Wairau/ Awatere Resource Management Plan 29 May 2014 and the rules contained in Volume Two the Plan. If, following this investigation, changes to plan provisions are required then those changes will be pursued through the plan change process. 12.4 General Rural 12.4.1 Issue The sustainable management of the extensive land areas given over to rural land uses below 1000 metres and not part of the intensively developed land of the lower Wairau Plain. This area is distinguished by its vastness and relative isolation from major centres of population. The dominant and traditional land use remains pastoral farming producing wool and meat. However, in some areas pastoralism is experiencing pressures to change to forestry and horticultural activities as people seek alternative ways to provide for their economic and social well-being. The Plan seeks to enable a wide range of appropriate activities to establish in the General Rural area, subject to standards and controls to avoid or mitigate adverse effects on vegetation and soil resources, landscape and amenity values, and water quality. Given the distance, isolation and in many cases the climatic constraints this area is unlikely to be subjected to intensive development of any form within the foreseeable future. Where developments (such as tourism) are likely to be one off events these ought to be able to be readily assimilated into the management area provided that attention is given to the avoidance, remediation or mitigation of any adverse effects on the environment. 12.4.2 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Maintenance or enhancement of the life supporting capacity of the soils and the retention of primary production options for rural land. Policy 1.1 To promote appropriate vegetative cover and implementation of land management practices which will improve or maintain soil organic matter and soil nutrient balance by retaining the soil and avoid accelerated soil loss through erosion. Policy 1.2 To encourage and assist in continued research to establish thresholds for sustainable soil conditions and vegetative cover. Policy 1.3 To encourage land users to monitor the condition of vegetation on their land by providing information and assistance, where possible. Policy 1.4 To ensure controls do not unnecessarily inhibit land use and management options that sustain the land and soil resources. Policy 1.5 To encourage and facilitate the establishment of local groups such as land care groups, which promote and action policies and methods of sustainable land management. Policy 1.6 Ensure that subdivision/ development does not compromise existing primary production options. 12 - 14