(1) The Legislative Assembly finds and declares that:

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(a) It is in the best interest of the state to create a simple regulatory approach for the maintenance of channels used for agricultural drainage and to improve awareness of, and compliance with, the removal and fill program provided for under ORS § 196.600 to 196.921.

(b) The provisions of ORS § 196.906 to 196.919 are designed to protect the economic viability of Oregon’s farmers and ranchers by allowing for the maintenance of channels used for agricultural drainage to be conducted in a manner that protects, maintains or improves ecological function of the channels.

(2) The Legislative Assembly declares that it is the policy of the state:

(a) To adaptively manage the implementation of ORS § 196.906 to 196.919 to allow for a workable process for persons to maintain traditionally maintained channels while protecting the ecological and life history functions of fish and wildlife that inhabit the channels; and

(b) To place a high priority on and to encourage the identification and development of opportunities for voluntary actions to restore, improve or enhance the ecological health or benefits of traditionally maintained channels. [2019 c.699 § 2]

196.906 to 196.919 were added to and made a part of 196.600 to 196.921 by legislative action but were not added to any smaller series therein. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.