Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan to natural hazard management, provision of public access and recreation, riparian habitat diversity, in-stream habitat and water quality. A guide for land disturbance activity will be produced containing information relating to the effects of land disturbance on the soil resource, surrounding environment, and wetlands, rivers, lakes and the sea. Information relating to less disruptive techniques for disturbing land and means to minimise the effects of land disturbance will also be included. The Council will make this available to farmers, foresters, site developers and other resource users. Maps Volume Three of the Plan contains a series of indicative maps which record areas of known natural hazard to assist in the identification of such areas. Refer also to Chapter 16: Natural Hazards. An element of land disturbance must be provided for to enable utilisation of the land resource. The rules will provide certainty as to what is and is not acceptable. Land disturbance is undertaken by farmers, foresters, roading constructors and developers of residential, and other urban sites. Those people who undertake land disturbance may have little knowledge of the effects of their activities on the soil resource being disturbed or the surrounding environment. This includes the effects on the fresh water draining the area, and wetlands, lakes and rivers and the sea receiving that drainage water. Often people who understand the effects of their activities will respond to new information by altering their activity to avoid or reduce adverse effects which could prevent sustainable management of the land and water resources of the Marlborough Sounds area. 13.5 Anticipated Environmental Results Implementation of the policies and methods in relation to soil conservation will result in: Maintenance and enhancement, of the life-supporting capacity of soil and ecosystems; The natural clarity of any permanently flowing river, lake, wetland or sea not being significantly reduced due to sediment laden runoff water originating from the site of a land disturbance operation; and Historical, cultural or archaeological artifacts, sites or values protected from land disturbance. 13 - 4