In order to accomplish the objectives of this chapter, the Wildlife Conservation Board may authorize the department to do all of the following:
(a)
Acquire interests in real property and water rights through gift, purchase, lease, easement, and transfer or exchange of easements, development rights or credits, and other interests in real property.
(b)
Coordinate its activities under the program with any governmental program for surplus real property sales in the state.
(c)
Award grants and loans to local public agencies, state agencies, federal agencies, and nonprofit organizations for the purposes of this program.
(d)
For the purposes of this chapter, “nonprofit organization” means any private, nonprofit organization which qualifies for exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the United States Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and has among its principal charitable purposes the preservation of real property for scientific, historic, educational, recreational, scenic or open-space values, the protection of the natural environment, or the preservation and enhancement of fisheries and wildlife or their habitat.
(e)
Exercise any authority and comply with requirements contained in Sections 1348 and 1350, as appropriate, to preserve and enhance riparian habitat for purposes of this chapter.