23-14-3 - Powers of division to determine facts -- Policy-making powers of Wildlife Board.

23-14-3. Powers of division to determine facts -- Policy-making powers of WildlifeBoard.
(1) The Division of Wildlife Resources may determine the facts relevant to the wildliferesources of this state.
(2) (a) Upon a determination of these facts, the Wildlife Board shall establish the policiesbest designed to accomplish the purposes and fulfill the intent of all laws pertaining to wildlifeand the preservation, protection, conservation, perpetuation, introduction, and management ofwildlife.
(b) In establishing policy, the Wildlife Board shall:
(i) recognize that wildlife and its habitat are an essential part of a healthy, productiveenvironment;
(ii) recognize the impact of wildlife on man, his economic activities, private propertyrights, and local economies;
(iii) seek to balance the habitat requirements of wildlife with the social and economicactivities of man;
(iv) recognize the social and economic values of wildlife, including fishing, hunting, andother uses; and
(v) seek to maintain wildlife on a sustainable basis.
(c) (i) The Wildlife Board shall consider the recommendations of the regional advisorycouncils established in Section 23-14-2.6.
(ii) If a regional advisory council recommends a position or action to the Wildlife Board,and the Wildlife Board rejects the recommendation, the Wildlife Board shall provide a writtenexplanation to the regional advisory council.
(3) No authority conferred upon the Wildlife Board by this title shall supersede theadministrative authority of the executive director of the Department of Natural Resources or thedirector of the Division of Wildlife Resources.

Amended by Chapter 211, 1995 General Session