216-A:3-kk State Park System Advisory Council. –
I. There is established a state park system advisory council which shall consist of the following members:
(a) Three members of the house of representatives, at least 2 of whom shall be from the resources, recreation and development committee, appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives.
(b) One senator, appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) Ten members who shall be appointed by the governor.
(d) The commissioner of the department of resources and economic development, or designee, whose appointment shall be coterminous with the commissioner's term of office.
II. In the event of a vacancy in membership of a member appointed under paragraph I, the vacancy shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
III. Members of the council shall be residents of the state of New Hampshire, at least one of whom shall be qualified, experienced, and representative of each of the following areas:
(a) The business community.
(b) A park friends group.
(c) Recreation.
(d) Forestry.
(e) The general public.
(f) Conservation.
(g) Marketing or public relations.
(h) Historic preservation, including the development and management of historic sites.
IV. The council shall elect a chairperson from among the membership.
V. Members of the council shall serve without compensation but shall be entitled to receive mileage and expenses when attending to the duties of the council. Legislative members of the council shall receive mileage at the legislative rate when attending to the duties of the council.
VI. The council shall:
(a) Provide advice to the director of the division of parks and recreation on issues relating to the operation and development of the state park system.
(b) Act as an advocate for the state park system.
(c) Review existing statutes and capital appropriations relating to the state park system and recommend to the general court any changes needed to improve efficiency and clarify responsibilities in the operation of the state park system.
(d) Review, with the assistance of the attorney general, all agreements, memoranda of understanding, leases, special use permits, deeds, or other legal documents to which the division of parks and recreation, or the department of resources and economic development, or both, are a party.
(e) Investigate the development of new incentives to encourage nonprofit clubs, "friends" groups, or other individuals or organizations to assist with construction, maintenance, scientific research, visitor services, and other activities required for the efficient operation of the state park system.
(f) Submit a report of its findings to the speaker of the house of representatives, the president of the senate, the house clerk, the senate clerk, the governor, and the state library no later than November 1 each year.
Source. 2017, 181:1, eff. Aug. 28, 2017. 2020, 37:22, eff. July 29, 2020.