Dungarvan Human-Induced Regeneration Project

The Dungarvan Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a large-scale vegetation regeneration initiative located in the remote Mulga Lands of New South Wales, approximately 60km northeast of Wanaaring and 180km northwest of the regional hub of Bourke. Registered in July 2015, the project covers a substantial area of 25,571 hectares. The project operates within the Western Division of NSW, a region historically dominated by extensive rangeland grazing of sheep, cattle, and goats.

The project utilizes the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology, which credits landholders for sequestering carbon by allowing native forests to regenerate. Unlike planting projects, HIR relies on suppressing the activities that previously stopped trees from growing, primarily by managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing and controlling feral animals like goats and pigs. By reducing this grazing pressure, existing rootstock and seed banks in the soil are able to germinate and mature into permanent forest cover.

Environmentally, the Dungarvan area is classified as semi-arid, receiving low and variable rainfall averaging between 250mm and 300mm annually. The landscape is characterized by soft red sandy loams and red earth soils, interspersed with claypans and box swamps. The vegetation is typical of the Cobar Peneplain and Mulga Lands bioregions, featuring drought-hardy species such as Mulga (Acacia aneura), Bimble Box (Eucalyptus populnea), and native perennial grasses.

The project is conducted on a property owned by the Leigo family, who have operated the station since 1967. Reports on the project highlight that the changes in land management have not only generated carbon credits but also improved drought resilience and biodiversity, with increased sightings of native wildlife including the fat-tailed dunnart.