R.I. Gen. Laws § 2-10-3

Whenever appropriate receipts, monetary gifts, or securities are received, the director of environmental management shall give the funds to the general treasurer until he or she desires to use the funds for forest demonstration and experimentation purposes and the general treasurer shall keep those funds in a special account known as the state forestry fund, and he or she shall invest and reinvest the funds in those securities that by law the sinking fund commission is authorized to invest in. Whenever the director desires to convert any of those investments into cash to be used to promote the science and practice of forestry in this state, the director shall notify the general treasurer in writing who shall forthwith proceed to carry out his or her request. The state controller is authorized and directed to draw his or her orders upon the general treasurer for the payment from those investments of any of those sums upon receipt by him or her of proper vouchers approved by the director.