CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION STUDY DOCUMENTS

Department of Forests and Parks

09.04.00.01

Established By: Md. Code Ann., art. 66C, §§ 343-357A.

Head: Director, appointed by the governor with advice and consent of
the Senate.

Chairman of Commission designated by Commission from its
membership. Commission of Forests and Parks is advisory only.

Members: 7-member Commission appointed by the governor. One member
recommended by the Maryland Farm Bureau; one recommended
by the Maryland State Grange; one experienced in lumbering busi-
ness; 4 general interest in state parks and recreation; one must be
a resident of Garrett County.

Term: 5 years for Commission members. Director—indefinite at gover-
nor's pleasure.

Removal: Director serves at governor's pleasure. Governor has power to
remove Commission member for cause.

Employees: No salary for Commission members. Part-time employees exempted
from merit system. Director can appoint game wardens for two-
year terms who are exempt from merit system. At present there
are 259 merit and 311 unclassified employees.

Function: The department promotes, administers, and manages all State
owned or leased forests, parks, scenic preserves, historic monuments
and recreation areas; and is responsible for the administration of
all laws, rules, and regulations relating to these areas.

The Commission advises the director on the operations and
administration of the department.

Gunpowder River Valley Park Advisory Committee

Function: Created by the governor in 1959 to advise the Department
of Forests and Parks on all aspects of the acquisition and de-
velopment of Gunpowder River Valley State Park system. 20
members.

Patapsco State Park Advisory Committee

Function: Created by the governor in 1951 to advise the Department of
Forests and Parks on the acquisition of land for the Patapsco
State Park. 11 members.

Susquehanna State Park Advisory Committee

Function: Created in 1960 by the governor to advise the Department of
Forests and Parks oh the acquisition of land for Susquehanna
State Park. 11 members.

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