Section 1-406 - Prohibition of logging in old-growth forests(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; and5. Pit and mound topography can be observed.(3) "State conservation land" means:(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.Added by 2022 Md. Laws, Ch. 339, Sec. 1, eff. 10/1/2022.