Relating Agriculture And Forestry - Old Growth Forest Preservation Act
Impact
The legislation imposes a strict prohibition on cutting or altering old growth forests and certain identified hardwood forest types on public lands, with limited exceptions for trees deemed hazardous. By ensuring that at least 40% of state forest lands are designated as future old growth forests, the Act facilitates long-term preservation efforts. These measures are expected to enhance biodiversity conservation efforts while safeguarding climatic functions provided by thriving, native forest ecosystems.
Summary
House Bill H7066, known as the Old Growth Forest Preservation Act, is designed to protect old growth forests in Rhode Island, recognizing their ecological significance as habitats for unique species and carbon sinks essential for mitigating climate change. The Act establishes mandatory assessments for state and municipal lands prior to any forestry operations, requiring tree coring, species identification, and soil sampling to avoid damaging these irreplaceable ecosystems. Furthermore, it obliges local governments to map these areas when developing land, integrating such considerations into future land use decisions.
Contention
Debates surrounding H7066 reflect concerns about balancing environmental protection with land development needs. Proponents argue that the bill is essential for preserving critical habitats and combating climate change. Opponents, however, may fear restrictions on land use could hinder economic development or impede the implementation of renewable energy projects like solar installation in areas currently identified for older growth trees. The tension lies in finding an equitable approach that satisfies both ecological integrity and economic development agendas.
Creates the Old Growth Forest Protection Act to provide protection for state-owned forestland in their natural state prohibiting extractive logging and clearcutting in any forest on state-owned land.
Creates the Old Growth Forest Protection Act to provide protection for state-owned forestland in their natural state prohibiting extractive logging and clearcutting in any forest on state-owned land.
Creates a statutory framework designed to protect our forests and biodiversity, also prohibits logging in old growth forests and in the natural area preserves when they are created.
Creates a statutory framework designed to protect our forests and biodiversity, also prohibits logging in old growth forests and in the natural area preserves when they are created.
A resolution expressing support for the recognition of the week of September 25 through October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".
A resolution expressing support for the recognition of September 23, 2024, to September 29, 2024, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".
Expressing support for the recognition of September 23, 2024, to September 29, 2024, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".
Expressing support for the recognition of September 25, 2023, to October 1, 2023, as "Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions Week".