Powers and duties of the commissioner.

(a) The commissioner may designate and operate experimental and research forests on state land consistent with the limitations of AS 38.05.300 . Laboratories and other facilities may be employed in conjunction with those forests.

(b) The commissioner may establish and maintain forest vegetation nurseries and greenhouses for planting stock to be made available, with or without charge, to organizations, institutions, government agencies, individuals, and businesses for reforestation, afforestation, and related purposes.

(c) The commissioner is authorized to undertake cooperative forestry programs, extension services, and education programs, and to otherwise offer a full range of professional management services to the interested public. When the commissioner considers it beneficial, the commissioner may participate in federal assistance programs by accepting assistance in whatever form offered.

(d) The commissioner may develop regulations under this chapter as part of the state program for control of nonpoint source pollution under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, as amended. However, the Department of Environmental Conservation is the lead agency for water quality and control of nonpoint source pollution under that Act, and the regulations are therefore subject to the approval of the commissioner of environmental conservation.

(e) In the administration of this chapter, the commissioner shall consult with and draw upon the expertise of interested organizations, enterprises, individuals, government agencies, educational institutions, and landowners. The commissioner may enter into cooperative agreements and contracts with them to carry out this chapter.

(f) The commissioner shall locate department personnel with forestry expertise throughout the state to facilitate public access to professional management services and other forest resources programs.

(g) The commissioner may take other actions necessary and proper for the administration of this chapter, including the adoption of regulations under AS 44.62 (Administrative Procedure Act) and AS 41.17.047 .