Title 2 — Agriculture and Forestry

Chapter 2-1 Agricultural Functions of Department of Environmental Management

Part 1 General Provisions

§ 2-1-1 — 2-1-4 [Superseded.]

§ 2-1-5 Agricultural institutes — Local associations.

§ 2-1-6 Annual report — Publications.

§ 2-1-7 [Obsolete.]

§ 2-1-8 Promotion of Rhode Island grown farm products and Rhode Island seafood.

§ 2-1-9 Enforcement of marketing laws.

§ 2-1-10 Inspection powers.

§ 2-1-10.1 Assent to food safety modernization act.

§ 2-1-11 Administration of oaths — Subpoena of witnesses and papers.

§ 2-1-12 Enforcement of provisions — Prosecutions.

§ 2-1-13 — 2-1-17 Repealed.

Part 2 Freshwater Wetlands

§ 2-1-18 Declaration of intent.

§ 2-1-19 Public policy on freshwater wetlands.

§ 2-1-20 Definitions.

§ 2-1-20.1 Rules and regulations.

§ 2-1-20.2 Designation of wetlands, buffers, and floodplains.

§ 2-1-20.3 Inspection — Penalty.

§ 2-1-21 Approval of director.

§ 2-1-22 Procedure for approval by director — Notice of change of ownership — Recordation of permit.

§ 2-1-23 Violations.

§ 2-1-24 Notice to cease operation and relief in equity — Penalty.

Part 3 Severability

§ 2-1-25 Severability.

§ 2-1-26 Repealed.

§ 2-1-27 Access to information on freshwater wetland applications.

§ 2-1-28 Effect on zoning ordinances.

Chapter 2-2 Agricultural Experiment Station

§ 2-2-1 Assent to federal grant.

§ 2-2-2 Annual report to governor.

Chapter 2-3 Cooperative Extension District Associations and the Rhode Island Agricultural Council

§ 2-3-1 Definitions.

§ 2-3-2 Cooperative extension district associations.

§ 2-3-3 Organizational requirements for participation.

§ 2-3-4 Receipts and disbursement of funds for cooperative extension work.

§ 2-3-5 Annual report of activities.

§ 2-3-6 Raising of local funds — Amount of state contributions — Local matching funds.

§ 2-3-7 Cooperation in 4-H youth development activities.

§ 2-3-8 Appropriations for 4-H youth development activities.

§ 2-3-9 Annual appropriation to the Rhode Island agricultural council.

§ 2-3-10 Appropriations for general education purposes.

§ 2-3-11 Annual report by the Rhode Island agricultural council.

Chapter 2-4 Soil Conservation

§ 2-4-1 Legislative determinations and declaration of policy.

§ 2-4-2 Definitions.

§ 2-4-3 State conservation committee.

§ 2-4-3.1 Rhode Island farm, forest and open space land value subcommittee.

§ 2-4-4 Agents and employees — Assistance by other agencies — Delegation of powers.

§ 2-4-5 Chairperson of the committee — Quorum — Expenses — Surety bonds — Records — Audit.

§ 2-4-6 Powers and duties of committee.

§ 2-4-7 Establishment of conservation districts.

§ 2-4-8 District board — Organization — Quorum — Expenses and audit.

§ 2-4-9 Designation of district directors — Appointments — Elections.

§ 2-4-10 Repealed.

§ 2-4-11 Consultation with municipal representatives.

§ 2-4-12 Powers of districts and directors.

§ 2-4-13 Contributions and agreements as conditions to benefits.

§ 2-4-14 Public property laws inapplicable.

§ 2-4-15 Cooperation between districts.

§ 2-4-16 Cooperation of other public agencies.

§ 2-4-17 Repealed.

§ 2-4-18 Coastal resources management council and water resources board unaffected.

§ 2-4-19 Severability.

§ 2-4-20 Repealed.

Chapter 2-5 Federal Conservation Program

§ 2-5-1 Definitions.

§ 2-5-2 Agency to administer state plan.

§ 2-5-3 Formulation of plans — Purposes and contents.

§ 2-5-4 Acceptance and use of federal funds.

§ 2-5-5 Administrative powers of department.

§ 2-5-6 Annual report.

§ 2-5-7 Liability and obligations of state.

Chapter 2-6 Rhode Island Seed Act

§ 2-6-1 Short title.

§ 2-6-2 Definitions.

§ 2-6-3 Label requirements.

§ 2-6-4 Prohibitions.

§ 2-6-5 Records.

§ 2-6-6 Exemptions — Good faith sellers.

§ 2-6-7 Duties and authority of the director of the department of environmental management.

