R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-1-19: Public policy on freshwater wetlands.

It is the public policy of the state to preserve the purity and integrity of the freshwater wetlands, buffers, and floodplains of this state. The health, welfare, and general well-being of the populace and the protection of life and property require that the state restrict the uses of freshwater wetlands, buffers, and floodplains and, in the exercise of the police power, regulate activities in jurisdictional areas and as otherwise provided for hereunder consistent with this chapter.