Richmond Regeneration Project

Richmond Regeneration Project is a human-induced regeneration project located approximately 30km south of Bourke in outback New South Wales. It was registered in September 2015 and covers an area of 3,413.04 ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as existing rootstock and lignotubers. To be eligible under this methodology, the land must have been previously cleared of vegetation and had regrowth deliberately suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project commencing. The standard requirements for these projects involve implementing specific management activities to ensure the regenerating native vegetation can achieve forest cover, defined as reaching a minimum height of 2 metres and providing at least 20% crown canopy cover over the land.

The broader Bourke region is heavily reliant on the agricultural sector, with the primary land use being extensive sheep and cattle grazing operations. The area is classified as having a semi-arid climate with low and highly variable rainfall. The dominant soil types across this landscape are typically a mix of red earths, deep-cracking vertosols, and moderately fertile chromosols.

This project aims to successfully establish native forest cover by ceasing the mechanical or chemical destruction of regrowth, managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing, and controlling feral animal populations in a humane manner. Originally registered with John Thatcher as a participant, the project underwent a variation in December 2022 to transfer the participant name to Kassiotis Investments Pty Ltd, and it operates with Select Carbon Pty Ltd acting as the primary project agent.