Darling River Conservation Initiative Site #11

Darling River Conservation Initiative Site #11 is a Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) project located in the Far West region of New South Wales, approximately 180km north of Broken Hill and 120km south of Tibooburra. Registered in November 2020, the project encompasses a vast area of 43,819 hectares within the Simpson-Strzelecki Dunefields bioregion. This remote area is traditionally utilized for extensive grazing of sheep and cattle, often on large pastoral leases where vegetation management is critical for land health.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration methodology, which awards carbon credits for regenerating native forests on land where vegetation has been suppressed for at least 10 years. Unlike tree planting projects, HIR relies on the assisted regeneration of in-situ seed sources, rootstock, and lignotubers. To achieve this, the project proponent must cease the activities that were suppressing growth, in this case, uncontrolled grazing by livestock and feral animals, allowing the native forest to re-establish and reach a canopy cover of at least 20% and a height of 2 meters.

Environmentally, the site is characterized by an arid to semi-arid climate with low, variable rainfall. The landscape consists predominantly of flat country featuring sandy loam soils, interspersed with sand dunes and drainage points. The regeneration targets specific native species adapted to these harsh conditions, including Sticky Hopbush (Dodonaea viscosa), Mulga (Acacia aneura), and various Eremophila species.

A primary focus of the Darling River Conservation Initiative is the management of total grazing pressure. The region suffers from significant land degradation caused by feral goats and unmanaged livestock, which consume young saplings before they can mature. By installing new fencing, managing water points, and humanely controlling feral animal populations, the project aims to stabilize soils, reduce erosion, and restore the natural woodland ecosystem.