R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-122-3: Definitions.

As used in this chapter:

(1) “Director” means the director of the department of environmental management of the state of Rhode Island.

(2) “Natural area preserve” means areas of most environmentally sensitive land and/or water containing habitat suitable for plant or animal life or geological features of biological, scientific, educational, geological, paleontological, or scenic value worthy of preservation in its natural condition which has been approved by the director.