Land Management Plans

Local  government jurisdictions are increasingly requesting the preparation of a Land Management Plan (LMP) on sites that are located within environmentally sensitive areas which are typically noted as a planning zone.  A local government authority may request an LMP as part of a Request for Further Information (RFI) in order to obtain a planning permit.

An example of a planning zone that may require an LMP is a Green Wedge Zone (GWZ) or Rural Conservation Zone (RCZ).  An LMP will ensure that a management strategy is in place to ensure that the natural environment is protected and/or enhanced in conjunction with suitably located  infrastructure including any potential dwellings, shedding and site access.

The size and complexity of an LMP will vary depending upon site size and the condition of an existing natural resources and normally includes soil management considerations.

A typical LMP involves the following process:

• Base information completed with an initial desktop review including the use of relevant mapping technologies including Naturekit, Mapshare, Geovic, Nearmap and Google Earth. Additional information can be provided by undertaking a search of relevant databases to obtain any relevant land survey report documents.
• A site survey is completed and is not limited to site conditions including any existing native vegetation cover and condition including classifying them into Ecological Vegetation Classes (EVC) and any potential soil management considerations. There may be areas of soil erosion which will be considered. Site photographs are taken to be incorporated into the LMP report and a variety of land management instruments are used to measure distances, tree heights and GPS locations including a NF-198 Land Meter and Nikon Farm Forestry Pro.

Once all the data has been compiled including background information a site specific LMP is completed for the client and relevant government authorities.