1. (1) The forester may enter into cooperative agreements or contracts with a rangeland protection association under the provisions of ORS 477.320 for the purpose of providing the assistance described in subsections (2) and (3) of this section.

2. (2) The forester may assist a rangeland protection association with:

   1. (a) Organizing the rangeland protection association.
   2. (b) Training members of the rangeland protection association.
   3. (c) Acquiring or maintaining firefighting vehicles, supplies and other equipment for the rangeland protection association, including as described in ORS 477.322 and 477.406.
   4. (d) Payment for liability insurance and other administrative expenses of the rangeland protection association.

3. (3) A payment described in subsection (2)(d) of this section may not:

   1. (a) Exceed 50 percent of the total of budgeted operating costs and the cash equivalent of in-kind supplies and services of the rangeland protection association in any fiscal year.
   2. (b) Be paid from funds assessed from forestland owners under ORS 477.230.

[2007 c.808 §2; 2016 c.69 §3; 2025 c.508 §5]