Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations
Chapter 15 - Structure of the executive branch.
15.347 - Same; councils.

15.347 Same; councils.
(2) Dry cleaner environmental response council. There is created in the department of natural resources a dry cleaner environmental response council consisting of the following members appointed for 3-year terms:
(b) Three members representing dry cleaning operations.
(c) One member representing wholesale distributors of dry cleaning solvent.
(d) One engineer, professional geologist, hydrologist or soil scientist with knowledge, experience or education concerning remediation of environmental contamination.
(e) One member representing manufacturers and sellers of dry cleaning equipment.
(4) Natural areas preservation council. There is created in the department of natural resources a natural areas preservation council consisting of the following representatives:
(a) Two from the department of natural resources, appointed by the board of natural resources, one to serve as secretary.
(b) Four from the University of Wisconsin System, appointed by the board of regents of the University of Wisconsin System.
(c) One from the department of public instruction, appointed by the state superintendent of public instruction.
(d) One from the Milwaukee public museum, appointed by its board of directors.
(e) Three appointed by the council of the Wisconsin academy of sciences, arts and letters, at least one representing the private colleges in this state.
(7) Snowmobile recreational council. There is created in the department of natural resources a snowmobile recreational council consisting of 15 members nominated by the governor, and with the advice and consent of the senate, appointed for staggered 3-year terms. Commencing on July 1, 1972, 5 members shall be appointed to serve for one year, 5 members for 2 years and 5 members for 3 years. Thereafter all terms shall be for 3 years with 5 positions on the council to expire each year. At least 5 members of the council shall be from the territory north, and at least 5 members shall be from the territory south, of a line running east and west through the south limits of the city of Stevens Point.
(8) Small business environmental council. There is created in the department of natural resources a small business environmental council consisting of the following members appointed for 3-year terms:
(a) Three members to represent the general public who are not owners, or representatives of owners, of small business stationary sources, as defined in s. 285.79 (1).
(b) One member who owns a small business stationary source, as defined in s. 285.79 (1), or who represents owners of small business stationary sources, appointed by the president of the senate.
(c) One member who owns a small business stationary source, as defined in s. 285.79 (1), or who represents owners of small business stationary sources, appointed by the speaker of the assembly.
(d) One member who owns a small business stationary source, as defined in s. 285.79 (1), or who represents owners of small business stationary sources, appointed by the minority leader of the senate.
(e) One member who owns a small business stationary source, as defined in s. 285.79 (1), or who represents owners of small business stationary sources, appointed by the minority leader of the assembly.
(f) One member appointed by the secretary of natural resources to represent the department of natural resources.
(9) Off-road vehicle council.
(a) There is created in the department of natural resources an off-road vehicle council consisting of 7 members appointed for 3-year terms expiring March 1.
(b) Each member of the off-road vehicle council shall be a resident of this state, shall be a member and represent the interests of an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle user's group, and shall be knowledgeable about outdoor recreation issues in this state and about trails used by operators of all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles.
(c) The off-road vehicle council shall meet at least 3 times annually. The chairperson of the council shall notify the secretary of natural resources each time that a meeting has been held by the council. If the secretary determines on the first day of any year that the council has failed to meet at all during the previous year, the council is dissolved.
(10) Off-highway motorcycle council.
(a) There is created in the department of natural resources an off-highway motorcycle council consisting of 5 members who are appointed for 3-year terms expiring March 1.
(b) Each member of the off-highway motorcycle council shall be a resident of this state, shall be a member of and represent the interests of an off-highway motorcycle club, as defined in s. 23.335 (1) (r), and shall be knowledgeable about outdoor recreation issues in this state and about trails used by operators of off-highway motorcycles.
(c) The off-highway motorcycle council shall meet at least 3 times annually.
(12) Metallic mining council. There is created in the department of natural resources a metallic mining council consisting of 9 persons representing a variety and balance of economic, scientific and environmental viewpoints. Members shall be appointed by the secretary of the department for staggered 3-year terms.
(13) Groundwater coordinating council.
(a) Creation. There is created a groundwater coordinating council, attached to the department of natural resources under s. 15.03. The council shall perform the functions specified under s. 160.50.
(b) Members. The groundwater coordinating council shall consist of the following members:
1. The secretary of natural resources.
2. The secretary of safety and professional services.
3. The secretary of agriculture, trade and consumer protection.
4. The secretary of health services.
5. The secretary of transportation.
6. The president of the University of Wisconsin System.
7. The state geologist.
8. One person to represent the governor.
(c) Designees. Under par. (b), agency heads may appoint designees to serve on the council, if the designee is an employee or appointive officer of the agency who has sufficient authority to deploy agency resources and directly influence agency decision making.
(d) Terms. Members appointed under par. (b) 8. shall be appointed to 4-year terms.
