2. a. There is established within the Department of Environmental Protection the Forest Health Advisory Council. The council shall be composed of 10 members, as follows: the Commissioner of Environmental Protection, or a designee, who shall serve ex-officio; the Secretary of Agriculture, or a designee, who shall serve ex-officio; the Director of the Division of Parks and Forestry in the Department of Environmental Protection, or a designee, who shall serve ex-officio; the chairperson of the Department of Plant Biology and Pathology at Cook College, Rutgers, the State University, or a designee, who shall serve ex-officio; and six public members, who shall be residents of the State, appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. Of the public members appointed by the Governor: one shall be a representative from the New Jersey Forestry Association; one shall be a representative from the New Jersey Tree Foundation; one shall be a representative from the Community Forestry Council established pursuant to section 5 of P.L.1996, c.135 (C. 13:1L-17.5); one shall be a New Jersey certified tree expert; one shall be a plant pathologist; and one shall be a biologist.

b. The Governor shall appoint each public member for a term of three years, except that of the members first appointed, two shall serve for terms of three years, two shall serve for terms of two years, and two shall serve for terms of one year. Each member shall hold office for the term of appointment and until their successor is appointed and qualified.

c. Any vacancy in the membership of the council shall be filled for the unexpired term in the manner provided for the original appointment. Members are eligible for reappointment to the council.

d. The council shall organize as soon as possible after the appointment of its members and shall annually elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson from among its members, and a secretary who need not be a member of the council. The council shall meet at least four times a year and may hold additional meetings as necessary to discharge its duties. In addition to such meetings, the council shall meet at the call of the chairperson or the Commissioner of Environmental Protection.

e. A majority of the membership of the council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of council business.

f. Members of the council shall serve without compensation, but shall be compensated and reimbursed for actual expenses reasonably incurred in the performance of their official duties, and provided with office and meeting facilities required for the proper conduct of the council’s business.

L.2007,c.44,s.2.