea Wind Farm.
Wildland Consultants Ltd Contract Report No. 1950s-xi. Prepared for Mercury
Energy, Wellington. 57 pp.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 38 © 2019
APPENDIX 1
RELEVANT CONSENT CONDITIONS
Weed Monitoring and Control
40. The Consent Holder shall undertake weed monitoring and control over the areas disturbed
by construction and those areas adjacent to the disturbed areas that may, as a result of
construction, be adversely affected by weeds.
41. For the purposes of condition 40, the Consent Holder shall engage a suitably qualified and
experienced ecologist to prepare a Weed Monitoring and Control Plan that shall include
details of the following matters:
41.1 The species to be monitored and controlled (by reference to their status in relevant plans
such as the Regional Plant Pest Management Strategy), including provision to review
those species should a new species be identified within the weed monitoring and control
areas (identified above) once construction has commenced. The list of weeds to be
monitored is to include ecologically-threatening species and shall also take account weeds
of concern to the Manawatu-Wanganui Regional, Palmerston North City and Tararua
District Councils, and that are listed in the National Pest Plant Accord.
41.2 The frequency of weed monitoring inspections across the entire wind farm layout, and
adjacent habitats that could be affected, to be undertaken by a suitably qualified and
experienced person or persons. These shall occur at 3-monthly intervals from the start of
construction until 1 year after the completion of construction. At the 1 year post
construction anniversary, weed monitoring shall be undertaken annually, or more
frequently as required.
41.3 The specification of control intensity requirements and control measures for particular
types of weeds.
41.4 Details of weed hygiene controls, including equipment wash-down sites and facilities, the
sources and hygiene requirements for quarried material, and preventative measures to
prevent weeds being transported to and from the site from and to other locations.
42. The Weed Monitoring and Control Plan shall be integrated with the
Rehabilitation/Revegetation Plan to the extent that both plans relate to the same areas.
43. The Weed Monitoring and Control Plan shall be submitted to the Manawatu-Wanganui
Regional Council's Environmental Compliance Manager for review, acting in a technical
certification capacity, no later than 6 months prior to the commencement of any
construction works. A response should be provided within 30 working days of receipt.
Construction activities must not commence until written certification has been obtained.
44. The Consent Holder shall undertake the weed monitoring and control in accordance with
the Weed Monitoring and Control Plan and shall submit an annual report to the
Manawatu-Wanganui Regional Council's Environmental Compliance Manager by 1 July
each year for 10 years following the commencement of construction works, outlining the
results of the weed monitoring and control works and reporting on compliance with the
Weed Monitoring and Control Plan.
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 39 © 2019
APPENDIX 2
PEST PLANTS SPECIES RECORDED AT THE TURITEA WIND FARM
This appendix lists environmental pest plants and the agricultural pest plants recorded at the Turitea Wind Farm. Where specific locations are known this information is provided including estimates of density. The
inclusion of any species in the National Pest Plant Accord (NPPA), the Horizons Regional Pest Management Plan (HRPMP), or the Unwanted Organisms Register (UOR), Palmerston North City (PNCC) and Tararua
District Councils (TDC) are identified in the appropriate column. Priority for control is based in part on a species being scheduled in on of the Accord, Horizons Pest Management Plan, or on the Unwanted Organisms
Register, but also on the current population size estimate (better to control plants when there is only a small population) and the perceived risk (based on experience from other locations).
Pest plant species previously recorded from within the wind farm project area and their priority for control as determined by their location in the different vegetation/habitat types. Note some species are recorded on
multiple lines if it occurs in different zones and has different priorities between zones, e.g. Japanese honeysuckle would be low priority in NTZ but very high priority on Browns Flat. Table 1: Pest plant species recorded at Turitea Wind Farm.
Scientific Name Common Name Known or Potential
Distribution Density Details
Priority for
Control Reason for Control
National Pest Plant
Accord
Unwanted Organisms
Register
Horizons Regional Council
DOC List Agricultural
Weeds
Achillea millefolium Yarrow Throughout site, mainly grasslands
Can be high. Low Only control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants.
Agrostis capillaris Browntop Throughout site, grasslands and clearings
Widespread in areas without taller canopy species.
No Control not currently required as indigenous species are able to establish in this vegetation type. Reassess at a later date if required.
