Dungarvan Human-Induced Regeneration Project

The Dungarvan Human-Induced Regeneration Project is a large-scale vegetation regeneration initiative located on the "Dungarvan" pastoral station, approximately 50km northeast of the remote village of Wanaaring in North West New South Wales. Registered in July 2015, the project encompasses a significant area of 25,571 hectares within the semi-arid Mulga Lands bioregion. The property has been owned and operated by the Leigo family since 1967, integrating carbon farming with their existing livestock enterprise to improve drought resilience and financial stability.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology, which credits landholders for allowing native forests to regenerate by ceasing activities that previously suppressed them. On Dungarvan, this involves the strategic management of grazing pressure. The proponents utilize rotational grazing to introduce periods of "true rest" for vegetation and actively control feral animals, including goats, pigs, and wild dogs, which destroy young saplings. This approach allows native species such as Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Bimble Box to re-establish forest cover from in-situ seed sources and rootstock.

Environmentally, the region is characterized by a semi-arid climate with highly variable rainfall, averaging around 280mm annually. The terrain typically consists of red sandy earths (kandosols) and clay pans, supporting shrublands and open woodlands. The restoration of native vegetation on the property has reportedly led to biodiversity improvements, with increased sightings of native birds and small mammals, including the fat-tailed dunnart.