West Virginia Director of Natural Resources
| West Virginia Director of Natural Resources | |
 | |
| General information | |
| Office Type: | Non-partisan |
| Office website: | Official Link |
| 2013 FY Budget: | $17,513,566 |
| Term limits: | None |
| Structure | |
| Length of term: | Serves at the pleasure of the Govenor |
| Authority: | West Virginia State Code, Chapter 20, Article 1, Section 3 |
| Selection Method: | Appointed by Governor |
| Current Officeholder | |
 | |
| Name: | Frank Jezioro |
| Compensation: | $75,000 |
| Other West Virginia Executive Offices | |
| Governor • Lieutenant Governor • Secretary of State • Attorney General • Treasurer • Auditor • Superintendent of Education• Agriculture Commissioner • Insurance Commissioner• Natural Resources Commissioner • Secretary of Commerce • Commissioner of Labor • Public Service Commission | |
Contents |
Current officeholder
The current director of natural resources is Frank Jezioro.
Authority
The director's authority is established by Chapter 20, Article 1 of the West Virginia state code:[1]
Chapter 20, Article 1, Section 3:
| A division of natural resources, the office of director of the division of natural resources and a natural resources commission are hereby created and established in the state government with jurisdiction, powers, functions, services and enforcement processes as provided in this chapter and elsewhere by law. |
Qualifications
Chapter 20, Article 1, Section 3: of the West Virginia Constitution establishes the qualifications of office as such:[1]
|
... At the time of his initial appointment, he shall be at least thirty years old and shall be selected with special reference and consideration given to his training, experience, capacity and interest in the natural resources program as herein embraced. He shall not be a candidate for or hold any other public office, shall not be a member of any political party committee, and shall immediately forfeit and vacate his office as director in the event he becomes a candidate for or accepts appointment to any other public office or political party committee. |
- at least 30 years old
- trained, experienced, and interested in the natural resources program
- not a candidate for or officeholder of any other public office
- not a member of any political party committee
Appointments
The director of natural resources is appointed by the governor, with consent of the state senate, to a four year term, and may be removed from office by the governor under certain conditions outlined in Article VII, Section 9 of the state constitution:
| Text of Section 10:
Governor's Power of Removal The governor shall have power to remove any officer whom he may appoint in case of incompetency, neglect of duty, gross immorality, or malfeasance in office; and he may declare his office vacant and fill the same as herein provided in other cases of vacancy. |
Term limit
The director serves at the pleasure of the governor, and is not subject to term limits.
Vacancies
If the director leaves office for any reason, the governor may, with the consent of the state senate, appoint a new director. In the event that the office becomes vacant during the recess of the senate, the governor's appointment fills the vacancy until they can be confirmed by the senate.[2]
Duties
The director of natural resources oversees a comprehensive program for the exploration, conservation, development, protection, enjoyment and use of the state's natural resources.[1] The primary duties of the department are:[3]
- conserve and manage wildlife for intrinsic, recreational, and economic benefits
- promote conservation by preserving natural areas of exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological, or historic significance
- provide outdoor recreation
- promote travel and tourism
Chapter 20, Article 1, Section 7 of the West Virginia Code outlines, in great detail, the duties of the office.[1]
Divisions
The Division of Natural Resources
Administration
- The Administration section provides payroll, financial, budgeting, staffing, information technology, and business services to the Division of Natural Resources.[4]
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Hunting and Fishing
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Land and Streams
- The office of Lands and Streams is responsible for preserving, protecting, and enhancing West Virginia's title to its recreation lands for today's citizens, visitor users, and future generations.[5]
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Law Enforcement
- The Law Enforcement section is responsible for enforcing the game and fish laws and rules.[6]
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Parks and Recreation
- The mission of the Parks and Recreation section is "to promote conservation by preserving and protecting natural areas of unique or exceptional scenic, scientific, cultural, archaeological, or historical significance and to provide outdoor recreational opportunities for the citizens of this state and its visitors."[7]
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Wildlife Resources
- The Wildlife Resources section of the office is charged with protecting threatened and endangered species, non-game wildlife, and their habitats.[8]
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State budget
The budget for the Division of Natural Resources in Fiscal Year 2013 was $17,513,566.[9]
Compensation
- See also: Compensation of state executive officers
Chapter 20, Article 20-1 of the West Virginia Code defines the method by which the director of natural resources' compensation is set:[1]
| The director shall receive an annual salary as provided in section two-a, article seven, chapter six of this code, payable in equal monthly installments and shall be allowed and paid necessary expenses incident to the performance of his or her official duties. |
Chapter 6, Article 7, Section 2a, sets the salary of the sets the annual salary of each named appointive state officer, with the Director of the Division of Natural Resources earning $75,000.[1]
2012
In 2012, the director of natural resources was paid an estimated $75,000. This figure comes from the Council of State Governments.
Contact information
Building 74
324 Fourth Avenue
South Charleston, WV 25303
Phone: 304-558-2754
See also
External links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 West Virginia State Legislature, "West Virginia state code," May 24, 2011
- ↑ Article VII, West Virginia Constitution
- ↑ West Virginia Encyclopedia.org, "Division of natural resources," June 7, 2011
- ↑ West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, "Office of the executive secretary," May 24, 2011
- ↑ West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, "Office of land and streams," May 24, 2011
- ↑ '"West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, "Law enforcement section," May 24, 2011
- ↑ '"West Virginia State Parks and Forests, May 24, 2011
- ↑ West Virginia Division of Natural Resources, "Wildlife diversity program and natural program heritage," May 24, 2011
- ↑ West Virginia State Budget Office, "Legislature's Enrolled FY 2013 Budget Bill," accessed April 3, 2013
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