(a) Any land that is zoned for exclusive farm use, mixed farm and forest use or forest use under a land use planning goal protecting agricultural land or forestland; or
(b) Land that is clearly identifiable as containing significant wildlife habitat.
(2) At the request of the governing body of a city, the commission may designate the following land within the city as eligible for wildlife habitat special assessment:
(a) Any land that is zoned for exclusive farm use, mixed farm and forest use or forest use under a land use planning goal protecting agricultural land or forestland; or
(b) Land that is clearly identifiable as containing significant wildlife habitat.
(3) With the prior consent of the governing body of a city, the county in which all or a part of the city is located may apply to the commission on behalf of the city for designation of any area that is within both the city and the county as eligible for wildlife habitat special assessment.
(4) The commission may designate land described in subsection (1) or (2) of this section as eligible for wildlife habitat special assessment only if the commission finds:
(a) That designation will promote the findings in ORS 308A.400 and the policy in ORS 308A.403; and
(b) That the land described in subsection (1) or (2) of this section is of the nature and quality to allow for implementation of wildlife habitat conservation and management plans approved under rules adopted pursuant to ORS 308A.409.
(5) Land may not qualify for wildlife habitat special assessment under ORS 308A.424 unless the commission has determined that the land is eligible for wildlife habitat special assessment under this section. [2003 c.539 §7]