The Natural Forest Protection Act would create the first state law to protect forests and biodiversity on public land in Rhode Island. This includes prohibiting clearcutting forests on state-owned land, creating natural area preserves to protect Old Growth Forests and Natural Heritage Areas. It would also require environmental review and public input before state logging operations and bring back the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program to protect rare and endangered species.

History of the Bill

This bill was introduced as the Old Growth Forest Preservation Act by Representative David Bennett, Chairman of the House Environment and Natural Resources Committee, and Michael McCaffrey, Senate Majority Leader, in 2022 as the Old Growth Forest Protection Act. It was introduced again in 2023 by Representative Evan Shanley, Chair of the House State Government and Elections Committee, and co-sponsored by Rep. Bennett. Rep. Shanley reintroduced the bill in 2024 with Senator Mark McKenney, Chair of the Senate Rules, Government Ethics, and Oversight Committee. Climate Action Rhode Island (CARI) also endorsed the bill that year. In 2025, Rep. Shanley introduced the bill again to the House, while Senator Robert Britto, Vice Chair of the Senate Environment and Agriculture Committee, will introduce it in the Senate. In 2026, Rep. Shanley and Sen. Britto sponsored the bill again with House Speaker Shekarchi co-sponsoring under the new name, The Natural Forest Protection Act.

Read the bill here.