Orokonui Ecosanctuary in Dunedin and the Burwood Bush Takahe
Rearing Unit, near Te Anau, may be added to the list of
public conservation land protected from mining.
While the review of schedule 4 of the Crown Minerals Act has
attracted controversy for the areas proposed to be dropped
from its protection, 14 areas have been proposed for
inclusion.
That meant about 12,400ha would be effectively closed to any
"meaningful mining activity", the Government's discussion
document said.
The areas had mostly achieved their protection status
recently, and after an assessment of the mineral potential
and conservation values, it was proposed they be included in
schedule 4.
Most other public conservation areas with similar protection
classifications were already listed in schedule 4, the
discussion document said.
The areas comprised six marine reserves, two scientific
reserves, a nature reserve, two scenic reserves and recent
additions to three national parks.
In Otago and Southland, that included 236ha of Orokonui
Ecosanctuary and 3114ha at the Burwood Bush reserve.
Orokonui Ecosanctuary, near Waitati, has a $2.2 million,
8.7km pest-proof fence protecting habitat for endangered
species being reintroduced to the area.
Burwood is a specialist facility for breeding and raising
takahe.
About 30 are being raised there this year.
- rebecca.fox@odt.co.nz
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