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State Representative John Ward
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4333
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Rep. Ward Encourages Constituents to Apply for Appointments to Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council
(ST. PAUL) State Representative John Ward is encouraging local citizens to apply for an appointment to the Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council. The council makes recommendations to the legislature on appropriations of money from the outdoor heritage fund. Those funds go to the restoration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife, and that prevent forest fragmentation, encourage forest consolidation, and expand restored native prairie.
The Lessard-Sams Outdoor Heritage Council plays a significant role in protecting our environment, which has a direct impact on the tourism industry that is so important to our area, said Rep. Ward. We have so many talented people in our area who know about these issues and it would be great to have our region be represented. I strongly encourage folks to apply.
Application forms may be found at: http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?page=5 or may be obtained from the Office of the Secretary of State, Open Appointments, 180 State Office Building, 100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155-1299, or in person at Room 180 of the State Office Building. Applicants can submit their applications online at http://www.sos.state.mn.us/index.aspx?recordid=41&page=19.
In accordance with the Minnesota Open Appointments Law, the Secretary of State acts as an administrator in publishing vacancies, receiving applications, and recording appointments. Applications will be reviewed and appointments made by the appointing authorities for these various agencies; questions about specific vacancies and appointments should be directed to the appointing authority. Applications submitted by November 27, 2012 are assured of full consideration by the appointing authority. Appointing authorities for these agencies may choose to review applications received by the Secretary of State after that date.
If you have additional questions about the application process, you can also contact Rep. Ward at (651) 296- 4333, or 1-800-683-4205, by mail at 221 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.john.ward@house.mn.
LESSARD-SAMS OUTDOOR HERITAGE COUNCIL
LEGISLATIVE COORDINATING COMMISSION
95 STATE OFFICE BUILDING
ST PAUL, MN 55155 651-297-7141
LAWS OF MINNESOTA 2008, 368 ART II SEC 14
Appointing: Governor and Legislature
Compensation: $55 per diem plus expenses
Vacancies: Four (4) - Public Members
The council shall make recommendations to the legislature on appropriations of money from the outdoor heritage fund that are consistent with the Constitution and state law and that take into consideration the outcomes of, including, but not limited to, the Minnesota Conservation and Preservation Plan, that directly relate to the restoration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife, and that prevent forest fragmentation, encourage forest consolidation, and expand restored native prairie. The council shall submit its recommendations to the legislature no later than January 15 each year. The council shall present its recommendations to the senate and house committees with jurisdiction over the environment and natural resources budget by February 15 in odd numbered years, and within the first four weeks of the legislative session in even numbered years. The council's budget recommendations to the legislature shall be separate from the Department of Natural Resource's budget recommendations.
(b) To encourage and support local conservation efforts, the council shall establish a conservation partners program. Local, regional, state, or national organizations may apply for matching grants for resotration, protection, and enhancement of wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife, prevention of forest fragmentation, encouragement of forest consolidation, and expansion of restored native prairie.
( c ) The council may work with the Clean Water council to identify projects that are consistent with both the purpose of the outdoor heritage fund and the purpose of the clean water fund. (d) The council may make recommendations to the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources on scientific research that will assist in restoring, protecting, and enhancing wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife, preventing forest fragmentation, encouraging forest consolidation, and expanding restored native prairie.
The Lessard Outdoor Heritage Council of 12 members is created in the legislative branch, consisting of: (1) two public members appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration; (2) two public members appointed by the speaker of the house; (3) four public members appointed by the governor; (4) two members of the senate appointed by the senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration; and (5) two members of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house. (b) Members appointed under paragraph (1) must not be registered lobbyists. Public members appointed under paragraph (a) shall have practical experience or expertise or demonstrated knowledge in the science, policy, or practice of restoring, protecting, and enhancing wetlands, prairies, forests, and habitat for fish, game, and wildlife. In making appointments, the governor, senate Subcommittee on Committees of the Committee on Rules and Administration, and the speaker of the house shall consider geographic balance, gender, age, ethnicity, and varying interests including hunting and fishing. Meetings are convened by the Chair, and the Council typically meets outside of legislative session. Meeting location varies; but the majority are held at the State Office Building.
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