The "Old Growth Forest Protection Act" establishes protections for Rhode Island's old growth forests, which are vital ecosystems at risk from habitat destruction and logging activities. The bill defines key terms such as "old growth forest," "extractive logging," and "natural area preserve," and imposes strict prohibitions against extractive logging and clearcutting on state-owned and municipal lands. Exceptions are allowed for the removal of hazardous or invasive trees, but these actions require approval from the newly created natural heritage program.

The act mandates that all state and municipal forests over one acre undergo an inventory by the natural heritage program to assess their ecological significance before any logging or prescribed burning operations can occur. The natural heritage program, established within the Division of Statewide Planning, will be responsible for protecting native biodiversity, old growth forests, and rare ecosystems. It will be led by a coordinator with relevant qualifications and experience, who must not have any prior ties to the timber industry.

The coordinator will oversee the management of natural area preserves and will have the authority to designate lands as such with the consent of the State Planning Council. The legislation includes provisions for public hearings and notifications prior to any logging or burning operations, ensuring community involvement in the decision-making process. Additionally, the act establishes penalties for violations of its provisions. The act will take effect upon passage.