The Clean Energy Regulator has produced guidance on the circumstances in which it is necessary to stratify carbon estimation areas (CEAs) according to species mix – a requirement for projects using the:
- Environmental Plantings,
- Human Induced Regeneration, and
- Mallee Plantings methodology determinations.
These methodology determinations stipulate the use of the 'environmental plantings' setting in the Reforestation Modelling Tool (RMT), however the RMT does not provide for modelling results based on a difference in species mix alone.
This guidance clarifies how differences in species mix should be accounted for using the three different methodology determinations.
In the case of an Environmental Plantings or a Mallee Plantings project, if the decision to plant a different mix of species in different areas has been made on the basis of identified differences in site characteristics or in establishment and/or management methods of those areas, then the project area and/or carbon estimation area must be stratified in line with differences in species mix.
For projects using the Human Induced Regeneration methodology determination, estimations of the species mix that will regenerate in different areas are to be based on identified differences in site characteristics of those areas or differences in management practices for those areas.