Double Gates Native Forest Protection Project

Double Gates Native Forest Protection Project is an avoided deforestation project located in the Western Division of NSW, approximately 40-50km southwest of Cobar. It was registered in March 2015 and covers a project area of 22,558.52 Ha.

Avoided deforestation projects avoid emissions by preventing the clearing of native forests. A standard requirement for this methodology is that the land must have been issued a valid clearing permit prior to 1 July 2010, preventing the land from being legally converted into an agricultural system.

The broader Cobar region is known for extensive pastoral grazing operations, primarily sheep and cattle, as well as historic and active mining. The area has a semi-arid climate with highly variable rainfall averaging around 390mm annually. Soils across this landscape are typically characterized by red earth and loamy-clays.

This project was established by Terra Carbon Pty Limited alongside the farming landholders of Double Gates station. By committing to protect the native forest for a 100-year permanence period, the farmers have credited the carbon project with helping them survive historic droughts without relying on government grants. The project has also injected carbon revenue into the local economy by allowing the station to hire local contractors. Additionally, on May 18, 2015, the project was varied from the 2013 methodology to fall under the updated Avoided Deforestation 1.1 Methodology Determination 2015.