§ 2-6-8 Seizure — Condemnation.

§ 2-6-9 Injunction.

§ 2-6-10 Violations and prosecutions.

§ 2-6-11 — 2-6-19 Repealed.

Chapter 2-7 Commercial Fertilizer

§ 2-7-1 Title.

§ 2-7-2 Responsibility for administration.

§ 2-7-3 Definitions.

§ 2-7-4 Registration.

§ 2-7-5 Labels.

§ 2-7-6 Tonnage reports, tonnage fees.

§ 2-7-7 Inspection, sampling, analysis.

§ 2-7-8 Plant food deficiency.

§ 2-7-9 Commercial value.

§ 2-7-10 Misbranding.

§ 2-7-11 Adulteration.

§ 2-7-12 Publications.

§ 2-7-13 Rules and regulations.

§ 2-7-14 Short weight.

§ 2-7-15 Cancellation of registrations.

§ 2-7-16 “Stop sale” orders.

§ 2-7-17 Seizure, condemnation, and sale.

§ 2-7-18 Violations.

§ 2-7-19 Exchanges between manufacturers.

§ 2-7-20 Constitutionality.

§ 2-7-21 — 2-7-32 Repealed.

Chapter 2-8 Economic Poisons [Repealed.]

§ 2-8-1 — 2-8-28 Repealed.

Chapter 2-9 Forestry Functions of Department of Environmental Management

§ 2-9-1, 2-9-2. [Obsolete.]

§ 2-9-3 Leases and concessions on reservations.

§ 2-9-4 Employees — Records — Annual report.

§ 2-9-5 Appropriations — Expenses.

§ 2-9-6 Publication of information.

§ 2-9-7, 2-9-8. [Obsolete.]

Chapter 2-10 State Forests and Forestry Projects

§ 2-10-1 Acceptance of property for demonstration and experimentation purposes.

§ 2-10-2 Use of property.

§ 2-10-3 State forestry fund.

§ 2-10-3.1 Assessment of fees for forestry services.

§ 2-10-4 State forest areas acquired from United States.

§ 2-10-5 Acquisition of property — Acceptance of grants and gifts.

§ 2-10-6 Deposit of forest revenues.

§ 2-10-7 Repealed.

§ 2-10-8 Receipt of federal grants.

§ 2-10-9 Receipts from land condemned by United States.

§ 2-10-10 [Obsolete.]

§ 2-10-11 Purchase and sale of seedlings.

§ 2-10-12 Operation of nurseries.

§ 2-10-13 Enforcement.

Chapter 2-11 Forest Fire Personnel

§ 2-11-1 Definitions.

§ 2-11-2 Designation of fire chief, senior officer, and forest fire district.

§ 2-11-3 Compensation of fire chief, senior officer, and their employees.

§ 2-11-4 Patrols during drought.

§ 2-11-5 Reports of fires.

§ 2-11-6 Payments to local fire companies and districts.

§ 2-11-7 Incidental expenses.

§ 2-11-8 Badges.

§ 2-11-9 Enforcement powers of fire chiefs.

§ 2-11-10 Subpoena of witnesses.

§ 2-11-11 State appropriations.

Chapter 2-12 Forest Fires and Prevention

§ 2-12-1 Definitions.

§ 2-12-2 Fire fighting equipment.

§ 2-12-3 Lookout stations and appropriations.

§ 2-12-4 Conferences of fire chiefs and senior officers.

§ 2-12-5 Rules and regulations.

§ 2-12-6 Restrictions on open air fires.

§ 2-12-7 Exemption of attended fires.

§ 2-12-8 Enforcement.

§ 2-12-9 Causing of fires.

§ 2-12-10 Fire upon land of another — Penalty — Liability for damages.

§ 2-12-11 Fire fighting by fire chiefs and senior officers — Summons of assistance.

§ 2-12-12 Posting of statutory provisions.

§ 2-12-13 Proclamation of hazardous conditions — Closing of forests.

§ 2-12-14 Closing of fishing and hunting seasons during drought.

§ 2-12-15 Emergency powers of director.

§ 2-12-16 Compensation of emergency fire fighters.

§ 2-12-17 Right of fire fighters and officials to enter land.

§ 2-12-18 Disposition of fines — Limitation of prosecutions.

§ 2-12-19 Enforcement and prosecutions.

§ 2-12-20 Civil liability of dump operator.

§ 2-12-21 Collection of fire suppression charges.

Chapter 2-13 Northeastern Interstate Forest Fire Protection Compact

§ 2-13-1 Ratification of compact — Text.

