The people of the State of Oregon find and declare that:

(1) Public uses are beneficial uses.

(2) The recognition of an in-stream water right under ORS § 537.336 to 537.348 shall not diminish the public’s rights in the ownership and control of the waters of this state or the public trust therein. The establishment of an in-stream water right under the provisions of ORS § 537.332 to 537.360 shall not take away or impair any permitted, certificated or decreed right to any waters or to the use of any waters vested prior to the date the in-stream water right is established pursuant to the provisions of ORS § 537.332 to 537.360. [1987 c.859 § 3]

[Formerly 537.280; renumbered 537.390 in 1987]