Meadow Glen Native Forest Protection Project

The Meadow Glen Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located approximately 60km west of Cobar in the Cobar Peneplain region of New South Wales. Registered in September 2014, the project covers a substantial area of 20,015 hectares. The property, "Meadow Glen," is situated adjacent to the Barrier Highway and has historically been used for grazing sheep, goats, and cattle.

The project operates under the Avoided Deforestation 1.1 methodology. This specific method applies to native forest land that had a valid clearing consent issued before 1 July 2010, which would have allowed the land to be converted into cropland or grassland. By agreeing not to exercise this permit and instead protecting the forest, the project generates carbon credits for the emissions prevented. This ensures the carbon remains stored in the biomass rather than being released into the atmosphere through clearing and burning.

The region is characterized by a semi-arid climate with an average rainfall of approximately 340mm to 390mm. The landscape features slightly undulating red loam soils and stony outcrops. The vegetation protected by this project includes native woodlands dominated by species such as White Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla), Mulga (Acacia aneura), Wilga, and Rosewood.

The project proponent is Terra Carbon Pty Limited, which is a subsidiary entity of the GreenCollar Group, a major environmental markets developer in Australia. Originally, the project participants included members of the Zimmer family, who were the property owners at the time of registration. The project highlights a shift from traditional clearing for grazing to managing the land for carbon sequestration while often maintaining compatible low-impact agricultural activities.