R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-12

The state is authorized to establish, operate and maintain nurseries for the production of forest seedlings. Those trees may be used to reforest any land owned by the state, or may be used for planting on other public lands any such terms deemed to be for the public benefit. Any surplus may be supplied to owners of private land, at a price not exceeding the cost of production, for reforestation purposes upon rural land which has an assessed value of not exceeding fifty dollars ($50.00) per acre. Trees so purchased by owners of private land for reforestation of rural land shall not be removed from the premises of the rural landowner with the roots attached.