(1) The department shall adopt rules for the administration of the upland game bird enhancement program created in 87-1-246 through 87-1-249.(2) The rules must: (a) provide for eligibility criteria for project applications, including project evaluation criteria that incorporate the following factors: (i) proposed project acreage of suitable size;(ii) proposed project acreage and adjoining lands that are suitable for upland game bird habitat;(iii) evidence that existing and potential species will benefit from the project;(iv) the number of acres that will be open to and suitable for public bird hunting under the proposal; and(v) in addition to the criteria in subsections (2)(a)(i) through (2)(a)(iv), preference to proposed projects with: (A) longer contract length and larger landowner cost share;(B) lands with special or unique components, such as wetlands; and(C) a landowner history of providing hunter access and habitat enhancement;(b) be consistent with general requirements of the federal conservation reserve program, the agricultural conservation program, and hunting access programs established pursuant to 87-1-265 so that landowners who participate in those programs may also be eligible for participation in the upland game bird enhancement program;(c) specifically indicate specifications under which upland game birds will be released in project areas, including but not limited to: (i) habitat requirements;(ii) number of upland game birds to be released;(iii) health requirements;(iv) banding requirements;(vi) age of birds to be released; and(vii) reimbursement amount for each bird released;(d) establish application procedures for project funding and review and for approval or denial of applications; and(e) establish project monitoring and reporting procedures, including a requirement that payments for projects authorized pursuant to 87-1-247 be supported by contracts, invoices, receipts, or other supporting documentation.Amended by Laws 2019, Ch. 63,Sec. 2, eff. 3/19/2019.En. Sec. 4, Ch. 636, L. 1987; amd. Sec. 4, Ch. 232, L. 1989; amd. Sec. 3, Ch. 365, L. 2001.