(1) There is established a State Fish and Wildlife Commission that shall consist of seven members appointed by the Governor.

(2) The term of office of each member is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term.

(3) All appointments of members of the commission by the Governor are subject to confirmation by the Senate in the manner prescribed in ORS § 171.562 and 171.565.

(4) The Governor shall appoint:

(a) Two members of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS § 536.022 (3)(a);

(b) One member of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS § 536.022 (3)(b);

(c) Two members of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS § 536.022 (3)(c);

(d) One member of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS § 536.022 (3)(d); and

(e) One member of the commission from the regional river basin management area set forth in ORS § 536.022 (3)(e).

(5) Members appointed to the commission shall be residents of this state, as defined in ORS § 497.002.

(6) All members of the commission shall represent the public interest of the state and make decisions affecting the wildlife resources of the state for the benefit of those resources. Consistent with the requirements of this subsection, the commission shall provide for the productive and sustainable utilization of wildlife resources for all groups of users.

(7) All members of the commission shall have a general knowledge of fish and wildlife issues, an understanding of the roles of federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon and of the relationships federally recognized Indian tribes in Oregon have with lands, water and the natural resources that the commission governs, and an understanding of the operation and functions of public policy boards and commissions. In making appointments to the commission, the Governor shall:

(a) Consider appointing members who possess knowledge or experience relevant to implementing the wildlife policy set forth in ORS § 496.012.

(b) Take into consideration racial, ethnic, gender and geographic diversity.

(8) Failure of a member to maintain compliance with the eligibility requirements of subsections (4) and (5) of this section shall vacate membership. Members of the commission may otherwise be removed only by the Governor.

(9) A member of the commission is entitled to compensation and expenses as provided in ORS § 292.495. [1975 c.253 § 8; 1981 c.545 § 11; 1997 c.249 § 177; 1999 c.697 § 1; 2001 c.762 § 1; 2013 c.1 § 75; 2023 c.429 § 1]

[1973 c.723 § 8; 1973 c.792 § 20a; repealed by 1975 c.253 § 40]

[Repealed by 1973 c.723 § 130]