The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife will be forming a Wildlife Rehabilitators Advisory Committee to improve the state's wildlife rehabilitation program and the care that is provided to injured and orphaned wildlife. The committee will engage in dialogue with, and solicit views from, New Jersey licensed wildlife rehabilitators to discuss issues of concern and recommend action to the division.

Resumes are now being accepted from all interested applicants. Applications will be reviewed for a person's expertise, experience and geographic distribution throughout the state. Appointments to the committee will be made by Amy Cradic, the DEP Natural and Historic Resource Group Assistant Commissioner.

The nine-member committee shall be comprised of individuals and representatives of government-funded and non-profit status groups. The committee will include one avian rehabilitator, three mammal rehabilitators, one reptile/amphibian rehabilitator, one veterinarian, one representative from the Endangered and Nongame Species Advisory Committee, one representative from the NJ Fish and Game Council, and a representative from another state department. It is intended that the makeup of the committee will reflect all areas of the state (north, central and south).

The chair of the committee shall be a licensed NJ wildlife rehabilitator, who is nominated by committee members and appointed by the DEP Assistant Commissioner.

Committee members' terms will be three years, while the chairperson will serve a one-year term. Meetings will be held twice yearly or based on need, throughout the State, and will be open to the public.

Resumes and cover letters from those persons interested in appointment to the Wildlife Rehabilitators Advisory Committee should be mailed by September 9, 2011, to:

Paulette Nelson
NJ Division of Fish and Wildlife
Mail Code 501-03
PO Box 420
Trenton, NJ 08625-0420