(1) In carrying out the watershed enhancement program, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board shall:
(a) Coordinate the board’s funding of enhancement projects with the activities of the Natural Resources Division staff and other agencies, especially those agencies working together through a system of coordinated resource management planning.
(b) Use the expertise of the appropriate state agency according to the type of enhancement project.
(c) Provide educational and informational materials to promote public awareness and involvement in the watershed enhancement program.
(d) Coordinate and provide for or arrange for assistance in the activities of persons, agencies or political subdivisions developing local watershed enhancement projects funded by the board.
(e) Grant funds for the support of watershed councils in assessing watershed conditions, developing action plans, implementing projects and monitoring results and for the implementation of watershed enhancement projects from such moneys as may be available to the board therefor.
(f) Develop and maintain a centralized repository for information about the effects of watershed enhancement and education projects.
(g) Give priority to proposed watershed enhancement projects receiving funding or assistance from other sources.
(h) Identify gaps in research or available information about watershed health and enhancement.
(i) Cooperate with appropriate federal entities to identify the needs and interests of the State of Oregon so that federal plans and project schedules relating to watershed enhancement incorporate the state’s intent to the fullest extent practicable.
(j) Encourage the use of nonstructural methods to enhance the riparian areas and associated uplands of Oregon’s watersheds.
(k) Determine criteria for utilizing the private sector, both not-for-profit and for-profit organizations, to provide landowners with technical assistance to help develop and implement conservation easements and resource improvement projects.
(2) In accordance with ORS 541.351 to 541.415, the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board shall administer a watershed improvement grant program using funds from the Watershed Improvement Grant Fund established under ORS 541.397, from the Restoration and Protection Subaccount established under ORS 541.377 and from the Flexible Incentives Account established under ORS 541.381.
(3) To aid and advise the board in the performance of the functions of the board, the board may establish such advisory and technical committees as the board considers necessary. These committees may be continuing or temporary. The board shall determine the representation, membership, terms and organization of the committees and shall appoint their members. The chairperson is ex officio a member of each committee. [1987 c.734 §6; 1995 c.187 §4; 1997 c.8 §8; 1999 c.59 §174; 1999 c.1026 §11; 2001 c.708 §15]
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