RI S3081

Prohibits extractive logging in old growth forests on state-owned land and municipal land, and bans clearcutting in any forest on state-owned land

Defines old growth forests as contiguous forests of at least 5 acres exhibiting at least 6 of 11 specified characteristics, including trees over 100 years old, complex structural diversity, and abundant dead wood

Establishes a Natural Heritage Program within the Division of Statewide Planning to inventory forests, identify old growth stands, and oversee protections, with a coordinator required to have an advanced degree in conservation biology, botany, zoology, or forest ecology

Requires 3-month advance notice to the Natural Heritage Program before any extractive logging or prescribed burning on state/municipal forests over 1 acre, with mandatory public hearings and a 60-day appeal period

Imposes civil penalties of $5,000 to $25,000 per offense for violations, with limited exceptions for removing hazard trees and invasive species with program approval