Oregon § 496.270 Immunity from liability for damages resulting from habitat or water quality improvement project; exceptions

Oregon Statutes

§ 496.270 — Immunity from liability for damages resulting from habitat or water quality improvement project; exceptions

Oregon § 496.270

Vol.14

Title 41Wildlife

Ch. 496Application, Administration and Enforcement of Wildlife Laws

This text of Oregon § 496.270 (Immunity from liability for damages resulting from habitat or water quality improvement project; exceptions) is published on Counsel Stack Legal Research, covering Oregon primary law. Counsel Stack provides free access to over 12 million legal documents including statutes, case law, regulations, and constitutions.

Bluebook

Or. Rev. Stat. § 496.270 (2026).

Text

(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 fo

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(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.