(b) The Oregon Natural Areas Plan established by ORS 273.578 shall govern the Natural Areas Program in the conduct of activities to create and manage a system of state natural areas that are complementary to and consistent with the research natural area program on federal lands in Oregon. This plan lists the natural heritage resources that should be represented on the Oregon Register of Natural Areas and in state natural areas and provides criteria for the selection and approval of candidate natural areas for registration and dedication under ORS 273.563 to 273.591. In selecting state natural areas, the department shall give primary consideration to inclusion of natural heritage resources, and especially those natural heritage resources that are not adequately protected elsewhere. Inclusion and protection of special species shall be an important additional consideration in selecting state natural areas, and wherever possible, individual species shall be protected in association with natural heritage resources or in assemblages of those species determined by the department to have special significance.

(2) The department may advise owners of state natural areas concerning the management and use of such areas and may make available to state, federal and local agencies that manage lands within Oregon, information concerning the conservation of natural heritage resources.

(3) The department may apply for and accept grants, contributions and assistance from any federal, state or local government agency and any foundation, individual or organization for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of ORS 273.563 to 273.591. [1979 c.711 §5; 1983 c.786 §5; 2003 c.661 §2; 2009 c.217 §4; 2011 c.319 §12]