(1) Before the acquisition of a conservation easement or highway scenic preservation easement, the state agency, county, metropolitan service district, soil and water conservation district, city, park and recreation district or county service district established under ORS § 451.410 to 451.610 to construct, maintain and operate service facilities in Washington or Clackamas County for the purposes specified in ORS § 451.010 (1)(a) and (b) and in Washington County for the purpose specified in ORS § 451.010 (5) considering acquisition of such an easement shall hold one or more public hearings on the proposal and the reasons therefor. The hearings shall be held in the community where the easement would be located and all interested persons, including representatives of other governmental agencies, shall have the right to appear and a reasonable opportunity to be heard.

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(2) Notice of the hearing shall be published at least twice, once not less than 12 days and once not less than five days, prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation in the community. The notice may also be published by broadcasting or telecasting generally in the community.

(3) At least 30 days prior to the hearing, the state agency shall mail notice of the hearing to the governing body of each county, city and other governmental agency having jurisdiction in the area of the proposed easements.

(4) This section does not apply to conservation easements or highway scenic preservation easements acquired pursuant to ORS § 390.121, 390.310 to 390.338 and 390.805 to 390.925 or acquired pursuant to a metropolitan service district bond measure authorizing the acquisition of open spaces within specific areas. [1983 c.642 § 9; 1985 c.160 § 3; 1989 c.904 § 29; 1999 c.208 § 3; 2003 c.467 § 3; 2005 c.368 § 3; 2023 c.9 § 14]

[1967 c.318 § 4; 1981 c.787 § 42; repealed by 1983 c.642 § 11]