Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan from Cape Soucis to Ure River Marlborough New Zealand’. Following this, the Council has incorporated a schedule which defines the ecological values protected by the Plan. The areas containing significant ecological values are indicated on the planning maps in Volume Two, Appendix B. A schedule and associated maps have been incorporated into the Plan identifying specific water bodies that will be subject to regulatory methods of riparian management. These water bodies have been identified on the basis of natural hazard management, provision of public access and recreation, riparian habitat diversity, in-stream habitat and water quality. The Council will develop criteria for identifying significant sites and appropriate methods for recognising and providing for protection of their ecological values in accordance with section 6(c) of the Act. This will be done in consultation with a working party consisting of landowner representatives and the Department of Conservation. Wider consultation will take place with other interested parties. The Council will develop and maintain an information base of significant sites on land other than Department of Conservation owned land, using as a basis the areas identified in the publication ‘Ecologically Important Marine, Freshwater, Island and Mainland Areas from Cape Soucis to Ure River, Marlborough, New Zealand - Recommendations for Protection’. This database will be developed in consultation with affected landowners. Subsequent to a review of existing related provisions a plan change providing for the management of significant sites in accordance with section 6(c) and the First Schedule of the Act, shall be notified by the Council within three years of the Plan being made operative. Rules The rules provide that any modification of any of the values associated with the areas identified on the schedule as having significant ecological value, will be assessed as a Discretionary Activity. Rules will control the clearance of indigenous vegetation and indigenous forest in certain circumstances. Education Increasing landowners’ and the public’s knowledge and understanding of the occurrence of significant areas of ecological value not only leads to a greater appreciation of those values but also the protection of the indigenous flora and fauna. This increased understanding can motivate voluntary action to maintain and enhance indigenous flora and fauna. Voluntary action includes the use of conservation covenants on property titles. 4 4