Darling River Eco Corridor #37

Darling River Eco Corridor #37 is a Human-Induced Regeneration project located approximately 110km west-southwest of Cobar in the Barnato Downs bioregion of New South Wales. It was registered in May 2018 and originally covered 13,512.30ha, although a project variation in early 2021 removed certain areas and reduced the active project area to 6,460ha.

Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) projects involve establishing permanent, even-aged native forests through assisted regeneration from in-situ seed sources, such as rootstock and lignotubers. These projects occur on land previously cleared of vegetation where regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years prior to project commencement. Standard methodology requirements dictate that projects actively cease these suppressing activities, allowing native forest to regenerate by managing the timing and extent of livestock grazing and controlling feral animals in a humane manner.

The Cobar region is predominantly known for extensive sheep and cattle grazing operations. The environment features a semi-arid, persistently dry climate with low, variable annual rainfall averaging between 350mm and 390mm. The local terrain is characterised by undulating and flat plains, and the soils largely consist of ferruginous red earths, sandy loams, and red clays.

This project was initiated by landholders Vanessa and Dudley Reschke in collaboration with the project proponent Terra Carbon Pty Limited, which operates under the trading name GreenCollar. It was set up to regenerate natural woodlands and shrublands, supporting native flora such as white cypress pine, mulga, and bimble box, by upgrading fencing and improving water management. The diversified income from carbon sequestration has allowed the Reschkes to pay off their property mortgage, significantly improve their sheep operation's drought resilience, and create local jobs for the ongoing management of the project.