(a) There is hereby created the natural and scientific areas advisory board. The advisory board shall be attached to the state biological survey and shall be within the survey as a part thereof. All budgeting, purchasing and related management functions of the advisory board shall be administered under the direction and supervision of the state biological survey. All vouchers for expenditures and all payrolls of the advisory board shall be approved by the state biological survey. The board shall consist of 11 members designated by the following: The state biologist; the secretary of wildlife and parks; the state forester; the state geologist; the director of the state historical society; the director of the state water office; the chairperson of the nongame wildlife advisory council; the secretary of health and environment; a member of the house of representatives appointed by the speaker of the house; a member of the senate appointed by the president of the senate; a representative of the governor.

(b) Whenever a vacancy on the board shall occur by death, resignation or otherwise of any member so appointed, the responsible appointor shall fill the same by appointment.