Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 568 § 568.550 — General powers of board of directors; erosion control covenants; interagency

General powers of board of directors; erosion control covenants; interagency cooperation; land use regulations; department rules. (1) The board of directors of a soil and water conservation district has the following powers: (a) To secure surveys and investigations and do research relating to: (A) The character of soil erosion; (B) The character of floodwater and sediment damage; (C) All phases of the conservation, development, utilization and disposal of water; and (D) The preventive measures, control measures and improvements needed. (b) To conduct demonstrational projects on lands within the district upon obtaining the consent of the owner and occupier of such lands. (c) To carry out preventive and control measures on lands within the district upon obtaining the consent of the owner and occupier of those lands. (d) To enter into written agreements with and, within the limits of appropriations duly made available to the board by law, to furnish financial or other aid to any governmental or nongovernmental agency or any owner or occupier of lands within the district, for the purpose of: (A) Carrying on within the district soil erosion control and prevention operations, water quality improvement, watershed enhancement and improvement, fish and wildlife habitat management activities and other natural resource management activities; or (B) Carrying out district responsibilities under ORS 541.898, 568.225, 568.550 and 568.900 to 568.933. (e) To obtain options upon and to acquire by purchase, exchange, lease, gift, grant, bequest or devise any property, real or personal or rights or interests therein, to maintain, administer and improve any properties acquired, to receive income from such properties and to expend such income in carrying out the purposes and provisions of ORS 568.210 to 568.808 and 568.900 to 568.933, and to sell, lease or otherwise dispose of any of its property or interests therein in furtherance of the purposes and the provisions of ORS 568.210 to 568.808 and 568.900 to 568.933. (f) To borrow money and to mortgage personal property of the district as security for the borrowed money, if the district first gives notice of and holds a public hearing within the district to provide landowners with the opportunity to be heard. The State Department of Agriculture shall adopt rules specifying the manner for giving notice of a hearing under this subsection. (g) To issue general obligation bonds of the district as provided in ORS 568.803. (h) To make available, on such terms as the directors shall prescribe, to landowners or occupiers within the district, agricultural and engineering machinery and equipment, fertilizer, seeds, and seedlings and other material or equipment. (i) To construct, operate and maintain such structures as may be necessary or convenient for performance of any of the operations authorized in ORS 568.210 to 568.808 and