Powers and duties of the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services; rules.

(1) The provisions of this chapter shall be administered by the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

(2) The department is authorized to receive gifts, appropriations, materials, equipment, lands, and facilities and to manage, operate, and disburse them for the use and benefit of the soil and water conservation districts of the state.

(3) The department shall provide for an annual audit of the accounts of receipts and disbursements.

(4) The department may furnish information and call upon any state or local agencies for cooperation in carrying out the provisions of this chapter.

(5) The department may offer such assistance as may be appropriate to the supervisors of soil and water conservation districts and facilitate communication and cooperation between districts.

(6) The department may seek the cooperation and assistance of any federal, state, or county agencies in the work of such districts, including the receipt and expenditure of state, federal, and other funds or contributions.

(7) The department may disseminate information throughout the state concerning the activities, research, and programs of the soil and water conservation districts and encourage the formation of such districts in areas where their organization is desirable.

(8) The department may create or dissolve a soil and water conservation district pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.

(9) The department may adopt rules, as necessary, to implement the provisions of this chapter.