Abel Tasman Foreshore Scenic Reserve Draft Management Plan

2. Seek approval from the Minister of Conservation for the use of biological
control organisms to control pests, where it is in accordance with the
Reserves Act 1977, Conservation General Policy 2005 and this plan.
3. Carry out animal and plant pest control or eradication operations consistent
with priorities identified in Tasman District Council’s regional pest
management strategy and the Department of Conservation’s priorities for
pest control.
4. Use whatever method or combination of methods necessary for animal and
plant pest control to maintain ecosystem health.
5. Prevent the establishment of new populations of plant and animal pests
through continued surveillance and the timely removal of any individuals or
groups that are found outside their established range.
6. Encourage the public to assist in pest surveillance and control, and provide
information to the public about preventing the introduction of new pests.
7. Work with the Top of the South Marine Biosecurity Partnership to prevent the
introduction, and minimise the spread, of damaging marine species.
8. Monitor the reserve and adjoining coastal waters for risks to biosecurity and
take immediate action to remove any new foreign organism.
3.3 Fire management
Fire is a major threat to estuary margins within and adjoining the reserve, causing
the destruction of indigenous plants and animals and the creation of habitats
vulnerable to invasion by plant pests. Fire can also pose a significant threat to areas
adjacent to the reserve, both the Abel Tasman National Park and the private land. As
the Abel Tasman coast can become very dry and carry a very high fire risk at certain
times, fire bans are often imposed.
Lighting fires on the foreshore, such as driftwood fires, does occur. Fires are
currently allowed on the foreshore under the existing bylaws (see Appendix 5),
subject to a number of conditions including a requirement for a permit from the
Waimea Rural Fire Authority 5 . Such permits should not be issued except where the
Administration Committee considers that a fire is necessary for the management of
the reserve or the adjoining national park. The Administration Committee proposes
that the bylaws be amended to give effect to this restriction.
The Administration Committee intends to do all it can to minimise any risks from
fires on the reserve through enforcement of the bylaws, education, advocacy, facility
and visitor management and fire bans. The Waimea Rural Fire Authority sets general
management policies for dealing with fires when they occur through the preparation
of an annual Fire Plan.
3.3 Policies
1. To protect the values of the reserve from fire.
2. To minimise risks from fires on the reserve.
5 In the case of the foreshore reserve a permit application should be made to the Department of
Conservation’s Golden Bay (Takaka) or Motueka Area Offices.
3. Conservation of natural resources 27