From 1978-2007, the Rhode Island Natural Heritage Program identified, monitored, and protected biodiversity, including creating a rare and endangered species list, for the state. The habitats where these rare and endangered species live were designated by the program as Natural Heritage Areas.

After the Natural Heritage Program was defunded, the Natural Heritage Areas on both public and private land remained unprotected. Many were destroyed by destructive logging and related land development. There are currently no protections in state law for Natural Heritage Areas, despite a 1993 law requiring the creation of Natural Area Preserves, which was meant to protect these areas and other sensitive habitats.

The Old Growth Forest Protection Act would amend the law to have the Natural Heritage Program create and oversee the Natural Area Preserves, thereby making the 1993 law finally functional.