(a) There is hereby created within the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, an Endangered Species Preservation Commission which shall be composed of the Commissioner of Planning and Natural Resources, who shall be a non-voting member, ex officio, and seven other members, five of which shall consist of:
(1) the Director of the Division of Fish and Wildlife,
(2) the Chief of the Bureau of Environmental Education,
(3) the Chief of the Bureau of Fisheries,
(4) the Chief of the Bureau of Wildlife, and
(5) the Chief of Environmental Enforcement of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources.
(b) The other two members of the Commission shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. One shall be a resident of St. Croix and one shall be a resident of the St. Thomas-St. John district. The two appointed members shall possess training and education in either botany, zoology or biology.
(c) The Commission shall elect a Chairman from among its members. Four voting members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of all business of the Commission. A majority of those voting members present shall decide on all matters before the Commission. The Commission may adopt such other rules as it deems necessary to conduct its business.
(d) Appointed members of the Commission shall serve a term of two years and may be reappointed. Upon the conclusion of the term of any appointed member of the Commission, such person shall continue to serve until a new member has been appointed. The appointed members of the Commission shall receive the sum of $50 for each day or part thereof spent in the performance of their duties. Every member of the Commission shall be reimbursed for necessary travel, subsistence and other expenses actually incurred in the discharge of his duties as a member of the Commission. Appointed members of the Commission may be removed by the Governor for cause.