1. (a)

   1. (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated.

   2. (2) “Old-growth forest” means a forest:

      1. (i) At least 5 acres in size with a preponderance of old trees, of which the oldest exceed at least half the projected maximum attainable age for the species; and

      2. (ii) That exhibits several of the following characteristics:

         1. 1. Shade-tolerant species are present in all age and size classes;
         2. 2. Randomly distributed canopy gaps are present;
         3. 3. A high degree of structural diversity characterized by multiple growth layers reflecting a broad spectrum of ages is present;
         4. 4. An accumulation of dead wood of varying sizes and stages of decomposition accompanied by decadence in live dominant trees is present; and
         5. 5. Pit and mound topography can be observed.

   3. (3) “State conservation land” means:

      1. (i) State parks;
      2. (ii) Wildlife management areas; and
      3. (iii) Natural resources management areas.
2. (b) Whenever the Department identifies an old-growth forest on State conservation land, the land shall be managed in a manner that prohibits logging.
3. (c) Nothing in this section may be interpreted to prohibit the Department from taking actions to protect old-growth forest from fire, animals, insects, disease, and erosion in a manner that has minimal adverse effects on the ecosystem and subject to conditions the Secretary considers necessary.

Added by Acts 2022, c. 339, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2022.