St. Paul, Minnesota — State Representative John Ward is encouraging constituents to apply for positions on several Citizen Oversight Committees for the Game and Fish Fund.
“Our region is fortunate to have beautiful outdoors areas and natural resources, and the Game and Fish Fund plays a role in monitoring and protecting those resources,” said Rep. Ward. “Citizen oversight is crucial to ensuring that money is being spent wisely so Minnesotans can continue to enjoy hunting, fishing, and our great outdoor experiences in the future. I encourage qualified individuals to apply.”
The Department of Natural Resources is seeking at least 10 to 12 persons to fill three-year terms on Fisheries Oversight and Wildlife Oversight committees. About half of the current members’ terms expire on December 14, 2013, and are subject to this open application. Appointees are responsible for reviewing the agency’s annual Game and Fish Fund Report and, following discussions with agency representatives, prepare a report on their findings.
Citizen oversight of the Game and Fish Fund has been a valued service since 1994. On December 15 each year, the DNR publishes an annual Game and Fish Fund Report on expenditures from the fund. Each committee reviews the report in detail, discusses questions and any issues of concern, and prepares a report on the conclusions of its review.
The DNR seeks to appoint a mix of committee members who together comprise a range of knowledge and interests about natural resource management and how it is funded through various licenses, permits, stamps, and other funding sources. Members have a strong interest in monitoring the proper expenditure of those funds.
Five members (including the chair) of each committee will also serve on an umbrella Budgetary Oversight Committee (BOC) and the commissioner appoints a BOC Chair to make that a group of eleven. The BOC integrates the committee reports and addresses matters of common concern. Oversight work usually wraps up by June each year.
The DNR Commissioner determines all appointments, based on recommendations from division managers. Appointees may request mileage reimbursement but they are not eligible for a per diem. Appointees are not paid and must abide by requirements pertaining to potential conflicts of interest. This oversight work can require significant volunteer time and appointees are asked to make a three-year commitment.
Current and previous members must submit an application if they want to be reappointed. The DNR will consider such factors as interests, knowledge, experience, demography, and geographic distribution, to maintain a mix of participation in each committee.
Additional information
See mndnr.gov/gamefishoversight for links to the following materials:
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Diagram of oversight structure
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Overview of Game and Fish Fund citizen oversight
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Reports since 2002
How to apply
Applications will be accepted online at:
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/gamefishoversight/index.html
The deadline for applications is Friday, October 25, 2013, at 4:30 p.m.