(1) Inmates may be assigned to do conservation work on a permanent or temporary basis. The board or its designated agent may, at such times as it deems proper and on such terms as it deems wise, enter into contracts or cooperative agreements with any public agency, state or federal, for the performance of conservation projects that are appropriate and under conditions consistent with policies established by the board.
(2) Inmates may be assigned to perform public conservation projects including, but not limited to, forest fire prevention and control, forest and watershed management, recreational area development, fish and game management, soil conservation, and forest watershed revegetation.