(a) (1) In this section the following words have the meanings indicated. (2) "Old-growth forest" means a forest: (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 (ii) That exhibits several of the following characteristics: 1. Shade-tolerant species are present in all age and size classes; 2. Randomly distributed canopy gaps are present; 3. A high degree of structural diversity characterized by multiple growth layers reflecting a broad spectrum of ages is present; 4. An accumulation of dead wood of varying sizes and stages of decomposition accompanied by decadence in live dominant trees is present; and 5. Pit and mound topography can be observed. (3) "State conservation land" means: (i) State parks; (ii) Wildlife management areas; and (iii) Natural resources management areas. (b) Whenever the Department identifies an old-growth forest on State conservation land, the land shall be managed in a manner that prohibits logging. (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.
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