Human Induced Regeneration in NPWS Reserves - Pilot Project 2 (Revoked)

Human Induced Regeneration in NPWS Reserves - Pilot Project 2 (Revoked) was a carbon farming initiative located across disjointed regions of New South Wales, illustrating an early exploratory approach by the state government to integrate carbon sequestration into the national park estate. Registered in September 2016 and covering a substantial 21,479 hectares, the project was revoked in September 2022. The project area was geographically dispersed: one section was situated in the semi-arid rangelands near Walgett and Lightning Ridge in north-western NSW, while another distinct section was located near Kempsey on the Mid North Coast, specifically around the Ngambaa Nature Reserve area.

The project utilized the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology. This method credits landholders for regenerating native forests by removing activities that suppress growth. In the context of National Parks, where commercial logging is already prohibited, eligible activities typically focus on the "exclusion of livestock" (managing historical grazing pressures on newly acquired lands) and the humane management of feral animals (such as goats and pigs) which eat seedlings and prevent forest recovery. The project did not involve planting but rather relied on the germination of in-situ seed sources and rootstock.

Given the split locations, the environmental conditions varied drastically. The western components near Walgett are characterized by a semi-arid climate, low rainfall, and clay-loam soils typically used for grazing. In contrast, the eastern component near Kempsey sits in a high-rainfall zone with fertile soils supporting wet sclerophyll forests and rainforest ecosystems.

This project was likely a precursor to the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service's (NPWS) current "Carbon Positive by 2028" strategy. The "Pilot Project 2" designation and its subsequent revocation suggests it was a feasibility trial or a holding structure that was eventually superseded. Following its revocation in 2022, NPWS has since registered newer, more targeted projects such as the Koonaburra and Brindingabba HIR projects, indicating a shift from this early dispersed pilot to dedicated property-specific registrations. The proponent, listed as the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure, reflects the current NSW government department responsible for these assets, previously known as the Office of Environment and Heritage.