§ 2-13-2 Effective date as to future ratifications.

§ 2-13-3 Filing of notices of ratification and consent.

§ 2-13-4 Appointment of commissioners.

§ 2-13-5 Compensation of commissioners.

§ 2-13-6 Powers of commission.

§ 2-13-7 Forest fire plan.

§ 2-13-8 Commission’s powers supplemental.

§ 2-13-9 Fiscal accounts — Annual reports and recommendations.

§ 2-13-10 Audit of commission’s books.

Chapter 2-14 Tree Wardens

§ 2-14-1 “Tree warden” defined.

§ 2-14-2 Appointment by town council or city mayor.

§ 2-14-3 Term of office — Vacancies.

§ 2-14-4 Deputies — Compensation of warden and deputies.

§ 2-14-5 Trees under control of warden — Entry on private property.

§ 2-14-6 Town or city forest areas — Supervision by department of environmental management.

§ 2-14-7 Powers and duties of wardens.

§ 2-14-8 Removal and pruning of trees.

§ 2-14-9 Suppression of pests and diseases.

§ 2-14-10 Local appropriations.

§ 2-14-11 Application to Providence.

§ 2-14-12 Application to West Greenwich.

Chapter 2-15 Protection of Trees and Plants Generally

§ 2-15-1 Registration of wood cutting operations.

§ 2-15-2 Reports to department — Suspensions.

§ 2-15-3 Violations.

§ 2-15-4 Exemptions from §§ 2-15-1 — 2-15-3.

§ 2-15-5 Removal of injurious plants.

§ 2-15-6 Injuries to trees and shrubs prohibited.

§ 2-15-7 Throwing of debris prohibited.

§ 2-15-8 Permits for cutting or removal of plants or debris — Replacement of damaged or removed trees.

§ 2-15-9 Control of injurious gases.

§ 2-15-10 Control of injurious liquids.

§ 2-15-11 Penalty for violations of §§ 2-15-6, 2-15-8, 2-15-9, and 2-15-10.

§ 2-15-12 Plants for taking of which permits are required.

§ 2-15-13 Transportation of contraband plants.

§ 2-15-14 Plants as prima facie evidence of violations.

§ 2-15-15 Arrest and prosecution of violators.

§ 2-15-16 Penalty for violations of §§ 2-15-12 — 2-15-17.

§ 2-15-17 Powers of department of environmental management preserved.

Chapter 2-16 General Plant Pest Act

§ 2-16-1 Short title.

§ 2-16-2 Definitions.

§ 2-16-3 Powers of director.

§ 2-16-4 Permitting plant pests to exist — Distribution of infected plants.

§ 2-16-5 Concealment of plants from inspection.

§ 2-16-6 Order to destroy or treat infected plants.

§ 2-16-7 Compensation for loss or destruction of infested plants.

§ 2-16-8 Treatment or destruction by director.

§ 2-16-9 Destruction or return of infected shipments of plants.

§ 2-16-10 Hearing on quarantine or embargo.

§ 2-16-11 Penalty for violations.

§ 2-16-12 Prosecution of violations.

§ 2-16-13 Severability.

Chapter 2-16.1 Interstate Pest Control Compact

§ 2-16.1-1 Short title.

§ 2-16.1-2 Compact enacted.

§ 2-16.1-3 Cooperation.

§ 2-16.1-4 Filing of bylaws.

§ 2-16.1-5 Compact administrator.

§ 2-16.1-6 Request for assistance.

§ 2-16.1-7 Expenditures.

§ 2-16.1-8 Executive head for Rhode Island.

Chapter 2-17 Diseases and Parasites

Part 1 Gypsy and Brown-Tail Moths

§ 2-17-1 Nuisances.

§ 2-17-2 Chief entomologist.

§ 2-17-3 Powers of director.

§ 2-17-4 Appropriations and expenses.

§ 2-17-5 Importation or transportation of infestation.

§ 2-17-6 Local appropriations.

§ 2-17-7 Obstructions — Violations.

§ 2-17-8 Willful transportation of infestation.

Part 2 White Pine Blister Rust

§ 2-17-9 Nuisance.

§ 2-17-10 Powers of director.

§ 2-17-11 Rules as to transportation and planting.

§ 2-17-12 Destruction of uninfected plants.

§ 2-17-13 Local appropriations.

§ 2-17-14 Unlawful importation or transportation.

§ 2-17-15 Obstruction — Violations.

§ 2-17-16 Prosecution of violations.

Part 3 Dutch Elm Disease

§ 2-17-17 Plan for suppression.

§ 2-17-18 Reimbursement of cities and towns for suppression.

