The "Old Growth Forest Protection Act" is a proposed bill that aims to protect Rhode Island's old growth forests by establishing a new chapter in state law. This act defines key terms related to forest management, including "old growth forest," "natural area preserve," and "extractive logging." It prohibits extractive logging and clearcutting in old growth forests and natural area preserves on state-owned land, with exceptions for the felling of hazard trees and invasive species, which require approval from the natural heritage program.

The bill mandates that all state and municipal forests over one acre undergo an inventory by the natural heritage program to determine if they qualify as old growth forests, natural heritage areas, or rare forest ecosystems before any logging or prescribed burning operations can take place. It also requires public notification and hearings for logging operations, ensuring transparency in the process.

Additionally, the bill establishes the Natural Heritage Program within the Division of Statewide Planning, which will be responsible for protecting native biodiversity, old growth forests, and rare ecosystems. The program will be led by a coordinator with relevant qualifications and experience, who must not have prior ties to the timber industry. The bill amends existing laws related to the Natural Areas Protection Act of 1993, redefining the coordinator's roles and establishing procedures for designating lands as natural area preserves. It reinforces the prohibition of extractive logging and clearcutting in old growth forests on state-owned or municipal lands, emphasizing the state's commitment to environmental conservation.