Yes
Cerastium fontanum Mouse-ear chickweed
Throughout site High. Low Only control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants.
Yes
Chamaecytisus palmensis Tree lucerne Throughout site Low. No This species provides food for indigenous bird species, which can provide a source of seed rain, and is a nitrogen-fixing species, allowing for the establishment of indigenous species, therefore control is not required at this stage, however this can be reassessed if necessary at a later date, as tree lucerne can accumulate large quantities of long-lived seeds in the soil seed bank.
Yes
Cirsium arvense California thistle Throughout site High. Moderate Reduces productivity of pasture, increases stock susceptibility to scabby mouth.
Yes Yes
Cirsium palustre Marsh thistle Throughout site High. Moderate Invasive in high rainfall areas Yes
Cirsium vulgare Scotch thistle Throughout site High. Moderate Reduces productivity of pasture Yes Yes
Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora Montbretia Throughout site Unknown, but present along Pahiatua Aokautere Road.
High Inhibits the establishment of indigenous plant seedlings. Likely to be introduced as part of construction activities as it spreads via soil movement, and vegetation dumping and can form high densities and corms and rhizomes multiply rapidly and it also grows from fragments. Presence in Turitea Wind Farm is currently unknown, but present along Pahiatua Aokautere Road.
Yes
Cytisus sp. Scotch broom Horopito scrub/ forest, Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland, Browns Flat
1
Low High Relatively rare, therefore control is required to reduce its future spread. Dominates low canopy habitats, preventing seedlings of indigenous species from establishing.
Production Pest - Progressive Containment
Cytisus scoparius
Yes
Pasture grassland Low High Reduces productivity of pasture.
Himalayan honeysuckle-indigenous scrub
High Low Can provide a nurse crop for the establishment of indigenous species.
Elsewhere within the site
Moderate. Moderate Dominates low canopy habitats, preventing the seedlings of indigenous species from establishing.
Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Throughout site Moderate. Moderate Was listed as a problem weed in forest and scrub reserves 1991. Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants.
Yes
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Pasture grassland High. Moderate Poisonous to humans and livestock. Reduces the productivity of pasture.
Yes
1 E1828150 N5519160
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 40 © 2019
Scientific Name Common Name Known or Potential
Distribution Density Details
Priority for
Control Reason for Control
National Pest Plant
Accord
Unwanted Organisms
Register
Horizons Regional Council
DOC List Agricultural
Weeds
Epilobium ciliatum Willow herb Throughout site Moderate. Low Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants.
Erica lusitanica1 Spanish heath Horopito scrub/ forest,
Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland,
Low. High Forms dense stands in disturbed and bare sites, preventing the establishment of indigenous seedlings. Currently low densities.
Yes
Eucalyptus sp. Eucalypt Throughout site, especially Browns Flat.
Low. Moderate Remove wildings to prevent spread. Eucalyptus delegatensis
Eupatorium cannabinum2 Hemp agrimony Throughout site Low- one
known infestation
High Currently has a localised distribution at Turitea, but is known to form dense colonies, preventing recruitment of indigenous species and is a known pest in wetlands.
Yes
Festuca rubra subsp. rubra Red fescue Toetoe and Chionochloa conspicua tussockland
Moderate. Moderate Able to displace indigenous tussock species, so control is required in areas of Chionochloa tussockland along the ridge.
Yes
Gamochaeta coarctata Cudweed Pasture grassland Low. Moderate Can be very competitive at high densities as they have fast growth rates, can spread rapidly and reduce the nutrients and water available to other species.
Yes
Glyceria maxima Reed sweetgrass Browns Flat Unknown. High Forms dense mats on water and in damp areas, replacing most other species and degrading the habitat for indigenous plants and fauna.
Yes
Helichrysum petiolare Licorice plant Throughout site Low - one known infestation
High Isolated garden escape which reproduces by seed and vegetatively from stem fragments and can grow to form dense stands that crowd out indigenous plants.
Helminthotheca echioides Oxtongue Pasture grassland Low. Low This species is not commonly found in pastures but where it does occur its prickly character discourages grazing close to plants, reducing the access of livestock to more useful pasture plants.
