pest plant monitoring and control plan for the turitea wind farm

PEST PLANT MONITORING AND CONTROL

PLAN FOR THE TURITEA WIND FARM

R1950s-xii

WELLINGTON OFFICE: 22 RAIHA STREET, ELSDON, P.O. BOX 50-539, PORIRUA

Ph 04-237-7341; Fax 04-237-7496

HEAD OFFICE: 99 SALA STREET, P.O. BOX 7137, TE NGAE, ROTORUA

Ph 07-343-9017; Fax 07-343-9018, email [email protected], 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

http://www.wildlands.co.nz/

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.


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

https://www.mpi.govt.nz/protection-and-response/finding-and-reporting-pests-and-diseases/pest-and-disease-search?Customisnppa=1



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:



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



One Eradication pest plant species may be present within the Turitea Reserve:


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:


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:



Radiata pine (Pinus radiata)

Tree lucerne (Chamaecytisus palmensis)

Wild broom (Cytisus scoparius)

Himalayan honeysuckle (Leycesteria formosa)

Blackberry (R. fruticosus agg.)


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)


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)




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,

https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/


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.


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.


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.


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


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)


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


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,


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.


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


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.


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


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


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



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










Radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata High High High High




Gorse Ulex europaeus High High High High








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


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










Radiata pine (wilding) Pinus radiata High High High




Gorse Ulex europaeus Moderate Moderate Moderate Moderate





Foxglove Digitalis purpurea Moderate


Cudweed Gamochaeta coarctata Moderate

Catsear Hypochaeris radicata Moderate

Selfheal Prunella vulgaris Moderate

Giant buttercup Ranunculus acris Moderate

Creeping buttercup Ranunculus repens Moderate


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


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


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


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.

http://agpest.co.nz/identify/




https://www.weedbusters.org.nz/


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.


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




Priority for


National Pest Plant

Accord

Unwanted Organisms

Register



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


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




Priority for


National Pest Plant

Accord

Unwanted Organisms

Register



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


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

Contract Report No. 1950s-xii

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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


Cirsium vulgare Scotch thistle Clopyralid 25ml/10 Litres+ wetting agent


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

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DRAFT



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


Knapsack - foliar spray Metsulfuron 5g/10 litres water plus 10ml surfactant

Year round


Knapsack - foliar spray Triclopyr 60ml/10 litres water Year round


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

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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

pest plant monitoring and control plan for the turitea wind farm

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