Membership

(a) This Private Wetland and Riparian Zone Creation, Restoration, and Conservation Committee shall be made up of:

(1) The directors or secretaries, or their designees, of the:

(A) Arkansas Forestry Commission;

(B) Arkansas State Game and Fish Commission;

(C) Department of Finance and Administration;

(D) Department of Parks, Heritage, and Tourism; and

(E) Department of Energy and Environment; and

(2) Two (2) public members appointed by the Director of the Natural Resources Division of the Department of Agriculture.

(b) Selection of public members shall be made on the basis of their knowledge of wetlands and riparian zones with consideration given to representation of a wide variety of interests.
(c)(1) The public members of the committee shall be appointed for five-year terms.

(2) Individuals appointed are eligible for reappointment at the expiration of this term.
(d)(1) Any vacancies arising in the appointed public membership of this committee shall be filled by the Director of the Natural Resources Division of the Department of Agriculture.

(2) The committee shall submit its recommendations for appointees within thirty (30) days of the vacancy.
(e)(1) The committee shall elect a chair and a vice chair annually from among its members.

(2) Any member may be elected to succeed himself or herself in office.

(3) The Department of Agriculture shall provide administrative assistance to the committee.