An integrated catchment management plan toward restoration : sustainable farming with a future focus in the Mangaone West : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Environmental Management at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand
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Date
2014
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Massey University
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Abstract
Land cover change and land use management practices have caused environmental
degradation of the Mangaone West catchment. A catchment management plan is needed
to address the degradation. An integrated method was used to improve the likelihood of
plan success. ArcMap and biophysical sampling were used to provide a knowledge base
of current catchment conditions. Considerable environmental sampling was carried out,
including MCI and QMCI indices, nutrient sampling of nitrogen and phosphorous,
sediment assessment methods, riparian assessment and erosion assessment. A catchment
meeting was held to form a consensus plan goal and view. The goal of ‘sustainable
farming in the Mangaone West, with a future focus’ was established. The river styles
framework and a traditional integrated catchment management plan framework were
reviewed. Components for plan success were reviewed and integrated into the proposed
plan. The catchment sampling found significant degradation with regard to its
geomorphology, riparian margin and water quality. Erosion and connectivity of the
upper catchment hillslopes and waterways is a significant issue. Much of the catchment
is lacking a riparian margin. A combined plan is proposed, using a mixture of the river
styles framework and traditional development structure. Best management practices
need to be adopted by all landowners and riparian margins require significant
restoration. Hillslopes of the upper catchment require stabilisation, and problematic
willows in the lower catchment need to be removed. The local community needs to be
involved throughout the plan implementation in order to maximise its success. With the
proposed plan utilised, the Mangaone West could be restored to a sustainable
environment.
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Keywords
Watershed management, Agriculture, Farming, Catchment management, Sustainability, Environmental aspects, New Zealand, Manawatu, Research Subject Categories::INTERDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH AREAS::Water in nature and society