The department may confer with other public and private agencies to facilitate the formulation of policies and/or plans providing for multiple use concepts. The department is empowered to hold public hearings from time to time to assist in achieving the purposes of RCW 79.10.060, 79.10.070, 79.10.100 through 79.10.120, 79.10.130, 79.10.200 through 79.10.330, 79.44.003, and * 79.90.456.