ORS 537.332 Definitions for ORS 537.332 to 537.360

As used in ORS 537.332 to 537.360:

“In-stream” means within the natural stream channel or lake bed or place where water naturally flows or occurs.

“In-stream flow” means the minimum quantity of water necessary to support the public use requested by an agency.

“In-stream water right” means a water right held in trust by the Water Resources Department for the benefit of the people of the State of Oregon to maintain water in-stream for public use. An in-stream water right does not require a diversion or any other means of physical control over the water.

“Public benefit” means a benefit that accrues to the public at large rather than to a person, a small group of persons or to a private enterprise.

“Public use” includes but is not limited to:

Recreation;

Conservation, maintenance and enhancement of aquatic and fish life, wildlife, fish and wildlife habitat and any other ecological values;

Pollution abatement; or

Navigation.