| What Are Farm Tracks For? |
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Access for machinery and stock is important on farms. The standard of track will depend on it use eg a track for use by logging trucks will need to be wider and have a wide turn on the bends compared with a track for a four wheel bike. Access can involve earthworks, stream crossings, bare ground and a concentration of stormwater which can all contribute to a reduction in water quality.
 | | Poor run off can result in considerable damage |
| How Should You Design A Farm Track? |
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It is important to design the farm track to provide the access required but also to minimise the off-farm adverse effects. Plan tracks to:
- involve as little soil movement as possible during construction
- avoid unstable slopes and wet areas
- use the natural contour of the land but avoid natural waterways
- select the correct machinery for the job to reduce impact and cost. eg use an excavator not a bulldozer on steep terrain
- plan sites for cut offs and culverts for track water control
- stream approaches should be as flat as possible
- time construction to avoid the wet periods
- avoid waahi tapu and archaeological sites
A resource consent will be required if the proposed track:
- crosses a slope of 25o or more
- crosses an Erosion Hazard Zone
- disturbs a wetland
- involves a cut of 2000 m3 or more
| How Should You Construct A Farm Track? |
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Keep cut slopes on a low angle, fence off from stock and revegetate areas as soon as possible. Construct stream crossings to minimise pollution and maintain over the year. Construct the water controls at the same time as the track is constructed.
Revegetate borrow and waste areas.
Do not let construction debris including soil enter waterways. Use a raised outer edge on fill areas. Install sediment traps until the area is revegetated and stable.
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