Revised March 18, 2021

The Board of Wildlife Resources hereby constitutes and establishes a Wildlife and Boat Committee (hereafter referred to as the Committee) with responsibility and specific duties as described below.

Purpose:

As presented in the Board’s Governance Manual, the Wildlife and Boat Committee is to evaluate the long-term needs of the Commonwealth’s wildlife and boating resources and to draft recommendations and/or policies addressing those needs for consideration by the entire Board and to serve as the Motorboat Committee in accordance with § 29.1-701 of the Code of Virginia. This Committee will also assess the needs, desires, and impacts of the users of these resources and provide guidance to the full Board as described above.

Composition:

The Committee shall be comprised of three (3) members of the Board of Wildlife Resources. Two alternate members may additionally be appointed; however, the alternate members shall be counted for quorum purposes and vote only in the absence of regular members. Committee members shall be appointed by the Chairman of the Board with each member to serve a term as determined by the Board Chair at the time of Committee appointment. A quorum of the Committee shall consist of two members entitled to vote at a meeting.

Responsibility:

The Committee is to serve as the Board’s primary workgroup to address such issues as, but not necessarily limited to, Boating Safety and Boating Safety Education Programs, The Wildlife Action Plan, the Department’s Wildlife Diversity, Fisheries and Wildlife Management Programs, Land Acquisition and Facilities Development needs, Wildlife and Boating Regulatory and legislative initiatives, and Wildlife and Fisheries health issues.

Meetings:

The Committee generally meets at least four (4) times each fiscal year, with additional meetings as deemed necessary by the Committee. Fewer meetings may be approved by the Board under extenuating circumstances. The Chair may request the Director to have Department staff members be present at meetings of the Committee to provide information and/or expertise regarding the business matters, issues, and discussion topics of the Committee.

Minutes:

The minutes of each Committee meeting are to be prepared and distributed for review to Committee members. Minutes will be approved at the next scheduled Committee meeting.

Specific Duties:

1. Serve as a forum for discussion of specific legislative initiatives for the Wildlife and Boat Program areas and make recommendations to the full Board for consideration and/or action.
2. Review and periodically assess the Department’s Wildlife and Boating Programs to determine that these programs continue to be aligned with the agency’s mission and strategic vision/plan. Recommend changes if needed.
3. Consider and make recommendations on the Capital Program needs of the Department as it relates to the potential for enhanced conservation and recreational opportunities.
4. Conduct assessments of the needs, desires and impacts of various resource users and Department constituents and provide guidance to the full Board.