Appendix 2 Volume Three Coastal Terrestrial Area 2: Cook Strait General values and characteristics applicable to the whole of Coastal Terrestrial Area 2 Island communities are nationally important, with distinct and rare biotic assemblages, which are vulnerable to disturbance and loss and difficult to recover. These are vital habitats for threatened species due to their lack of introduced predators. Shrublands, herbfields and tussockland communities are nationally important habitats as they are highly distinctive and endemic to Cook Strait. The Area also supports a nationally high concentration of rare, relictual and endemic fauna, which is vulnerable to predation and/or collection. The islands and outer peninsulas hold very high experiential values due to the remote, rugged and expansive seascape vistas. The weathered sea-cliffs and hardy vegetation tilted from the wind are characteristic of their exposed maritime position. Remoteness values amplified through natural darkness of the night sky. Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Cape Lambert Very High Exceptional biodiversity at Cape and Cape Lambert. Threatened plants, remnant Jackson forest and regenerating native vegetation at Cape Jackson. Western Cook Very High Intricate bluff system between Much of the upper slopes Strait, Port Robertson Point (Port Underwood) beyond the bluffs are Underwood to and Tory Channel. commercial forestry. Tory Channel Regionally important geological features including the Fighting Bay schist sea cliffs. Western Cook Very High Towering cliffs and native vegetation Strait, Arapawa and High sequences of the Cook Strait narrows. Island Exceptional natural biodiversity. The eastern flanks of Arapawa Island support some of the best remaining examples of Cook Strait mixed broad- leaved forests and are nationally important, especially as possum-free environments. Coastal Terrestrial Area 3: Bulwer Sub Area Rating Key Values Additional Comments Land to west of Very High Whilst some land has been cleared for Many bays contain houses, Waitata Reach and High pasture, there are limited structures jetties and wharves. on the land, especially around northern Port Ligar and land west of Waitata Reach. Of the remaining indigenous forests within the Area, much appears on more elevated slopes (Mt. Shewell, Mt. Drew, Bobs Peak, Okuri Peak), but with substantial tracts at lower coastal altitudes, especially east and south aspects (Apuau Channel, App 2 - 10