At OSU, the program will maintain its independence and remain in Portland, but will become part of OSU's newly created Oregon Natural Resources Institute. This new institute is dedicated to applying science to key natural resource questions, and improving data to address these questions. The Council, under the oversight of the State Land Board, is charged with planning for the conservation of Oregon's natural heritage resources and gaining the voluntary cooperation of public and private land managers in establishing a statewide system of protected natural areas. The Council's nine members, of whom at least four must have expertise in the natural sciences, are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. Ex-officio members are appointed by the state's natural resource agencies.
Members are uncompensated.
The five-year plan, updated in 1998, includes an inventory of Oregon's native ecosystem types, locations where they might be protected, protected status and priority for protection. It lists special animal and plant species by priority based on their status in Oregon and throughout their range. The plan includes guidelines and procedures for registering and dedicating natural areas, as well as a list of registered and established natural areas. The Register lists Oregon's most important sites hosting significant natural heritage resources, primarily on state lands, and also includes voluntarily listed sites on private or municipal lands. The Council recommends candidates for registration to the State Land Board for approval.