MAINE - Governor John E. Baldacci recently swore in four members of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Advisory Council this past Thursday in his office. Governor Baldacci swore in the following members:
Lance Wheaton is from Forest City and represents Washington County. Lance is a registered Maine Guide and operates the Village Camps. He has made a career in the outdoors as a guide for 40 years. Wheaton was first appointed by Governor Angus King, and recently reappointed by Governor Baldacci. David Wardwell is from the Town of Penobscot and represents Hancock County. An avid outdoorsman, he is a member of the Bucks Mills Rod and Gun, the Sportsman's Alliance of Maine, the Maine Traditional Archers and the Maine Bowhunters Association. He was appointed by Governor King and recently reappointed by Governor Baldacci. Harlow "Joe" Floyd is from Holden and he represents Penobscot County. He is a Registered Maine Guide, a member of the Veazie, Eddington and Penobscot Salmon Clubs, and served as a public member on the Atlantic Salmon Commission during the eight years of the Brennan Administration. Floyd was recently appointed by Governor Baldacci. Raymond Picard is a Catholic Priest who resides in Newcastle and he represents the Counties of Knox, Lincoln and Waldo. Picard has worked throughout the state in locales such as Sanford, Old Town, Waterville, Indian Township, Sinclair and Daigle, and now the Newcastle-Damariscotta area, and has enjoyed hunting and fishing throughout the state. Picard was recently appointed by Governor Baldacci. The Advisory Council consists of ten members representing the 16 counties of the state. The Advisory Council works with the Commissioner to provide information and advice concerning the administration of the department, and to review all rules being proposed by the Commissioner and determine if the Commissioner should adopt them. Rules cannot be adopted by the Commissioner without the consent (majority vote) of the council. In addition to regular and special meetings, council members are expected to attend public hearings on pending rules, as well as sponsoring public forums to gather input regarding timely issues relating to inland fisheries and wildlife management and the use of these resources. Council members volunteer to special committee and planning work groups are made periodically. Council members are encouraged to also attend local fish and game club meetings, other conservation related events, and exhibits and events sponsored by the department. |