Future Forestry Cowwarr-Seaton Environmental Planting Pilot

The Future Forestry Cowwarr-Seaton Environmental Planting Pilot is an environmental planting project located in the Gippsland region of Victoria. The project area covers approximately 26 hectares and is situated roughly 5 kilometers north of the small town of Cowwarr and about 30 kilometers north of the major regional center of Traralgon. The site lies in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range, positioned between the localities of Seaton and Dawson.

Registered in November 2020 under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative) Act 2011, the project utilizes the "Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM" methodology. This method involves establishing permanent forest cover using native tree species on land that was previously cleared for agricultural use, in this region, typically dairy farming or beef grazing. The project is modeled using the Full Carbon Accounting Model (FullCAM) to estimate carbon sequestration, requiring specific stocking densities to ensure the plantings reach "forest cover" status (generally at least 2 meters in height and 20% canopy cover).

The Gippsland region where the project is located is characterized by a temperate climate with reliable rainfall, generally averaging between 700mm and 900mm annually, which supports robust tree growth. The soils in this area, particularly near the Thomson River catchment, are typically fertile clay loams or alluvial soils, well-suited for both pasture and reforestation activities.

An interesting aspect of this project is its designation as a "Pilot," suggesting it may serve as a proof-of-concept for the proponent, Lawrence Group Investments Pty Ltd, potentially testing the viability of carbon farming in this specific micro-climate before expanding operations. Additionally, the project underwent a variation to defer its start date from November 2020 to May 2022. Such variations are common in the sector to align the official crediting period with the actual timing of successful tree establishment, often due to seasonal weather delays or logistical planning.