Yes
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog Browns Flat Moderate. Moderate Able to out-compete indigenous species in wetlands and is thus controlled by DOC in wetland areas. May also be spread as a result of wind farm construction as seeds are commonly spread on contaminated machinery.
Yes
Hyacinthoides sp.3 Bluebell Throughout site Low - one
known infestation
High An isolated garden escape which can spread rapidly. Spanish variety is invasive in the UK and has been recorded spreading rapidly in New Plymouth (NZ).
Hypochaeris radicata Catsear Pasture grassland Moderate. Moderate At high densities this species could interfere with the productivity of grasses and clovers in pasture habitats.
Yes
Jacobaea vulgaris Yellow ragwort Throughout site Moderate High Forms dense stands in disturbed and grazed areas, is unpalatable to cattle, deer, and horses, and can prevent the establishment of seedlings of indigenous plant species.
Production Pest - Progressive Containment
Yes Yes
Juncus articulatus Browns Flat Unknown Moderate Competes with and replaces indigenous species in wet habitats. Yes
Juncus effusus Soft rush Browns Flat Unknown Moderate Competes with and replaces indigenous species in wet habitats. Yes
Leycesteria formosa Himalayan honeysuckle
Himalayan honeysuckle-indigenous scrub
Very high Low Provides a nurse crop, allowing indigenous species to establish Yes
Throughout site apart from Himalayan honeysuckle-indigenous scrub
Low High Species can produce dense thickets that replace and exclude other species, therefore control of isolated plants is required throughout the rest of the site.
Lolium arundinaceum subsp. arundinaceum
Tall fescue Throughout site Moderate. Low Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants.
Yes
Lolium perenne Rye grass Private farmland High No A preferred pasture grass species, therefore should not be controlled on pastoral land.
Yes
Elsewhere within the site
Moderate. Low Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants.
Lotus pedunculatus Lotus Browns Flat Unknown. Moderate Can be a pest plant in wetlands. Yes
1 E5519152 N1828105
2 40°25'39.50"S, 175°43'15.26"E
3 1828153 N5519166
Contract Report No. 1950s-xii 41 © 2019
Scientific Name Common Name Known or Potential
Distribution Density Details
Priority for
Control Reason for Control
National Pest Plant
Accord
Unwanted Organisms
Register
Horizons Regional Council
DOC List Agricultural
Weeds
Persicaria hydropiper Water pepper Pasture grassland Low Moderate Isolated plants, which reduce the productivity of pasture. May cause dermatitis in livestock or humans.
Yes
Pinus contorta Lodgepole pine Throughout site Unknown, but present in Gordon Kear Forest.
High Known from Gordon Kear, but its presence in Turitea is uncertain. If located in Turitea, then this species is a high priority for control as it can form high densities stands.
Unwanted organism
Yes Environmental Pest - Progressive Containment
Yes Yes
Pinus radiata Radiata pine Throughout site Moderate, few wildings.
High Remove wildings to prevent spread. Yes
Poa annua Annual poa Pasture grassland Moderate. Low Reduces productivity of pasture. Yes
Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Pasture grassland Moderate Reduces productivity of pasture. Yes
Ranunculus acris Giant buttercup Pasture grassland Moderate Able to rapidly spread where it dramatically reduces the productivity of pasture.
Yes
Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Pasture grassland Moderate Competes with sown pasture species for water and nutrients. Yes
Rubus sp. (R. fruticosus agg.) Blackberry Throughout site Low High Smothers most low-growing species, inhibits the establishment of indigenous plant seedlings, and reduces the productivity of pasture. Plants are relatively isolated, so are a high priority for control.
Production pest - Progressive Containment
Yes Yes
Solanum mauritianum Woolly nightshade Throughout site Unknown, but present in Kahuterawa Road.
High Known from Kahuterawa Road, but its presence at Turitea is uncertain. If located at Turitea, then this species is a high priority for control as it can form dense, often pure stands, inhibit or prevent establishment of indigenous plant seedlings, and slow regeneration of indigenous vegetation.
Unwanted organism
Yes Production Pest - Eradication
Yes
Sonchus oleraceus Sow thistle Pasture grassland Moderate. Low Can grow into a tall, bushy plant but has very little impact on pasture as it is readily grazed by stock
Yes
Tradescantia fluminensis Tradescantia Throughout site Unknown. High Smothers ground in light to deep shade, preventing the establishment of indigenous seedlings.
