Establishment of Estuary Habitat Restoration Council

There is established a council to be known as the “Estuary Habitat Restoration Council”. The Council shall be responsible for— The Council shall be composed of the following members: Members of the Council may not receive compensation for their service as members of the Council. The chairperson shall be elected by the Council from among its members for a 3-year term, except that the first elected chairperson may serve a term of fewer than 3 years. The Secretary shall convene the first meeting of the Council not later than 60 days after November 7, 2000, for the purpose of electing a chairperson. The chairperson shall convene additional meetings of the Council as often as appropriate to ensure that this chapter is fully carried out, but not less often than annually. The Council shall establish procedures for voting, the conduct of meetings, and other matters, as necessary. Meetings of the Council shall be open to the public. The Council shall provide notice to the public of such meetings. The Council shall consult with persons with recognized scientific expertise in estuary or estuary habitat restoration, representatives of State agencies, local or regional government agencies, and nongovernmental organizations with expertise in estuary or estuary habitat restoration, and representatives of Indian tribes, agricultural interests, fishing interests, and other estuary users—