Pursuant to the memorandum of understanding established under ORS 468A.585, the State Department of Agriculture:

1. (1) Shall:

   1. (a) Conduct the smoke management program established by rule by the Environmental Quality Commission as it pertains to open field burning, propane flaming and stack or pile burning.
   2. (b) Aid fire districts and permit agents in carrying out their responsibilities for administering field sanitization programs.
   3. (c) Subject to available funding, conduct a program for the research and development of alternatives to field burning.

2. (2) May:

   1. (a) Enter into contracts with public and private agencies to carry out the purposes set forth in subsection (1) of this section;
   2. (b) Obtain patents in the name of the State of Oregon and assign such rights therein as the State Department of Agriculture considers appropriate;
   3. (c) Employ personnel to carry out the duties assigned to it; and
   4. (d) Sell and dispose of all surplus property of the State Department of Agriculture related to smoke management, including but not limited to straw-based products produced or manufactured by the State Department of Agriculture.

[1991 c.920 §9; 2001 c.70 §3]