RJ Russell Reforestation Project (Revoked)

The RJ Russell Reforestation Project (Revoked) was a carbon sequestration initiative located approximately 15 kilometers west of the rural township of Jerramungup in the Great Southern region of Western Australia. Registered in July 2015, the project encompassed a significant area of 916.78 hectares. This region is traditionally associated with broadacre agriculture, specifically cropping (wheat and canola) and livestock grazing (sheep), known locally as the "wheatbelt." The project aimed to transition land previously used for these agricultural purposes into permanent forest cover.

The project operated under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Reforestation and Afforestation-1.2) Methodology Determination 2013. This methodology was designed for establishing permanent plantings of native tree species on land that had been clear of forest for at least five years prior to the project's commencement. The specific planting mix for this project included Eucalyptus cladocalyx (Sugar Gum) and Eucalyptus occidentalis (Swamp Yate or Flat-topped Yate). These species are well-suited to the region's Mediterranean climate and are often selected for their drought tolerance and ability to manage water tables in areas prone to salinity.

Environmentally, the Jerramungup area is characterized by a semi-arid to Mediterranean climate with annual rainfall typically between 350mm and 460mm. The soils in this locality are often complex, ranging from grey sandy duplexes to the locally specific "Moort clays," which can be hard-setting and alkaline. The project's large scale suggests a significant effort to restore tree cover in a landscape heavily cleared for farming. Notably, the project was voluntarily revoked on April 23, 2018, under Section 32(1) of the CFI Rule. This section of the rule permits proponents to voluntarily exit the scheme, provided they meet specific requirements such as relinquishing any issued credits, suggesting a strategic shift by the landholder rather than a compliance failure.