3.2 The power house site

The alluvial flat or fan between the confluence of Glen Gyle Creek and the Parapara River is prone to flooding and the vegetation presents a mosaic of ages. Hence the building of a power station may not have major impact. There is a potential for damage from flooding, although it is proposed to locate the Power House at the base of the Parapara-Glen Gyle ridge. Access to this site is planned to come up Appos Creek, linking with an existing road used for extracting serpentine in the 1930's and '40's and down Glen Gyle. This route would traverse secondary vegetation, possibly crossing some patches of original lowland forest in the gullies, although any large trees (northern rata, pukatea, silver beech) could be avoided.

3.3 Recreational opportunities

Opening up the area for recreation is a potentially positive consequence of the project. It is very attractive country with interesting vegetation, both unmodified and regenerating. The mining history creates a fascinating story. More recreational hunting would be advantageous.

4. CONCLUSIONS

4.1. In total, the vegetation presents a diverse range of ecosystems, habitats and species. A mosaic of original and regenerating forest is characteristic. The original forest is particularly interesting for its composition, including many fern species, and others that are uncommon in the area. This reflects the distinctive natural factors such as heavy rainfall, low fertility soils, and biogeographic location.

4.2. Vegetation clearance associated with the project would probably not impact to an unacceptable degree. It would focus on regenerating vegetation and areas with a high natural degree of change and resilience. If carefully located the earthworks should not diminish the range of ecosystems, but the detailed location of particular species and large trees needs to be taken into consideration as the route is planned. Original bush and distinctive communities such as swamp coprosma shrubland should not be damaged.

4.3. There are interesting regeneration patterns on the historic landforms that should be avoided.

4.4. Soil instability is a potential hazard to access routes, structures, existing vegetation and waterways. A very high quality of engineering and construction would be essential. A weed control programme would need to accompany the work.

4.5. Greater opportunities for recreational hunting, appreciation of the natural ecology, and appreciation of the historic mining landforms and regeneration on them, would be positive outcomes of improved access.

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