Management objectives for resource uses in the Arrowsmith Range, Canterbury

Abstract

The resources of the Arrowsmith study area are described and classified according to a land systems concept. Four land systems are identified: one land system has three sub-systems.

This description is used in conjunction with an analysis of use experience to determine use capability for various uses. Present uses are pastoralism, biological conservation, water production, recreation and meat recovery. Potential uses of forest management, and conservation of natural and cultural landscapes are also considered.

Societal needs and desires are then assessed for these possible uses. These needs are examined at international, national, regional, district and local levels. Alternative opportunities of realising these needs are given.

Responsibilities of administering agencies. have been outlined in a common framework of policy, goals and objectives so that the role of each agency may be clearly interpreted.

From the interpretation of use capability for various uses, the assessment of societal needs and desires and the clarification of policies, goals and objectives, resource-use combinations are revealed for each land system. Weightings are then given to each use. A high weighting is given to a use which maximises opportunities for future resource uses.

Recommended management objectives are outlined in section 9. These include the clarification of tenure within the study area arid secondly, a continuation of existing resource-use combinations.

In conclusion, recommended objectives do not differ greatly from present resource use. They do serve to maintain the present range of management options for future generations. The planning process used in this report is more applicable to areas which have a greater variation in terrain and where there is greater competition and conflict between resource uses.