R.I. Gen. Laws § 20-12-2: Acquisition of land for fish cultivation.

For the purpose of protecting and propagating fish and providing fishing preserves, the director of environmental management may, in the name and for the use of the state, and subject to approval of the state properties committee, acquire, by gift, lease, or purchase, land, freshwater streams, lakes, or ponds, or any part thereof or rights and interests therein.