The chief of the division of forestry shall administer this chapter.

The chief may adopt, amend, and rescind rules, in accordance with Chapter 119. of the Revised Code, for the administration, implementation, and enforcement of section 1503.43 of the Revised Code and for the administration, use, visitation, and protection of the state forests, except those forests used solely for research purposes by the Ohio agricultural research and development center. Copies of the rules governing state forests shall be posted in conspicuous places in those forests. No person shall violate any rule adopted under this section.

The chief, with the approval of the director of natural resources, may enter into an agreement with the United States department of agriculture under the "Cooperative Forestry Assistance Act of 1978," 92 Stat. 365, 16 U.S.C.A. 2101, as amended, for the purpose of receiving and disbursing grants to provide forestry and fire protection assistance on public and private lands in this state.

The chief shall employ, subject to the approval of the director, field assistants and such other employees as are necessary for the performance of the work prescribed by this chapter and for the performance of the other work of the division, shall prescribe their duties, and shall fix their compensation in accordance with such schedules as are provided by law for the compensation of state employees.

All employees of the division, unless specifically exempted by law, shall be employed subject to the classified civil service laws in force at the time of employment.

Effective Date: 10-08-1992.