R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-46-1

The general assembly finds that excessive quantities of soil are eroding from certain areas of the state that are undergoing development for certain nonagricultural uses as housing developments, industrial areas, recreational facilities, commercial facilities, and roads. Erosion occurring in these areas makes necessary costly repairs to gullies, washed out fills, roads, and embankments. The resulting sediment clogs storm sewers and road ditches, roils streams, and deposits silt in ponds and reservoirs. In some of the state’s waters, silt resulting from erosion has become a major water pollutant and threatens water supply, recreational, aesthetic, and wildlife habitat values associated with these waters. The general assembly finds that certain agricultural lands also experience extensive erosion and sedimentation. The general assembly directs the department of environmental management division of agriculture and the Rhode Island state conservation committee to work with landowners on these lands to implement conservation plans and/or activities.