Action for Rhode Island’s Forests
By Megan Cotter / State
representative
This includes allocating $16 million
for the Green Bond, with specific allocations of $5 million for farms, $5
million for open space preservation, $3 million for local open space initiatives,
and $3 million for forest management.
By leveraging these resources effectively, we can ensure
the protection of Rhode Island’s natural landscapes, promote sustainable
agriculture, and enhance recreational opportunities for our residents. These
investments are essential for preserving our state’s environmental heritage and
ensuring a vibrant and resilient future for generations to come.
The Forestry and Forest Parity Act (H7618) is already in
place in the majority of states, including most of New England. This
underscores the widespread recognition of the that proper forest management is
critical to responsible conservation.
Forest management involves planning, identifying problems
specific to that forest, and outlining the steps necessary to bring that forest
back to health. Just like in a garden, where you may plant three seeds in a
single hole and later thin seedlings so one healthy plant can thrive, forests
benefit from judicious thinning. A well-maintained forest sequesters more
carbon than one that is 25% dead trees.
The legislation is specifically designed, through the inclusion of income limits, to prevent exploitation of tax breaks by large commercial logging operations while supporting smaller, sustainable forestry practices. The protection applies to forest landowners with forest management plans.
The urgency of enacting comprehensive forest management policies after so many years of inattention by our state cannot be overstated, especially in light of recent developments.
In 2023, Rhode Island experienced
its largest forest fire since the 1950s, highlighting the critical need for
proactive measures to mitigate wildfire risks, especially in rural towns like
mine that have areas of dense forestation. Additionally, the devastating impact
of the spongy moth epidemic, which has led to the death of 25% of Rhode
Island’s trees, underscores the pressing need for action.
Moreover, it’s important to recognize the challenges
faced by the state Department of Environmental Management. With budget
constraints and staff cuts — its forestry staff has been slashed 75% since 1990
— DEM operates with limited resources, hindering its ability to engage in
proactive forest management. Currently, DEM is only able to address issues in a
mere 1% of Rhode Island’s forests, leaving the majority of our woodlands
vulnerable to threats.
In light of these challenges, the legislation I am championing, including the allocation of funds for forest and habitat management and the addition of new staff positions to DEM’s Division of Forestry, is aimed at bolstering our state’s capacity to address these critical issues.
By working collaboratively with experts and stakeholders, we can develop comprehensive and sustainable forest management strategies that safeguard both our environment and our economy.
These additional funds will
complement the efforts outlined in the Forestry and Forest Parity Act,
providing crucial support for various aspects of environmental stewardship.
Furthermore, the allocation of $3 million specifically for forest management
will bolster our capacity to address wildfire risks and combat threats such as
the spongy moth epidemic.
The Forestry and Forest Parity Act, along with
complementary legislation, represents a balanced approach to addressing the
complex challenges facing our state’s woodlands, and I am committed to
advocating for their passage for the benefit of all Rhode Islanders.
Rep. Megan L. Cotter (D-Dist. 39, Exeter, Richmond,
Hopkinton) is chair of the Special Legislative Commission to Evaluate and
Provide Recommendations on Proper Forest Management for Fire Prevention.
