(1) There is hereby created the Colorado natural areas council as an advisory council to the commission. The council shall advise the commission on the administration of the program and shall approve the registry and recommend the designation of natural areas by the commission.

(2) The council consists of the following seven members:

(a) One member each from the commission and the state board of land commissioners, appointed by their respective commission or board, who serve for three-year terms; and

(b) Five members appointed by the governor, who are individuals with a substantial interest in the preservation of natural areas and who serve for four-year terms.

(3) Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as original appointments for the balance of the unexpired term. All members of the council shall be residents of the state of Colorado, and no member appointed by the governor shall serve longer than two successive terms.

(4) The council shall, by majority vote of all members, elect its chairman from among the members appointed by the governor. A simple majority of the council membership shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

(5) Members of the council shall receive no compensation for their service on the council but shall be reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(6) The council shall hold at least one regular meeting in each quarter of each calendar year and shall keep a record of its proceedings, which shall be open to the public for inspection. Special meetings may be called by the chairman and shall be called by him upon written request therefor signed by two or more members. A written notice of the time and place of each meeting shall be sent to each member.

(7) Any person who was a member of the Colorado natural areas council on January 1, 1988, shall continue to serve for the remainder of the term to which he was appointed.