Heffernan Forest Regeneration Project

The Heffernan Forest Regeneration Project is a large-scale Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located in the remote Mulga Lands of New South Wales, approximately 30km southeast of Wanaaring and 150km west of Bourke. Registered in April 2016, this massive undertaking covers an impressive 141,994 hectares (over 350,000 acres), likely encompassing a significant pastoral holding or aggregation of properties in the Paroo River catchment. The region is characterized by flat to undulating plains typical of the "Back O' Bourke," where land use has historically been dominated by extensive rangeland grazing for sheep, cattle, and goats.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) (Human-Induced Regeneration of a Permanent Even-Aged Native Forest-1.1) Methodology. In this context, the project aims to regenerate native forest cover, primarily Mulga (Acacia aneura) and Bimble Box, that has been suppressed for at least a decade, usually by livestock grazing. By managing the timing and extent of grazing pressure (and potentially controlling feral animals), the proponent allows existing rootstock and lignotubers to regenerate into a permanent forest canopy. This does not involve planting new trees but rather assisting the natural recovery of the landscape.

Environmentally, the Wanaaring district is semi-arid to arid, with a highly variable average rainfall of approximately 250-300mm per year. The soils in this region are distinct, consisting largely of red earths and red sandy loams (Kandosols) on the plains, transitioning to grey and brown cracking clays (Vertosols) and texture-contrast soils (Chromosols) near watercourses like the Cuttaburra Creek and Paroo River. These soil types are resilient but prone to erosion when vegetation cover is lost, making the regenerative focus of this project vital for soil stability as well as carbon sequestration.

An interesting human element of this project is the proponent, Garry Michael Heffernan. Public records suggest a "Garry Michael Heffernan" is a Vietnam veteran who served with the 3rd Battalion, Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR), adding a layer of personal history to the land stewardship. The project is managed with the assistance of Carbon Farmers of Australia, a well-known service provider in the sector. Given the project's vast size and 25-year crediting period (running until 2041), it represents a significant long-term commitment to changing land management practices in the Australian rangelands.