The Sisters Grassy Woodlands Restoration Project

The Sisters Grassy Woodlands Restoration Project is an environmental planting project located in the locality of Dry Plain, approximately 20km southeast of Adaminaby and 35km northwest of Cooma in the Snowy Monaro region of New South Wales. Registered in May 2025, the project covers a net area of 216.61 hectares. The surrounding region is historically known for sheep and cattle grazing, often characterized by vast treeless plains resulting from both natural soil conditions and historical clearing.

This project operates under the Reforestation by Environmental or Mallee Plantings-FullCAM methodology. This involves establishing permanent plantings of native tree and shrub species, such as Ribbon Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis) or Snow Gum (Eucalyptus pauciflora), at a density sufficient to achieve forest cover (typically at least 200 stems per hectare). The specific aim of this project is to restore the critically endangered Monaro Tableland Cool Temperate Grassy Woodland vegetation community, which provides vital habitat for local woodland bird species.

The Snowy Monaro environment is defined by its cool temperate climate, with cold winters and a distinct rain shadow effect that keeps average rainfall between 500mm and 700mm annually. The landscape features rolling hills with soils that are predominantly basalt-derived (ferrosols and dermosols) or granitic, often referred to locally as "Maneroo" soils. These soils can be fertile but are susceptible to erosion when vegetation cover is removed.

An interesting aspect of this project is its location near the "Caddigat" properties, which have been the focus of significant conservation investment. The project is likely associated with the partnership between Conscious Investment Management and Greening Australia, which purchased land in the area to deliver biodiverse carbon projects. The name "The Sisters" likely refers to a local geographical feature, mirroring the prominent "The Brothers" hills nearby.