Notice of hearing by director

(1) As soon as practicable after the examination and measurements are completed, as described in ORS 539.120, the Water Resources Director shall prepare a notice setting forth a place and time certain when the director or the authorized assistant of the director shall begin taking testimony as to the rights of the various claimants to the use of the waters of the stream or its tributaries. The notice shall be published in two issues of one or more newspapers having general circulation in the counties in which the stream is situated, the last publication of the notice to be at least 30 days prior to the beginning of taking testimony by the director or the authorized assistant of the director. (2) The director shall also send by registered mail or by certified mail with return receipt to each claimant or owner who filed with the director a registration statement as provided in ORS 539.240 and to the Attorney General of the United States or the designated representative of the Attorney General of the United States, on behalf of the United States and its agencies and as trustee for the Indian tribes, a notice similar to that provided in subsection (1) of this section setting forth the date when the director or the authorized assistant of the director will take testimony as to the rights to the use of the water of the stream. The notice must be mailed at least 30 days prior to the date set therein for taking testimony. (3)(a) For purposes of the Klamath Basin adjudication, the Water Resources Department will provide notice, substantially like that specified in subsection (2) of this section, to claimants or owners who desire to claim a water right under this chapter, or to contest the claims of others, and have so notified the director. The notice shall be accompanied by a blank form on which the claimant or owner shall present in writing all of the particulars necessary for determination of the right of the claimant or owner to contest the claims of others or to the use of the waters of a stream to which the claimant or owner lays claim. That form shall require substantially the same information required in a registration statement, as provided in ORS 539.240 (2), except that the map need not be prepared by a certified water right examiner, as required by ORS 539.240 (2)(d). (b) In the already adjudicated areas of the Klamath Basin, the notice provided to holders of permitted or certificated surface water rights acquired under ORS chapter 537 will specify that they may contest the statement and proof of claims of others made under this chapter, but only in the unadjudicated areas of the Klamath Basin.