Alabama Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources

Alabama Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources
General information
Office Type:	Non-partisan
Office website:	Official Link
2013 FY Budget:	$142,557,737
Term limits:	None
Structure
Length of term:	Serves at the pleasure of the governor
Authority:	Code of Alabama, Section 9-2-5
Selection Method:	Appointed by governor
Current Officeholder
Name:	N. Gunter Guy, Jr.
Assumed office:	January 21, 2011
Compensation:	$141,000
Other Alabama Executive Offices
Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditor • Superintendent of Education • Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner • Natural Resources Commissioner • Labor Commissioner • Public Service Commission

The Alabama Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources is a state executive position in the Alabama government. The commissioner is chief executive of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, which is responsible for maintaining Alabama's 22 state parks, 23 fishing lakes, 34 wildlife management areas, and other land belonging to the state. He carries out the Governor's directives and executes any laws related to state land or wildlife management.

Current officeholder

The current Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources is N. Gunter Guy, Jr., appointed on January 21, 2011 by Governor Robert Bentley. As the commissioner serves at the pleasure of the governor, Guy is not subject to periodic reappointment.

Before becoming commissioner, Guy practiced law at the firm of Ball, Ball, Mathews & Novak, P.A. in Montgomery, AL. He received his bachelor's degree from Auburn University and his law degree from the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University. He has two children with his wife, Patsy Lynn.

Authority

The commissioner's office is established by statute, not the state constitution. It was originally introduced in 1939.

Code of Alabama, Section 9-2-5

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources shall be headed by and shall be under the direction, supervision and control of an officer who shall be known and designated as the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources.

Qualifications

The commissioner, before assuming office, must deposit a bond worth no less than $10,000 "conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties." He or she must also devote their full time to the office, and may not hold any other government position while serving as commissioner. Additionally, the commissioner may not hold any private position that could present a conflict of interest with their official duties.

Code of Alabama, Section 9-2-5

Before entering upon the discharge of his duties, the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources shall take the constitutional oath of office and shall give bond in such penalty as may be fixed by the Governor, but such penalty shall not be less than $10,000.00 conditioned upon the faithful discharge of his duties. The premiums on such bond shall be paid out of the State Treasury. The Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources shall devote full time to his office and shall not hold another office under the government of the United States or under any other state or of this state or any political subdivision thereof during his incumbency in such office, and shall not hold any position of trust or profit or engage in any occupation or business the conduct of which shall interfere or be inconsistent with his duties as Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources under the provisions of this title.

Appointments

The commissioner is appointed by the governor and serves at his pleasure.

Term limits

The commissioner does not face any term limits.

Vacancies

Vacancies are filled "in the same manner as original appointments are made," i.e. by the governor.

Duties

State law states the commissioner is "the advisor of the Governor and the Legislature in matters relating to the wildlife and other natural resources," and that he is "responsible to the Governor for the administration of the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources," as its chief executive.

Under the leadership of the commissioner, the department is charged with protecting, conserving and increasing the wildlife of the state, as well as surveying and studying it. It also implements policies and recommends laws that "make available or useful the wildlife and other natural resources." One example is the "Forever Wild" program, under which the department purchases land for general recreation, nature preserves, state parks, etc. The department also regulates hunting and fishing activity through licensing, the establishment of seasons, and similar policies. Further, it supervises the state's parks, monuments and historical sites.

In addition to his or her role as custodian of the state's land and wildlife, the commissioner is charged with "[carrying] on a program of education and public enlightenment with respect to the wildlife and other natural resources." He must also make an annual report to the governor concerning his department.

Divisions

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources includes a variety of divisions.

• Administrative
• Marine Police
• Marine Resources
• State Lands
• State Parks
• Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries

State budget

The budget for the Department of Conservation in Fiscal Year 2012-2013 was $142,557,737.

Compensation

See also: Compensation of state executive officers

In 2012, the Alabama Commissioner of Natural Resources was paid an estimated $141,000. This figure comes from the Council of State Governments.

Contact info

Physical address:
64 N. Union Street
Montgomery, AL 36130

Phone: (334) 242-3486

See also

• Natural Resources Commissioner
• N. Gunter Guy, Jr.

External links

• Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources