Notwithstanding any other law, the department may enter into one or more agreements with a person, nonprofit organization, or other public or private entity, as may be appropriate, to assist the department in its efforts to secure long-term private funding sources for purposes relating to conservation programs, projects, and activities by the department. The authority to enter into an agreement under this section shall include, but not be limited to, the authority to secure donations, memberships, corporate and individual sponsorships, and marketing and licensing agreements.