Bogan Downs Native Forest Protection Project

Bogan Downs Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located at "Bogan Downs" station near the locality of Coolabah, approximately 115km northwest of Nyngan in Western New South Wales. Registered in February 2015, the project protects 4,114 hectares of native woodland within the Cobar Peneplain bioregion. The property is owned and managed by the MacAlpine family, who are also known locally for restoring and operating the "Major Mitchell" General Store in Coolabah.

The project operates under the Avoided Deforestation 1.1 methodology. This specific type of carbon project targets land that holds a valid clearing permit issued before July 1, 2010. Instead of exercising the right to clear the native forest for agricultural use (such as cropping or grazing), the proponent commits to protecting the forest in perpetuity. This prevents the release of carbon stored in the trees and soil, generating Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) equivalent to the avoided emissions.

The Coolabah region is characterized by a semi-arid climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 440mm. The landscape typically consists of undulating plains with red earth soils and clay loams, supporting vegetation such as Poplar Box (Eucalyptus populnea), Wilga (Geijera parviflora), and Budda (Eremophila mitchellii). While the surrounding region is heavily utilized for cattle and sheep grazing, this project ensures the designated forest areas remain uncleared, providing both carbon sequestration and biodiversity benefits.