R.I. Gen. Laws § 42-17.9-3: The state’s interest in natural resource values.

For purposes of this chapter, the state’s interest in open space values shall mean interests established by law or by investment of public resources and shall include the natural resource, recreational, habitat and ecological, water supply, agricultural, soil conservation, and forestry values of lands, wetlands, and waters, acquired, preserved, conserved, and/or protected under the provisions of law.