OAR 736-045-0100: Natural Areas Advisory Committee: Composition and Roles

(1) The director may appoint a Natural Areas Advisory Committee composed of representatives of non-governmental organizations, universities, state agencies, federal agencies, local governments and members of the interested public. (2) Members appointed under subsection (1) may serve two consecutive four-year terms on the committee. However, upon convening the committee, the director shall appoint the first committee members following the effective date of this rule to serve a two, three, or four-year term. (3) The director shall appoint the chair from the committee membership, considering the recommendations of the committee. (4) The committee shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the director. (5) A majority of the appointed members of the committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business. (6) Function and duties of the committee. Upon the request of the director, the committee may assist the department in: (a) Development of policy for the program through the review and approval of the Oregon Natural Areas Plan; (b) Reviewing nominations for registration and the voluntary dedication of state natural areas or state natural area reserves, and review instruments of dedication for such areas; (c) Providing recommendations to the commission, State Land Board, State Board of Forestry, State Fish and Wildlife Commission, State Board of Higher Education and Oregon Transportation Commission regarding areas under their respective jurisdictions which are appropriate for dedication; and (d) Advising the commission in the adoption of rules that may be considered necessary in carrying out ORS 273.563 to 273.591. (7) Members of the advisory committee are not entitled to compensation, but in the discretion of the director may be reimbursed from funds available to the department for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by them in the performance of their official duties in the manner and amount provided in ORS 292.495.