R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-1
In recognition of the ever increasing environmental problems resulting from demands on the land and renewable resources of the state and of the need to preserve, protect and develop these resources of the state at a rate and level of quality to meet the needs of the people of the state, and the need for environmental balance, it is hereby declared to be the policy of the state to provide for the conservation of the land and renewable natural resources using those measures that best meet these objectives, including, but not limited to, the control and prevention of erosion, control of floods, the conservation and development of water resources and the improvement of water quality; assistance in the conservation of coastal land and water resources, the prevention of impairment of dams and reservoirs by sediment, the protection of wildlife, and preservation of natural beauty, and to protect and promote the health, safety and general welfare of the people of this state. It is further the policy of the general assembly to authorize conservation districts established under this chapter to serve as a local unit of the state conservation committee responsible for the conservation of the renewable natural resources of this state, and competent to administer, in close cooperation with landowners and occupiers, with local governmental units, and with agencies of the government of this state and of the United States, projects, programs and activities suitable for carrying out the policy of this chapter.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-4-1