ORS 496.270
Immunity from liability for damages resulting from habitat or water quality improvement project
- exceptions
(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 (Definitions for ORS 105.672 to 105.696) to 105.696 (Duty of care or liability not created), 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 (Short title) to 527.770 (Good faith compliance with best management practices not violation of water quality standards), 527.990 (Criminal penalties) and 527.992 (Civil penalties); 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. [1993 c.701 §2; 1997 c.207 §1; 1999 c.863 §3]
Source:
Section 496.270 — Immunity from liability for damages resulting from habitat or water quality improvement project; exceptions, https://www.oregonlegislature.gov/bills_laws/ors/ors496.html.
Up to date