The "Old Growth Forest Protection Act" is a proposed bill aimed at safeguarding Rhode Island's old growth forests, which are vital ecosystems currently threatened by habitat destruction and logging practices. The bill highlights the urgent need for legal protections to prevent clearcutting and other harmful logging methods that contribute to biodiversity loss and increased wildfire risks. It introduces new definitions for terms such as "old growth forest," "clearcutting," and "natural area preserve," and establishes buffer areas to protect these ecosystems. The legislation seeks to amend the Natural Areas Protection Act of 1993 by inserting new provisions that enhance the management and protection of Rhode Island's natural heritage, including the establishment of a Natural Heritage Program responsible for monitoring and protecting biodiversity.

Key provisions of the bill include prohibiting extractive logging in old growth forests and natural area preserves, with exceptions for hazardous or invasive trees, and requiring an inventory of state and municipal forests before any logging or burning operations. The bill mandates public notice and a waiting period for logging operations, ensuring transparency and community involvement. It also introduces civil penalties for violations and emphasizes the importance of educational outreach regarding the state's natural history. Significant changes in terminology, such as replacing "director" with "coordinator," reflect a shift in responsibility for overseeing the designation of natural area preserves. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen environmental protection and biodiversity conservation in Rhode Island, ensuring that old growth forests are preserved for future generations.