Fords Bridge Aggregation Native Forest Protection Project

Fords Bridge Aggregation Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located in the semi-arid rangelands of the Western Division of New South Wales. It is situated near the locality of Fords Bridge, approximately 70km north-west of the regional hub of Bourke. Registered in November 2014, the project covers a substantial area of 32,827 hectares. The region is traditionally utilized for extensive grazing of sheep, goats, and cattle on native vegetation.

The project operates under the Avoided Deforestation 1.1 methodology. This specific project type involves protecting native forest that had a valid land-clearing permit issued prior to 1 July 2010. By surrendering the right to clear this land for agriculture, typically to convert woodland into pasture, the project prevents the release of carbon stored in the trees and soil, generating carbon credits for the avoided emissions.

Environmentally, the Fords Bridge area is part of the Mulga Lands bioregion, characterized by a semi-arid climate with low and variable rainfall. The landscape typically features red earth soils (Kandosols) and sandy loams supporting vegetation dominated by Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea) woodlands. These hardy native forests provide critical ground cover and habitat in an environment often prone to drought and wind erosion.

An interesting aspect of this project is its structure as an "aggregation," which implies it may bundle multiple land titles or properties under a single carbon project to achieve economies of scale. The project is managed with the assistance of Terra Carbon Pty Limited, a specialist carbon project service provider, and has committed to a 100-year permanence period, ensuring the forest remains protected until at least 2114.