Box Vale Human Induced Regeneration Project

Box Vale Human Induced Regeneration Project is a carbon sequestration initiative located at Box Vale Station, approximately 40 kilometres northwest of the opal-mining town of White Cliffs in Far West New South Wales. Registered in June 2023, the project spans a significant 33,978 hectares within the Central Darling Shire. The region is traditionally utilized for extensive rangeland grazing of sheep and cattle, operating in a remote landscape known for its vast horizons and proximity to the White Cliffs opal fields.

The project operates under the Human-Induced Regeneration (HIR) methodology, which focuses on restoring native forests through natural means rather than active planting. To earn credits, the proponent must demonstrate that vegetation regrowth was suppressed for at least 10 years prior to the project, typically by livestock or feral animals. By managing the timing and extent of grazing pressure and controlling feral pests such as goats, the project allows dormant rootstock and native seeds to germinate and mature into permanent forest cover.

The environmental context of the site is semi-arid to arid, characterized by low and highly variable rainfall, averaging around 200–250mm annually. The terrain typically consists of red earth plains, sandy loams, and gibber landscapes, which support resilient vegetation types such as Mulga (Acacia aneura), Belah, and drought-tolerant shrubs like saltbush.

An interesting historical detail is the long-standing connection of the Hayes family to the property. Historical records indicate that Arthur O'Hara Hayes purchased Box Vale Station in 1927, suggesting that the current proponent, Daniel Ross Hayes, is part of a multi-generational pastoral family now diversifying their operations into carbon farming.