WHEREAS, the Lewis and Clark Trail has great historical significance to the State of Idaho; and

WHEREAS, the trail passes through multiple state and federal jurisdictions and private property, it is important that Idaho have an official organization to promote responsible recreational use and tourism associated with the trail and assure the protection and stewardship of this historic resource; and

WHEREAS, it will be of economic and educational importance to continue the coordination of activities related to the Lewis and Clark Trail well beyond the bicentennial celebration ending in 2006;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JAMES RISCH, Governor of the State of Idaho, do hereby reorganize and continue the Idaho Lewis and Clark Trail Committee as an advisory body to state, local and federal governments on preserving and managing the Lewis and Clark Trail and activities relating to the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

            The Committee shall:

1.      Act as the coordinating organization in planning activities to continue gaining regional and national recognition of the historic significance of the Lewis and Clark Trail in Idaho and the contributions of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to Idaho history.

2.      Promote appropriate development and recreation in the vicinity of the Lewis and Clark Trail route as well as protection of the trail and associated historic sites.

 3.      Act in an advisory capacity to other Idaho commissions, bureaus, agencies and committees by making recommendations regarding their activities and policies that relate to the trail and history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

4.      Serve as the official liaison with other Lewis and Clark Trail states, the national Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation, Inc., and federal departments, bureaus, and committees concerned with the Lewis and Clark Trail, including promotion of the aims and recommendations of the federal Lewis and Clark Trail Commission that existed from 1964 to 1969.

            The Committee shall consist of no more than nine (9) persons who are appointed by the Governor and serve at his pleasure.  The voting membership of the Committee shall include:

1. The President of the Idaho Chapter of the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation;
2. A representative of the Idaho State Historical Society;
3. A representative of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation;
4. The Governor or his designee;
5. Five Idaho residents with a demonstrated interest in Lewis and Clark history.

            In addition, each of the following organizations will be invited to appoint one non-voting, ex-officio member:

       Nez Perce Tribal Council

Shoshone Bannock Tribal Council

Bureau of Land Management

National Park Service

USDA Forest Service

            The Committee shall elect its own Chairperson and have regular meetings as determined by the majority of the Committee and called by the Chairperson.  Members will serve without compensation except for travel expenses.  Initial operating funds will be from the sale of Lewis and Clark license plates and commemorative medallion sales.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this 20th day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and six and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-first and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred seventeenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE