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Current as of January 01, 2023 | Updated by Findlaw Staff
(1) The Legislative Assembly declares that it is the policy of the State of Oregon to encourage operators, timber owners and landowners to voluntarily improve fish and wildlife habitat. In order to carry out this policy, the Legislative Assembly encourages cooperation among operators, timber owners and landowners and other volunteers.
(2) Consistent with the limitations of ORS 105.672 to 105.696, a landowner is not liable in contract or tort for any personal injury, death or property damage that arises out of the use of the land by:
(a) A volunteer conducting a fish and wildlife habitat improvement project; or
(b) A participant of a state-funded or federally funded watershed or stream restoration or enhancement program.
(3) An operator, timber owner or landowner shall not be held liable for any damages resulting from:
(a) A fish and wildlife habitat improvement project done in cooperation and consultation with the State Department of Fish and Wildlife or the Oregon Watershed Enhancement Board, or conducted as part of a forest management practice in accordance with ORS 527.610 to 527.770, 527.990 and 527.992; or
(b) Leaving large woody debris within the waters of this state to protect, retain and recruit large woody debris for the purposes of fish habitat and water quality improvement.
(4) The limitations to liability provided by subsections (2) and (3) of this section do not apply if the damages, injury or death was caused by willful, wanton or intentional conduct on the part of the operator, timber owner or landowner or by the gross negligence of the operator, timber owner or landowner. As used in this subsection “gross negligence” means negligence which is materially greater than the mere absence of reasonable care under the circumstances, and which is characterized by indifference to or reckless disregard of the rights of others.
(5) The limitation on liability provided by subsection (3) of this section does not apply to claims for death or personal injuries.
Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Oregon Revised Statutes Wildlife § 496.270 - last updated January 01, 2023 | https://codes.findlaw.com/or/title-41-wildlife/or-rev-st-sect-496-270/
FindLaw Codes may not reflect the most recent version of the law in your jurisdiction. Please verify the status of the code you are researching with the state legislature before relying on it for your legal needs.
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