Forest Conservation Act and Conservation Commission

A number of the Rhode Island Woodland Partnership’s individual members and organizations helped develop and support the Forest Conservation Act (2-27 RIGL) that was adopted in 2021. This is the first time that Rhode Island’s forest values have been recognized in State law.

The act establishes a broad-based, 11-member forest conservation commission to be staffed by the Department of Environmental Management. The intent of the commission is to help landowners conserve forestland in perpetuity, encourage better forest management, promote forest conservation to mitigate climate change, create jobs in the forest products industry, and expand urban and community forestry programs. The act uses incentives to encourage positive outcomes without new regulations or restrictions.

Position Statements

The RI Woodland Partnership has developed two position statements.  We welcome you to share these statements, but this does not imply RIWP’s endorsement of other positions or advocacy efforts.

• The Importance of Rhode Island’s Forests in Mitigating and Adapting to Climate Change
• Preventing the Loss of Rhode Island’s Forests

When posting RIWP documents on another website, please include a link to this website: http://rhodeislandwoods.uri.edu/ri-woodland-partnership.