§ 2-17-19 Appropriations and disbursements.

§ 2-17-20 Research in Dutch elm and related diseases.

Part 4 Asian Longhorned Beetle & Emerald Ash Borer

§ 2-17-21 Nuisance.

§ 2-17-22 Unlawful importation or transportation.

§ 2-17-23 Regulated articles.

§ 2-17-24 Prosecution of violations.

Chapter 2-18 Nurseries and Nursery Stock

§ 2-18-1 — 2-18-8 [Superseded.]

§ 2-18-9 Abatement of plant diseases as nuisance — Liability for cost.

§ 2-18-10 Penalty for violations.

§ 2-18-11 Rules and regulations — Revocation of license by director.

§ 2-18-12 Appeals from chief entomologist to director.

§ 2-18-13 Prosecution of offenses.

§ 2-18-14 — 2-18-18 [Superseded.]

Chapter 2-18.1 Rhode Island Nursery Law

§ 2-18.1-1 Short title.

§ 2-18.1-2 Definitions.

§ 2-18.1-3 Authority to inspect — Access to nursery, heeling-in grounds or other place of business.

§ 2-18.1-4 Inspection of nursery stock before sale or distribution.

§ 2-18.1-5 Shipments from foreign countries.

§ 2-18.1-6 Nursery inspection and certification.

§ 2-18.1-7 Certificates.

§ 2-18.1-8 What nursery stock may be offered for sale.

§ 2-18.1-9 Nursery worker’s licenses — Nonlicensed growers.

§ 2-18.1-10 Dealer’s license.

§ 2-18.1-11 Reasons for withholding or revoking a license or certificate.

§ 2-18.1-12 Reinstatement of license or certificate.

§ 2-18.1-13 Registration of agents.

§ 2-18.1-14 Reciprocal agreements.

§ 2-18.1-15 Nonresidents.

§ 2-18.1-16 Collected plants.

§ 2-18.1-17 Horticultural services.

§ 2-18.1-18 Labelling imported stock.

§ 2-18.1-19 Common carrier.

§ 2-18.1-20 Inspection of imported stock — Disposition of infested stock.

§ 2-18.1-21 Treatment.

§ 2-18.1-22 Misrepresentation.

§ 2-18.1-23 Enforcement.

§ 2-18.1-24 Additional authority of the director.

§ 2-18.1-24.1 License fees — Apportionment.

§ 2-18.1-25 Review of orders.

§ 2-18.1-26 Penalties for violations.

§ 2-18.1-27 Prosecution of offenses.

§ 2-18.1-28 Severability.

Chapter 2-19 Arborists

§ 2-19-1 Practices subject to chapter.

§ 2-19-2 Issuance of license — Fee.

§ 2-19-3 Rules and regulations — Examination for license.

§ 2-19-4 Disposition of license fees.

§ 2-19-4.1 Arboriculture and mulching operations defined.

§ 2-19-4.2 Nuisance actions against arboriculture operations or mulching operations.

§ 2-19-5 Penalty for violations.

Chapter 2-20 Lumber Surveys

§ 2-20-1 Appointment of city and town surveyors and measurers.

§ 2-20-2 Deputies for measurement of hardwood and ship timber.

§ 2-20-3 Surveyor for Providence — Election — Term.

§ 2-20-4 Bond of Providence surveyor.

§ 2-20-5 Deputy surveyors for Providence.

§ 2-20-6 Bonds of deputies — Oath — Removal.

§ 2-20-7 Returns by Providence surveyor.

§ 2-20-8 Surveyors for Newport — Election — Bonds.

§ 2-20-9 Records of surveys.

§ 2-20-10 Application of chapter to city and town surveyors.

§ 2-20-11 Imported lumber subject to survey.

§ 2-20-12 Measurement of thin boards.

§ 2-20-13 Planks and joists.

§ 2-20-14 Measurement of mahogany and cedar.

§ 2-20-15 Grading of soft pine.

§ 2-20-16 Grading of hard pine, spruce, hemlock, and juniper.

§ 2-20-17 Grading of mahogany, cedar, and cherry.

§ 2-20-18 Grading of other hard woods.

§ 2-20-19 Marking of measure.

§ 2-20-20 Marking of grades.

§ 2-20-21 Sale according to grading and measurement.

§ 2-20-22 Survey fees.

§ 2-20-23 Fees retained by surveyor.

§ 2-20-24 Survey on land.

§ 2-20-25 Sale of unsurveyed lumber prohibited — Shipments for export.

§ 2-20-26 Importation or purchase for private use.

§ 2-20-27 Trans-shipments exempt.