(e) Staff. The state agencies with membership on the council and its subcommittees shall provide adequate staff to conduct the functions of the council.
(f) Meetings. The council shall meet at least twice each year and may meet at other times on the call of 3 of its members. Section 15.09 (3) does not apply to meetings of the council.
(g) Annual report. In August of each year, the council shall submit to the head of each agency with membership on the council, the governor and the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the appropriate standing committees under s. 13.172 (3), a report which summarizes the operations and activities of the council during the fiscal year concluded on the preceding June 30, describes the state of the groundwater resource and its management and sets forth the recommendations of the council. The annual report shall include a description of the current groundwater quality in the state, an assessment of groundwater management programs, information on the implementation of ch. 160 and a list and description of current and anticipated groundwater problems. In each annual report, the council shall include the dissents of any council member to the activities and recommendations of the council.
(16) State trails council. There is created in the department of natural resources a state trails council consisting of 11 members, appointed for 4-year terms, who are knowledgeable in, and who engage in one or more of, the various recreational uses of trails.
(17) Council on recycling.
(a) Creation and membership. There is created a council on recycling, attached to the department of natural resources under s. 15.03, consisting of 7 members selected by the governor.
(c) Terms. Each member of the council on recycling designated under par. (a) shall serve a 4-year term expiring on the date that the next term of governor commences under s. 8.25 (4) (b) 2. or until a successor is appointed.
(18) Invasive species council.
(a) There is created an invasive species council, attached to the department of natural resources under s. 15.03.
(b) The council consists of the following members:
1. The secretary of natural resources or his or her designee.
2. The secretary of administration or his or her designee.
3. The secretary of agriculture, trade and consumer protection or his or her designee.
5. The secretary of tourism or his or her designee.
6. The secretary of transportation or his or her designee.
7. Seven other members appointed by the governor to serve 5-year terms.
(c) The members appointed under par. (b) 7. shall represent public and private interests that are affected by the presence of invasive species in this state.
(19) Council on forestry.
(a) There is created in the department of natural resources a council of forestry consisting of:
1. The chief state forester or his or her designee.
2. One member of the senate.
3. One member of the senate.
4. One member of the assembly.
5. One member of the assembly.
6. One member who represents the interests of a forest products company that owns and manages large tracts of private forest land that supply raw materials to the forest products industry.
7. One member who represents the interests of owners of nonindustrial, private forest land who manage the land to produce ecological, economic, and social benefits.
8. One member who represents the interests of counties that have county forests within their boundaries.
9. One member who represents the interests of the paper and pulp industry.
10. One member who represents the interests of the lumber industry.
11. One member who represents the interests of nonprofit conservation organizations whose purposes include the conservation and use of forest resources.
12. One member who is a forester who engages in the practice of providing consultation services on forestry issues.
13. One member who represents the interests of schools of forestry within the state that have curricula in the management of forest resources that are accredited by the Society of American Foresters.
14. One member who represents the interests of persons who engage in the practice of conservation education.
15. One member who represents the interests of persons who are members of labor unions that are affiliated with the forestry industry.
16. One member who represents the interests of persons who are engaged in the practice of urban and community forestry.
17. One member who represents the interests of persons who are members of the Society of American Foresters.
18. One member who represents the interests of persons who are members of an organization of timber producers.
19. One person who represents the interests of persons who are engaged in an industry that uses secondary wood.
20. One member who is employed by the federal department of agriculture, forest service, who shall be a nonvoting member.
(b) Each member specified in par. (a) shall be appointed by the governor.
(d) The governor shall annually appoint a chairperson for the council from among its members before the first meeting of each year, and the chairperson, at the first meeting of each year, shall annually appoint the vice chairperson and secretary from among the council's members. Any of these appointees may be appointed for successive terms.
(e) The council shall meet 4 times each year and shall also meet on the call of the chairperson of the council or on the call of a majority of its members. Notwithstanding s. 15.09 (3), the council shall meet at such locations within this state as may be designated by the chairperson of the council or by a majority of its members.
(20) Nonmotorized recreation and transportation trails council.
(a) There is created in the department of natural resources a nonmotorized recreation and transportation trails council.
(b) The governor shall appoint members of the council to serve at the pleasure of the governor. In appointing the members of the council, the governor shall seek geographic diversity in the membership. The governor shall appoint members who personally undertake nonmotorized trail activities or who participate in organizations that own or maintain nonmotorized trails or that promote nonmotorized trail activities. The governor shall appoint members who represent as many as possible of the following groups, or who represent persons who engage in other nonmotorized trail activities or who have other interests related to nonmotorized trail uses identified by the governor:
1. Persons who engage in activities on water trails.
2. Pedestrians.
3. Persons who engage in horseback riding and buggy driving.
4. Persons who engage in long-distance hiking.
5. Persons who engage in nature-based activities, such as bird watching, nature study, hunting, and fishing.
6. Persons who engage in alpine sports.
7. Persons who engage in bicycling of all forms, including trail riding, mountain biking, commuting, and long-distance bicycling.
