R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.9-1

The general assembly finds and declares that the preservation of open space and the protection of natural resources values are a fundamental interest of the state and an essential function of state government, that property has been acquired and managed by the state for open space values and associated natural resource purposes, and that the state needs clear, consistent, and explicit policy restricting conveyances of state property acquired or managed for open space purposes or natural resources values.