(a) In developing and implementing the management plan required by AS 41.21.506(a), the commissioner shall appoint an advisory board. The commissioner and the advisory board shall jointly hold public meetings during development of the management plan in the areas affected. The commissioner shall consult with and solicit recommendations from the advisory board and from federal and state agencies, interest groups, and other interested members of the public.
(b) The advisory board appointed under this section shall be representative of user groups, resident property owners, municipalities adjacent to the Kenai River and other interest groups. Unless appointed as a representative of a user group, resident property owners, a municipality adjacent to the Kenai River, or another interest group, an employee, elected official, or other representative of a federal or state government may be appointed to the advisory board only as an ex officio member serving without a vote. A majority of the voting members of the advisory group shall be residents of the Kenai Peninsula Borough.