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.
Impact
The bill's passage would directly impact state laws by amending existing regulations concerning forestry management and environmental protection. Specifically, it would prohibit extractive logging practices in old growth forests and natural area preserves on state and municipal lands. By requiring thorough inventories and assessments of forest areas before any logging operations can proceed, the legislation aims to safeguard these ecosystems from harm. Failure to comply with these provisions would result in elevated penalties, designating violations as felonies with substantial fines.
Summary
S2299, titled the Old Growth Forest Protection Act, seeks to establish a comprehensive legal framework aimed at protecting Rhode Island's forests and biodiversity. This legislation responds to growing concerns regarding habitat destruction and the alarming decline of native species facing extinction. The bill recognizes that old growth forests serve as critical ecosystems and carbon sinks that significantly contribute to combating climate change. It outlines prohibitions against logging in these vital areas and mandates the creation of natural area preserves to ensure their preservation.
Contention
Discussion around S2299 has highlighted key points of contention, particularly among stakeholders in the logging industry who view the legislation as overly restrictive. Proponents argue that the protection of old growth forests is essential not only for environmental reasons but also for the long-term economic health of the state, as these forests contribute to tourism and recreation. Conversely, opponents express concerns regarding potential job losses and economic impacts on local communities reliant on logging activities. This divide reflects a broader tension in balancing ecological conservation with economic development.
Joint Resolution Creating A Special Joint Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Protect Our Environment And Natural Resources From Plastic Bottle Waste (creates A 16 Member Joint Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Protect Our Environment From Plastic Bottle Waste, And Who Would Report Back To The General Assembly By February 28, 2024, And Expire On June 30, 2024.)
House Resolution Recognizing And Thanking Members Of The Exeter Fire Department For Their Heroic Efforts Leading The Response To The Wildfire In Queen's River Preserve
Joint Resolution Creating A Special Joint Legislative Commission To Study And Provide Recommendations To Protect Our Environment And Natural Resources From Plastic Bottle Waste (creates An 18 Member Special Joint Legislative Commission Whose Purpose It Would Be To Study And Provide Recommendations To Protect Our Environment From Plastic Bottle Waste/report Back To The General Assembly No Later Than 6/10/24 And Expire On 6/30/24.)
House Resolution Creating A Legislative Study Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Proper Forest Management For Fire Prevention (creates A 12 Member Commission To Evaluate And Provide Recommendations On Proper Forest Management For Fire Prevention, And Who Would Report Back To The House By February 28, 2024, And Expire On April 30, 2024.)
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 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.