Rhode Island Senate Bill S2843

Rhode Island 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/5/22
• Refer: 4/5/22

Caption

Department Of Environmental Management

Impact

The provisions of S2843 would establish stricter regulations regarding the handling and management of old growth forests in the state. One major impact would be the prohibition of cutting, altering, or timber harvesting in designated old growth areas, thereby safeguarding these vital ecosystems from detrimental practices. Furthermore, at least 40% of state-managed forest properties would need to be designated as future old growth forests, reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship and preservation of biodiversity in the region.

Summary

Senate Bill S2843, titled the Old Growth Forest Preservation Act, aims to establish comprehensive protections for old growth forests on public lands in Rhode Island. The legislation mandates that before any forestry operations, including cutting or timber harvesting, occur on state-owned or municipally owned lands suspected to contain old growth forests, thorough assessments such as tree coring, species identification, and soil sampling must be conducted. This process is designed to ensure that the sustainable management of these ecologically significant areas is prioritized and conservatively handled.

Contention

The implementation of S2843 could spark discussions around balancing environmental protection with economic interests, particularly from sectors reliant on forestry and land development. Supporters of the bill may argue that it is essential for conservation and ecological health, while opponents could perceive it as overly restrictive, potentially impeding local economic development opportunities. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it will likely prompt debates on priorities between conservation efforts and economic pursuits, especially in areas where land use is crucial for community development.