Dept. of Game, Fish and Parks
For Immediate Release: Wednesday, Jan. 21, 2004
For more information: Chuck Schlueter, 773-3904

NEW GFP COMMISSIONER

PIERRE - Governor Mike Rounds has named Mike Authier, Vivian, as the newest member of the Game, Fish and Parks (GFP) Commission.

"Commissioner Authier will fill one of the three West River positions on the Commission," said GFP Wildlife Division Director Doug Hansen, "and will be one of the farmer/rancher representatives."

The GFP Commission is a citizen board that has authority for establishing hunting and fishing seasons in South Dakota, license fees, rules and oversee the department’s budget and administrative process. State law dictates that not more than four of the Game, Fish and Parks Commissioners shall be members of the same political party, and, at the time of their appointment, not less than four shall be agriculture producers. Additionally, at the time of their appointment, not less than three commissioners shall reside west of the Missouri River and not less than five shall reside east of the Missouri River.

"Commissioner Authier began his duties effective Jan. 11," Hansen said. "However, his first commission meeting as an official member will be at the next meeting (March 4-5 in Pierre)."

Authier was appointed to serve a four-year term through 2007. At that time he could be re-appointed for an additional four-year term. He replaces long-time commission member Les Lindskov, Isabel, who had served since 1995.

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