Meadow Glen Native Forest Protection Project

Meadow Glen Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located approximately 60km west-southwest of Cobar in the Orana region of New South Wales. Registered in September 2014, the project covers a significant area of 20,015 hectares. The property, "Meadow Glen," is situated within the Cobar Peneplain bioregion, an area traditionally utilized for rangeland grazing of sheep, goats, and cattle.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative-Avoided Deforestation 1.1) Methodology Determination 2015. This specific methodology is designed for landholders who hold a distinct clearing permit issued prior to July 1, 2010, allowing them to legally clear native forest for agricultural conversion (such as cropping or improved pasture). By choosing to retain the forest instead of exercising the clearing permit, the project generates carbon credits (ACCUs) based on the avoided emissions from biomass decomposition and burning.

Environmentally, the region is classified as semi-arid with an average annual rainfall of approximately 390mm. The landscape typically features red earth soils and lithosols supporting vegetation communities dominated by Mulga (Acacia aneura), Bimble Box, and White Cypress Pine. These native forests provide critical habitat and soil stability in a region prone to erosion when cleared.

Notable project history includes a transition in participation; originally registered to Mathew and Craig Zimmer, the proponent role was transferred to Terra Carbon Pty Limited in 2016. The project holds a Carbon Abatement Contract with the Clean Energy Regulator, securing a long-term commercial arrangement for the credits generated. The Avoided Deforestation method itself has been a point of significant policy discussion in Australia, with the method revoked for new entrants in 2023, though existing projects like Meadow Glen remain active and compliant.