OAR 635-410-0005: Policy

The Department shall: (1) Promptly investigate natural resource losses to determine the cause and extent of damage to fish and wildlife and their habitat. (2) Seek compensation from any persons responsible for the injury or destruction of fish, wildlife and habitat, and the costs of restoration of affected fish and wildlife production, including habitat restoration. (3) Work cooperatively with other state and federal agencies to: (a) Eliminate sources of pollution or other environmental damage; (b) Prevent natural resource losses through educational efforts and through enforcement of antipollution and other environmental laws; and (c) Ensure that violations of antipollution and other environmental laws are pursued to the fullest extent of the law.