Kaleno Native Forest Protection Project

Kaleno Native Forest Protection Project is an avoided deforestation project located at Kaleno station, approximately 85km southwest of Cobar in western New South Wales. It was registered on September 8, 2015, and covers an area of 32,878.60 ha.

Avoided deforestation projects avoid emissions by preventing the clearing of native forests. To qualify under this specific methodology, the project area must be land that was originally issued a clearing permit prior to 1 July 2010 for the purpose of converting the area into an agricultural system. By forgoing this clearing, the project protects the native forest from deforestation in perpetuity.

The Cobar region, situated within the Cobar Peneplain bioregion, is widely known for pastoral operations such as sheep and cattle grazing, as well as mining operations. The area experiences a semi-arid climate with a relatively low average annual rainfall of approximately 390-400mm. Soils in this landscape consist predominantly of shallow red earths, sandy loams, and loamy clays spread across native woodlands, alluvial plains, and ridges.

The project's proponent is Terra Carbon Pty Limited, acting on behalf of environmental market developer GreenCollar. A notable fact about this project is that the carbon revenue has empowered the landholders, the Oliver family, to heavily invest in property infrastructure such as new fencing, cattle yards, and extensive firebreak grading around the perimeter of Kaleno. The project has also facilitated more intensive feral goat management, which has noticeably improved the health of native woody vegetation like Hop Bush and Turpentine, ensuring better native groundcover and supporting the local ecosystem.