A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT to establish an independent study commission to consider the desirability and feasibility of adapting the use of a tract of state‑owned land, located in the southeastern part of the state on the Northeast cape fear river and the burgaw creek that is currently state gamelands, to showcase the natural environment of southeastern north carolina, provide environmental educational opportunities for youth and adults, and provide recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:
SECTION 1.  Commission Created. – The Northeast Cape Fear – Burgaw Creek Preserve Study Commission is created.
SECTION 2.(a)  Membership. – The Commission shall consist of 13 members.  The Chairman of the Wildlife Resources Commission, or the Chairman's designee; the Director of the Division of Forest Resources of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or the Director's designee; and the Director of the Division of Parks and Recreation of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, or the Director's designee, shall serve as ex officio members. The remaining members shall be appointed no later than September 1, 2007, as follows:
(1)	Three members of the Senate, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
(2)	Three members of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(3)	Two representative of local government, appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate.
(4)	One representative of a conservation group, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(5)	One member of the general public appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
SECTION 2.(b) Vacancies. – A vacancy in the Commission or as chair of the Commission resulting from the resignation of a member or otherwise shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.
SECTION 3.  Duties of Commission. – The Commission shall study issues related to the desirability and feasibility of adapting the use of a tract of State‑owned land, located in the Southeastern part of the State on the Northeast Cape Fear River and the Burgaw Creek that is currently State gamelands, to showcase the natural environment of Southeastern North Carolina, provide environmental education opportunities for youth and adults, and provide recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. This tract is approximately 776 acres located approximately three miles east of the Town of Burgaw and consists of creek swamp, ridges, and a planted pine plantation. In particular, the Commission shall consider:
(1)	The desirability and feasibility of establishing hiking trails on this land.
(2)	The desirability and feasibility of constructing a launch site on this land that fronts the Burgaw Creek for canoes and kayaks, thereby providing a venue for canoeing and kayaking on the Cape Fear River and Burgaw Creek for the public.
(3)	The environmental educational opportunities that are available for the public at the bottomland swamps, pine plantation, and other wetlands located on this land.
(4)	The potential for developing at the pineland plantation a demonstration forest to showcase best forest management practices.
(5)	The potential for restricting the current use of this land as State gamelands so that the use as gamelands would be compatible with recreational, educational, and environmental uses.
(6)	The potential for paying the costs, in whole or in part, of adapting the use of this land to recreational, educational, and environmental uses from the sale of timber from the pine plantation located on this land.
(7)	Other possible funding sources than the funding source under subdivision (6) of this section for the costs of adapting the use of this land to recreational, educational, and environmental uses. 
(8)	Any other issues the Commission considers to be pertinent to its study.
SECTION 4.  Report. – Prior to the convening of the 2009 General Assembly, the Commission shall submit a report of its findings and recommendations, including legislative and funding recommendations, to the 2009 General Assembly. The Commission shall terminate upon filing its report.
SECTION 5.  Expenses of Members. – Members of the Commission shall receive per diem, subsistence, and travel allowances in accordance with G.S. 120‑3.1, 138‑5, or 138‑6, as appropriate.
SECTION 6.  Chair; Meetings. – The President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall each designate one member to serve as cochair of the Commission. The cochairs shall call the initial meeting of the Commission on or before October 1, 2007.  The Commission shall subsequently meet upon such notice and in such manner as its members determine.  A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum. The Commission may meet in the Legislative Building or the Legislative Office Building upon the approval of the Legislative Services Commission.
SECTION 7.  Staff. – Upon the prior approval of the Legislative Services Commission, the Legislative Services Officer may assign professional and clerical staff and other services and supplies, as needed for the Commission to carry out its duties in an effective manner.
SECTION 8.  Cooperation by Government Agencies. – The Commission may call upon any department, agency, institution, or officer of the State or any political subdivision thereof for data or other assistance.
SECTION 9.  This section becomes effective July 1, 2007.