Applications accepted until March 15

The group that has the final say about hunting, fishing and how wildlife are managed in Utah has two openings it needs to fill.

In August, Del Brady and Ernie Perkins — two members of the Utah Wildlife Board — will leave the board after six years of service.

Gov. Gary Herbert appoints members to the board. The governor is looking for the following:

• At least one person from northeastern Utah to take Brady's place.
• Perkin's vacancy can be filled by anyone who lives outside of central Utah.

Not more than two people can serve from a single Division of Wildlife Resources region, and the Central Region already has two representatives on the board.

Staci Coons, board coordinator for the DWR, says the Utah Wildlife Board consists of seven citizens from different parts of the state. To help manage wildlife in the state, Utah has been divided into five regions. State law requires that every region have at least one representative on the board.

"We need at least one person from northeastern Utah," she says. "The other spot can be filled by anyone outside of the Central Region."

To serve on the board, Coons says you need to have a strong interest in Utah's wildlife and wildlife management in the state. You also need to be committed to serving and representing the people of Utah.

Applications and nominating committee

Applications to fill the two positions will be accepted until March 15.

Starting Feb. 1, you can apply or get more information online.

The Utah Wildlife Board Nominating Committee — an 11-member committee appointed by Gov. Herbert — will review the applications and select candidates to interview. Then the committee will forward its recommendations to the governor. Gov. Herbert will make the final decision about who will fill the vacancies.

The members the governor appoints will serve for one six-year term.

Coons says board members attend six to seven wildlife board meetings in Salt Lake City each year. "They're also encouraged to attend monthly Wildlife Regional Advisory Council meetings in their regions," she says. "Some overnight travel is also required."