§ 2-20-28 Penalty for unlawful sales or delivery.

§ 2-20-29 Penalty for alteration of marks.

§ 2-20-30 Penalty for fraud by surveyors.

§ 2-20-31 Penalty for neglect of duties by surveyor.

§ 2-20-32 Resurveys on request.

§ 2-20-33 Fees on reinspection.

§ 2-20-34 Expense of overhauling for reinspection.

§ 2-20-35 State lumber exempt.

Chapter 2-21 Agricultural Liming Materials

§ 2-21-1 Title.

§ 2-21-2 Responsibility for administration.

§ 2-21-3 Definitions.

§ 2-21-4 Labeling.

§ 2-21-5 Prohibited acts.

§ 2-21-6 Registration.

§ 2-21-7 Reporting of tonnage.

§ 2-21-8 Inspection, sampling, analysis.

§ 2-21-9 Stop sale, use, or removal orders.

§ 2-21-10 Penalties for violations.

§ 2-21-11 Rules for administration of agricultural liming material.

Chapter 2-22 Soil Amendments

§ 2-22-1 Title.

§ 2-22-2 Responsibility for administration.

§ 2-22-3 Definitions.

§ 2-22-4 Labeling.

§ 2-22-5 Registration — Tonnage report and fee.

§ 2-22-6 Inspection, sampling, analysis.

§ 2-22-7 Penalties for deficient analysis.

§ 2-22-8 Misbranding.

§ 2-22-9 Stop sale, use, or removal orders.

§ 2-22-10 Penalties for violations.

§ 2-22-11 Rules and regulations.

§ 2-22-12 Adulteration.

§ 2-22-13 Cancellation or refusal of registration.

§ 2-22-14 Constitutionality.

§ 2-22-15 Annual reports.

§ 2-22-16 Quality assurance funds.

Chapter 2-23 Right to Farm

§ 2-23-1 Short title.

§ 2-23-2 Legislative findings.

§ 2-23-3 Declaration of policy.

§ 2-23-4 “Agricultural operations” defined.

§ 2-23-5 Nuisance actions against agricultural operations.

§ 2-23-6 Negligence actions — Pesticide use not affected.

§ 2-23-7 Severability.

Chapter 2-23.1 Notification to Farmers

§ 2-23.1-1 Findings.

§ 2-23.1-2 Purpose.

§ 2-23.1-3 Duties of the department.

§ 2-23.1-4 Notification by towns and cities.

§ 2-23.1-5 Matters subject to notification.

§ 2-23.1-6 Work sessions.

§ 2-23.1-7 Emergency actions unimpaired.

§ 2-23.1-8 Validity of actions.

§ 2-23.1-9 Severability.

Chapter 2-23.2 Preservation of Agricultural Use

§ 2-23.2-1 Purpose.

§ 2-23.2-2 Definitions.

§ 2-23.2-3 Right to agricultural use.

§ 2-23.2-4 Effect of rules and regulations.

§ 2-23.2-5 Construction.

§ 2-23.2-6 Severability.

Chapter 2-24 Northeast Interstate Dairy Compact

§ 2-24-1 Ratification of compact — Text.

Chapter 2-25 The Rhode Island Local Agriculture and Seafood Act

§ 2-25-1 Short title.

§ 2-25-2 Legislative findings.

§ 2-25-3 Legislative intent.

§ 2-25-4 Definitions.

§ 2-25-5 Small grants and technical assistance program established.

§ 2-25-6 Local agriculture and seafood small grants and technical assistance fund established and solicitation of funding.

§ 2-25-7 Use of funds.

§ 2-25-8 Accountability and oversight.

§ 2-25-9 Powers and duties.

Chapter 2-26 Hemp Growth Act

§ 2-26-1 Short title.

§ 2-26-2 Legislative findings.

§ 2-26-3 Definitions.

§ 2-26-4 Hemp an agricultural product.

§ 2-26-5 Authority over licensing and sales.

§ 2-26-6 Rulemaking authority.

§ 2-26-7 Licensure.

§ 2-26-8 Methods of extraction.

§ 2-26-9 Research and educational growth by institutions of higher education.

§ 2-26-10 Enforcement of violations of chapter.

Chapter 2-27 Forest Conservation Act

§ 2-27-1 Statement of legislative purpose.

§ 2-27-2 Definitions.

§ 2-27-3 Forest conservation commission.

§ 2-27-4 Powers of commission.

§ 2-27-5 Duties of the commission.

§ 2-27-6 Forest land conservation fund.

§ 2-27-7 Severability.

Full text is available per section.