Lynwood Native Forest Protection Project

Lynwood Native Forest Protection Project is an Avoided Deforestation project located approximately 90km west-northwest of Cobar in the semi-arid rangelands of New South Wales. Registered in June 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 46,663.67 hectares. The region is part of the Cobar Peneplain, an area traditionally dominated by grazing operations (sheep, cattle, and goats) and known for its "red country" landscape, characterised by red earth soils, sandy loams, and rocky ridges.

The project operates under the Avoided Deforestation 1.1 methodology. This specific method applies to landholders who held a valid government permit to clear native forest for agriculture (such as cropping or pasture) prior to July 1, 2010. Instead of exercising that right to clear, the proponent agrees to protect the forest in perpetuity (or for a defined permanence period), generating carbon credits for the emissions prevented. For Lynwood, this protects native woodland species typical of the area, such as Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea), while allowing the property owners to diversify income and improve drought resilience alongside their livestock operations.

An interesting aspect of this project is its contribution to the "Western Division" carbon farming landscape. Large-scale avoided deforestation projects in this region have allowed pastoralists to invest in infrastructure like trap yards and water points, reducing grazing pressure on the land. The property owners, Robin and Keryl Thorpe, have reportedly used the project's success to better manage stock levels and fund feral animal control.