(a) The Arkansas State Board of Registration for Foresters is created to administer the provisions of this chapter.
(b)
(1) The board shall consist of six (6) members appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Each member shall be a citizen of the United States and a registered voter and resident of the State of Arkansas.
(2)
(A) Five (5) members of the board shall be foresters registered under § 17-31-302 and who have been engaged in forestry for at least twelve (12) years.
(B)
(i) One (1) member shall be nominated by the Arkansas Forestry Association to represent the forest products industry.
(ii) One (1) member shall be nominated by the Arkansas Forestry Commission to represent the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
(iii) One (1) member shall be nominated by the Provost of the University of Arkansas at Monticello from the faculty or staff of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
(iv) One (1) member shall be nominated by the Arkansas Division, Ouachita Society of American Foresters.
(v) One (1) member shall be nominated by the Association of Consulting Foresters, Inc., Arkansas Chapter to represent private forestry consultants.
(C) At least one (1) member shall be a graduate of the College of Forestry, Agriculture and Natural Resources at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
(3) One (1) member of the board shall not be actively engaged in or retired from the forestry profession. That member shall represent consumers. He or she shall be appointed from the state at large and shall be a full voting member but shall not participate in the grading of examinations.
(c) Appointments shall be for a term of five (5) years or, in the event of vacancies, for the period of the unexpired term of the vacancy being filled.
(d) Each member of the board shall receive a certificate of appointment from the Governor and before beginning the term of office shall file with the Secretary of State a written oath or affirmation relative to the faithful discharge of the official duty.
(e) Each member of the board may receive expense reimbursement and stipends in accordance with § 25-16-901 et seq.