Although established by the Constitution, subsequent statutes have added to its duties and authority, and include some provisions relating to its conduct.
The Board decides cases, adopts rules, issues policy statements, and approves DSL recommendations.
500,000 acres (2,000 km2) had previously been allowed to Oregon by an 1841 act of Congress, and 5% of all proceeds from the sale of federal land.
In Zschernig v. Miller, the court found the law unconstitutional because of "intrusion by the State into the field of foreign affairs which the Constitution entrusts to the President and the Congress.
It sets the policies, decides cases and adopts rules, and DSL recommendations are subject to Board approval.