Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Generally, the types of activities and consequently the acceptable effects within a reserve are those indicated by management plans under appropriate legislation (identified above), for example, in the case of Department of Conservation land, the Conservation Management Strategy and Reserve Plans for the Nelson/ Marlborough Conservancy. The Plan seeks to provide for these activities and only looks at the management of any off-site effects. The Plan must also enable activities restricted under the Act such as minor discharges, where there are none or only minor adverse effects. Three different types of open space have been identified for the purposes of the Plan. These have been distinguished by the use of zoning. They are: • Conservation Reserves; • District Recreation Reserves; and • Local Recreation Reserves. The Conservation Reserve areas are of particular importance. This zone includes the Conservation Estate, administered by the Department of Conservation. The Conservation Estate is a very substantial and important resource of the Marlborough Sounds. The Estate covers a very large land area and is intimately connected with some very important water resources in the area (eg, Queen Charlotte Sound and the Pelorus River). Marlborough contains extremely important pieces of New Zealand’s conservation heritage, including the greatest diversity of natural values among any of New Zealand’s 14 conservancies (Department of Conservation administrative areas). A number of the areas are of national importance both in terms of their particular ecological value and for the tourism and recreation opportunities they provide. Some areas are of international importance. The importance and the conservation values present within the Conservation Estate is described in detail in the Conservation Management Strategy for the Nelson/ Marlborough Conservancy. Rather than repeating the Conservation Management Strategy, the Plan seeks to recognise the presence of important conservation resources and the values which they form. Management of these areas is detailed in specific management plans prepared by either the Department of Conservation or Council. In doing this it is important that the Plan acknowledges and addresses the various issues which this resource faces. This acknowledgment occurs throughout the Plan. The issues arising in respect of the Conservation Estate (Conservation Zone) are extensive and differ for each different type of area or particular ecosystem. Some of the more common or well known issues include: problems with pests such as possums; invasion by wilding pines in the Sounds; and, pressure from tourism and recreation as visitor numbers continue to increase bringing with them greater demand for recreation facilities and commercial development. The Plan therefore supports the Conservation Management Strategy and reserve management plans as the relevant management documents for these reserves and the methods which they offer for managing them. It is recognised that these documents are formulated through a public process. 12 - 2