Unwanted organism
Yes Yes
Trifolium dubium Throughout site High. Low Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants.
Trifolium repens White clover Throughout site High. Low Control required around plantings to prevent smothering of plants.
Ulex europaeus Gorse Browns Flat Low. High Isolated plants, easy to control as this species forms pure associations temporarily in many habitats, inhibiting the establishment of indigenous plant seedlings.
Production pest - Progressive Containment
Yes Yes
Elsewhere within the site
Low. Moderate Control required due to low densities, with priority given around plantings to prevent species smothering plants. Forms dense stands that exclude stock and replace pasture
Verbascum thapsus Woolly mullein Pasture grassland Low. Low Can replace more useful species in poorly maintained pasture. Yes
DRAFT
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42 © 2019
DRAFT
APPENDIX 3
SPECIES-SPECIFIC CONTROL METHODS
Pest Plant- Scientific Name Pest Plant -
Common Name Control Method(s) Chemical(s) Application Rate Timing Remarks
Achillea millefolium Yarrow Knapsack foliar Clopyralid 25mls per 10 litres Year round May need follow up on mature plants
Agrostis capillaris Browntop Knapsack foliar Haloxyfop 60ml/10 litres +cropoil 5mls
Cerastium fontanum Mouse-ear chickweed
Knapsack foliar Banvine 110 mls 10 litres Warm moist conditions
Chamaecytisus palmensis Tree lucerne Knapsack foliar Brushkiller Picloram & Triclopyr
60mls per 10 litres+ surfactant 20mls
Active growth
Cirsium arvense California thistle Knapsack foliar Clopyralid 25ml/10 Litres +wetting agent
Till bud early flowering stage
May need follow up
Cirsium palustre Marsh thistle Clopyralid 25ml/10 Litres+ wetting agent
Till bud early flowering stage
Cirsium vulgare Scotch thistle Clopyralid 25ml/10 Litres+ wetting agent
Till bud early flowering stage
Crocosmia ×crocosmiiflora Montbretia Knapsack - foliar spray Metsulfuron 5g/10 litres water + 20ml surfactant
October-February
Follow-up control will be necessary.
Cytisus sp. Broom species (exotic)
Hand pull seedlings/small plants
Year round
Cytisus sp. Broom species (exotic)
Knapsack - foliar spray Metsulfuron 5g/10 litres water November-February
Do not spray if seed pods have turned brown.
Dactylis glomerata Cocksfoot Knapsack - foliar spray Haloxyfop 25mls per 10 litres If at advanced stage add crop oil
Digitalis purpurea Foxglove Knapsack - foliar spray Tordon pasture boss 60 mls per 10 litres Active growth from full leaf to early flowering
Epilobium ciliatum Willow herb Knapsack - foliar spray Vixen (glufosinate+oxyfluorfen)
100mls 10 litres Do not apply in wet or cold conditions
Erica lusitanica Spanish heath Foliar spray Metsulfuron 5g/10 litres water Year round
Erica lusitanica Spanish heath Cut and treat stumps Triclopyr 60ml/1 litre water Year round
DRAFT
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DRAFT
Pest Plant- Scientific Name Pest Plant -
Common Name Control Method(s) Chemical(s) Application Rate Timing Remarks
Eucalyptus sp.
