After eligibility procedures for a river or river segment are completed by the department, and the General Assembly ratifies such designation, the department, through the executive director, shall establish an advisory council for that scenic river. The advisory council must be appointed as early as possible to assist the work of the department. Each advisory council must consist of not less than six nor more than ten members who must be selected from local government, riparian landowners, community interests, and the department, whose staff member must serve as chairman. The riparian landowners must constitute a majority of the membership on each council. The duties of the advisory councils are to assist and advise the department concerning protection and management of each scenic river.