There is hereby created in the division of forestry a forestry advisory council which shall consist of eight appointed members, not more than four of whom shall belong to the same political party, to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. One member shall be appointed to represent each of the following: forest-based research activities, small private forest land owners, large private forest land owners, the pulp and paper industry, other forest industries, soil science, forest recreation, and the public.

The member first appointed to represent forest recreation shall have a term to expire on the last day of February, 1974.

Terms of office shall be for four years, commencing on the first day of March and ending on the last day of February, except that upon expiration of the two terms ending on March 4, 1973, the new terms which succeed them shall commence on March 5, 1973 and end on February 28, 1977; upon expiration of the term ending on March 4, 1974, the new term which succeeds it shall commence on March 5, 1974 and end on February 28, 1978; and upon expiration of the two terms ending on March 2, 1975, the new terms which succeed them shall commence on March 3, 1975 and end on February 28, 1979. Each member shall hold office from the date of his appointment until the end of the term for which he was appointed.

A vacancy in the office of a member shall be filled by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall hold office for the remainder of such term. Any member shall continue in office subsequent to the expiration date of his term until his successor takes office, or until a period of sixty days has elapsed, whichever occurs first.

The council shall select from among its appointed members a chairman, vice-chairman, and a secretary. All members are entitled to their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties as such members, payable from the appropriations for the division.

The governor may remove any appointed member for inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.

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

The council may advise and make recommendations to the chief of the division of forestry concerning forestry practices and programs in the state, including programs of the division, and may assist the division in promoting cooperation on forestry practices and programs with other agencies, political subdivisions, and private interests.

Effective Date: 09-01-1976.

Related Legislative Provision: See 129th General AssemblyFile No.39, SB 171, §4 .