1. To achieve the purposes of this chapter, the department, other state agencies, political subdivisions of the state, and private organizations may use funds from the following sources:

 a. Appropriations by the general assembly.
 b. Private grants and gifts.
 c. Federal grants and loans intended for these purposes.
 2. The department may enter into agreements with other state agencies, political subdivisions of the state, and private organizations for the purposes of carrying out this natural open space program or specific elements of the program.