Jackson Environmental planting

Jackson Environmental planting is an environmental planting project located in the Shire of Boyup Brook, Western Australia, approximately 30km southeast of the town of Collie. Registered in March 2023, the project covers 24.71 hectares of land that was previously used for agricultural purposes, specifically grazing or cropping.

The project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings methodology. This method involves establishing permanent plantings of native tree species on land that has been clear of forest for at least five years. Unlike commercial plantations, these trees are not intended for harvest; their primary purpose is to sequester carbon and restore local biodiversity. The method requires that trees be planted at a density sufficient to achieve "forest cover," which generally implies a potential to reach 20% canopy cover and a height of at least 2 meters.

The region is characterized by a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The area lies within a transitional rainfall zone, typically receiving between 600mm and 800mm annually, which supports both agriculture and native forestry. The soils in this part of the South West are commonly ironstone gravels (lateritic soils) and sandy duplexes, which are well-suited to the native Jarrah and Marri species likely included in the planting mix.

A notable aspect of this project is its proponent, Mitsui & Co. Wood Resources Oceania Pty Ltd (MWRO). While MWRO has traditionally been a major player in the commercial forestry and woodchip export industry (managing blue gum plantations), this project represents a diversification into carbon farming and environmental restoration. This shift aligns with the company's broader sustainability goals to generate carbon credits and enhance biodiversity on its managed lands.