8. Persons who represent local forests or parks.
9. Persons with physical disabilities who engage in nonmotorized trail activities.
10. Persons who are interested in tourism promotion.
11. Persons who represent tribal lands.
(c) If any member of the council is unable to attend a meeting of the council, the secretary of natural resources may appoint an alternate for that meeting to ensure that the full range of nonmotorized trails interests and activities is represented at the meeting.
(21) Sporting heritage council.
(a) There is created in the department of natural resources a sporting heritage council consisting of the following members:
1. The secretary of natural resources, or his or her designee, who shall serve as chairperson.
2. One member, appointed by the governor.
3. Two members of the assembly, appointed by the speaker of the assembly, who may not be members of the same political party.
4. Two members of the senate, appointed by the senate majority leader, who may not be members of the same political party.
5. Five members, appointed by the natural resources board from nominations provided by sporting organizations that have as their primary objective the promotion of hunting, fishing, or trapping. Of the 5 members, one shall represent the interests of deer hunters, one shall represent the interests of bear hunters, one shall represent the interests of bird hunters, one shall represent the interests of anglers, and one shall represent the interests of furbearing animal hunters and trappers.
6. One member, appointed by the executive committee of the conservation congress, who is a member of the conservation congress.
(b) The members of the sporting heritage council appointed under par. (a) 2. to 6. shall be appointed for 3-year terms.
(c) The sporting heritage council shall meet at least one time each year.
(22) Wetland study council.
(a) There is created in the department of natural resources a wetland study council consisting of the following members, appointed for staggered 6-year terms:
1. One member who is a representative of a statewide organization representing the business community.
2. One member who is a representative of a statewide organization representing waterfowl interests.
3. One member who is a representative of a statewide organization representing real estate and development interests.
4. One member who is a representative of a statewide organization representing municipal interests.
5. One member who is a representative of a statewide organization representing rural and agricultural interests.
6. One member who is a representative of a statewide land conservation group with a specific interest in wetlands.
7. One member who is a statewide wetland delineator.
8. One member who is a statewide wetland consultant.
9. One member who is a department of natural resources biologist or hydrologist and who is a wetland expert, appointed by the secretary of natural resources.
(b) The wetland study council shall research and develop recommendations on all of the following:
1. The implementation and effectiveness of statewide wetland mitigation programs.
2. Program elements that would be necessary for the department of natural resources to implement if the department assumes from the federal government the authority to administer the state's own individual and general permit program for the discharge of dredged or fill material into the navigable waters of the state under s. 281.12 (2).
3. Issues related to the analysis of practicable alternatives that avoid and minimize the adverse impacts of a discharge into a wetland on wetland functional values and that will not result in any other significant adverse environmental consequences.
4. Storm water management ponds and their potential to serve a role in wetland mitigation.
5. Statewide incentive programs for creating, restoring, and enhancing wetlands.
6. Statewide wetland trainings for department of natural resources staff, wetland consultants, and wetland delineators.
7. The simplification of regulations associated with creating wetlands on farm drainage ditches for the purpose of phosphorus pollution retention.
8. Ways to improve the in lieu fee subprogram of the wetland mitigation program, under s. 281.36 (3r) (e), including subcontracting the management of a program to a nonprofit organization.
9. The possibility of a professional, whose wetland delineation work is assured under the department of natural resources' wetland delineation professional assurance initiative, performing a wetland delineation confirmation under s. 23.321 on behalf of the department.
10. Methods of financing wetland mitigation requirements for local units of government.
11. Any other item related to wetlands at the discretion of the council.
History: 1971 c. 100 s. 23; 1971 c. 164, 211, 277, 307, 323; 1973 c. 12, 301, 318; 1975 c. 39, 198, 224, 412; 1977 c. 29 ss. 51, 52, 52d, 1650m (1), (4); 1977 c. 377; 1979 c. 34 ss. 39g, 39r, 2102 (39) (g), (58) (b); 1979 c. 221, 355; 1979 c. 361 s. 112; 1981 c. 346 s. 38; 1983 a. 410; 1985 a. 29 ss. 87h, 87m, 3200 (39); 1985 a. 65, 296, 332; 1987 a. 27, 186, 399; 1989 a. 11, 31, 335; 1991 a. 32, 39, 269, 302, 316; 1993 a. 16, 464; 1995 a. 27 ss. 169 to 175b, 9116 (5) and 9126 (19); 1995 a. 227; 1997 a. 27, 300; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 168; 2007 a. 20 s. 9121 (6) (a); 2009 a. 394; 2011 a. 32 ss. 117b, 125, 126; 2011 a. 104, 168; 2013 a. 16, 69; 2015 a. 55, 168, 170; 2017 a. 183.

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