Eucalypt Cut and treat stumps Glyphosate gel. Neat Year round At ground level
Basal method Triclopyr and syntol oil or XTree Basal
20% Triclopyr and 80% syntol oil or neat XTree Basal
Year round Application needs to be 5× the diameter from ground level
Bore cut and poison Straight Glyphosate 560 Neat Year round Cuts need to overlap
Eupatorium cannabinum Hemp agrimony Knapsack - foliar spray Triclopyr 60mls/ten litres Spring to autumn
Festuca rubra subsp. rubra Red fescue Knapsack - foliar spray Glyphosate Green 510 70mls 10Litres +surfactant
Gamochaeta coarctata Cudweed Knapsack - foliar spray Agpro2,4-D ester 680 50mls 10 litres Late autumn early winter early spring
Glyceria maxima Reed sweetgrass Knapsack - foliar spray Glyphosate Green 510 100mls 10litres+ surfactant
Helichrysum petiolare Licorice plant
Helminthotheca echioides Oxtongue Knapsack - foliar spray Agpro 2,4-D ester 680 50mls 10litres
Holcus lanatus Yorkshire fog Knapsack - foliar spray Haloxyfop 25mls 10 litres During active growth
Hyacinthoides sp. Bluebell Dig out all bulbs
Hypochaeris radicata Catsear Knapsack - foliar spray Clopyralid 35mls 10Litres Active growth
Jacobaea vulgaris Yellow ragwort Knapsack - foliar spray Glyphosate Green 510 100ml/10 litres water October-March
Juncus articulatus Jointed rush Knapsack - foliar spray Glyphosate Green 510 200ml/10 litres water November-March
Juncus effusus Soft rush Knapsack – foliar spray Glyphosate Green 510 200ml/10 litres water Year round When growing near watercourse
Juncus effuses Soft rush Knapsack – foliar spray Metsulfuron 10g/10 litres water November-March
When growing in dry areas
Leycesteria formosa Himalayan honeysuckle
Knapsack - foliar spray Metsulfuron 5g/10 litres water plus 10ml surfactant
Year round
Leycesteria formosa Himalayan honeysuckle
Knapsack - foliar spray Triclopyr 60ml/10 litres water Year round
Leycesteria formosa Himalayan honeysuckle
Cut and treat stumps Metsulfuron 5g/1 litre water Year round
Lolium arundinaceum subsp. arundinaceum
Tall fescue Cut and treat stumps Glyphosate Green 510 100ml/1 litre water Year round
Lolium perenne Rye grass Knapsack - foliar spray Haloxyfop 25ml/ 10Litres Not when drought stressed
DRAFT
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DRAFT
Pest Plant- Scientific Name Pest Plant -
Common Name Control Method(s) Chemical(s) Application Rate Timing Remarks
Lotus pedunculatus Lotus Knapsack - foliar spray Terbuthylazine mix I.e. Ag pro Valzine 500
55mls/ 10litres Spring or autumn
Pinus contorta Lodgepole pine Bore cut & spray Glyphosate Green 510 straight Spring till autumn
Pinus radiata Radiata pine Hand pull seedlings/small plants
Year round
Pinus radiata Radiata pine Ring bark or fell larger trees
Year round
Poa annua Annual poa Knapsack - foliar spray Glyphosate Green 510 140 mls 10Litres+ surfactant
Year round
Prunella vulgaris Selfheal Knapsack - foliar spray Agpro 2,4-D ester 680 70mls/ 10litres Active growth
Ranunculus acris Giant buttercup Knapsack - foliar spray Agpro MCPA 50 mls 10 litres Summer to autumn
2 applications necessary
Ranunculus repens Creeping buttercup Knapsack - foliar spray Agpro MCPA 50mls /10litres Summer to autumn
2 applications necessary
Rubus sp. (R. fruticosus agg.) Blackberry Knapsack - foliar spray Metsulfuron 5g/10 litres water December-April
Rubus sp. (R. fruticosus agg.) Blackberry Knapsack - foliar spray Triclopyr 60ml/10 litres water December-April
Solanum mauritianum Woolly nightshade Seedlings/small plants - hand pull
Year round
Solanum mauritianum Woolly nightshade Saplings - cut and treat stump
Triclopyr 100ml/1 litre water Year round
Sonchus oleraceus Sow thistle Knapsack - foliar spray Clopyralid 50 mls 10 litres Actively growing plants
Tradescantia fluminensis Tradescantia Knapsack - foliar spray Triclopyr 60ml/10 litre water November-March
Pull away from non-target species before spraying.
Trifolium dubium Suckling clover Knapsack - foliar spray Clopyralid 17mls 10 litres Year round
Trifolium repens White clover Knapsack - foliar spray Clopyralid 17mls 10 litres Year round
Ulex europaeus Gorse Knapsack – foliar spray Metsulfuron 5g/10 litres water plus 10ml Pulse
November-March
Ulex europaeus Gorse Cut and treat stumps Triclopyr 60ml/1 litre water October-March
Verbascum thapsus Woolly mullein Knapsack - foliar spray Tordon Pastureboss 60 mls 10 litres During active growth