R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-35-1
City or town councils have the authority to create a commission, to be called the conservation commission, the purpose of which is to promote and develop the natural resources, protect the watershed resources, and preserve natural esthetic areas within municipalities. The commission shall conduct researches into its local land areas and seek to coordinate the activities of unofficial bodies organized for similar purposes, and may advertise, prepare, print, and distribute books, maps, charts, plans, and pamphlets which in its judgment it deems necessary for its work. It shall make and keep an index of all open spaces within the city or town, publicly or privately owned, including open marshlands, swamps, and other wetlands for the purpose of obtaining information on the proper use of those areas. It may recommend to municipal councils, boards, or agencies, a program for the better promotion, development, utilization, or preservation of open areas, streams, shores, wooded areas, roadsides, swamps, marshlands, and natural esthetic areas. It shall keep accurate records of its meetings and actions and file an annual report. It has power to appoint, subject to any personnel procurement program ordained by the city or town, clerks and other employees it may from time to time require.
R.I. Gen. Laws § 45-35-1