§ 5404. Endangered Species Committee

(a) A committee on endangered species is created to be known as the Endangered Species Committee and shall consist of nine members, including the Secretary of Agriculture, Food and Markets, the Commissioner of Fish and Wildlife, the Commissioner of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and six members appointed by the Governor from the public at large. Of the six public members, two shall be actively engaged in agricultural or silvicultural activities, two shall be knowledgeable concerning flora, and two shall be knowledgeable concerning fauna. Members appointed by the Governor shall be entitled to reimbursement for expenses incurred in the attendance of meetings, as approved by the Chair. The Chair of the Committee shall be elected from among and by the members each year. Members who are not employees of the State shall serve terms of three years, except that the Governor may make appointments for a lesser term in order to prevent more than two terms from expiring in any year.

(b) The Endangered Species Committee shall advise the Secretary on all matters relating to endangered and threatened species, including whether to alter the lists of endangered and threatened species, how to protect those species, and whether and where to designate critical habitat.

(c) The Agency of Natural Resources shall provide the Endangered Species Committee with necessary staff services.