(1) As used in this section, ‘forestland’ and ‘forest practice’ have the meanings given those terms in ORS § 527.620.

(2) The State Fish and Wildlife Commission shall establish by rule a Private Forest Accord Grant Program for the purpose of funding projects that mitigate impacts of forest practices by:

(a) Removing structures that block the passage of aquatic organisms or repairing the structures to promote the passage of aquatic organisms.

(b) Placing logs or other wood-based material in streams to promote natural stream functions.

(c) Conserving, recruiting or reintroducing beavers to restore aquatic landscapes.

(d) Developing or sustaining healthy riparian corridors or wet meadow complexes to reduce burn intensity during fires and protect streams from excess sediment after a fire.

(e) Applying restoration treatments to densely stocked, single-species stands of trees to hasten the return of riparian function after tree harvesting.

(f) Applying restoration treatments to stands of trees to enhance historic species diversity that benefits riparian function.

(g) Supporting establishment of conservation easements on land other than forestland to protect riparian areas.

(h) Supporting acquisition of an existing water right for conversion to an in-stream water right, as described in ORS § 537.348, to improve in-stream flow conditions.

(i) Installing fencing or otherwise excluding grazing in riparian areas or around seeps or springs.

(j) Installing off-stream stockwater systems or hardened watering gaps to reduce the effects of grazing on aquatic organisms.

(k) Undertaking other measures that effectively conserve or restore habitat for aquatic organisms addressed by a habitat conservation plan that is consistent with the Private Forest Accord Report dated February 2, 2022, and published by the State Forestry Department on February 7, 2022.

(3) In administering the program, the commission:

(a) Shall develop criteria for awarding a grant and a process for applying for a grant.

(b) Shall award grants to most effectively mitigate impacts of forest practices, consistent with advice from the Private Forest Accord Mitigation Advisory Committee.

(c) May award a grant to another agency.

(d) May require the recipient of a grant to report to the commission on the use of grant funds. [2022 c.33 § 32]

496.257 is repealed only if certain conditions are met. See sections 54 and 60 to 64, chapter 33, Oregon Laws 2022 (note preceding 496.257).

496.257 and 496.259 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS Chapter 496 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.