R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-122-6: Procedures for designation of state-owned land as a natural area preserve.

(a) A request for designation of state-owned land as a natural area preserve shall be made to the director, that request specifying the area to be designated, the reasons for the designation, the proposed management strategy necessary to protect the critical environmental resources within the area, and the changes that would be required in current management practices. The request for designation may be made by the director of any state agency for any parcel of land under the agency’s control.

(b) The director may approve the designation of state-owned land as a preserve only after consultation with the managing agency, and after a public hearing. Notice requirements for the public hearing shall be the same as required under § 42-122-5(a). Before a preserve is designated, a management plan must be approved by the director and adopted by the department managing the preserve.