The Bylaws Of The Nebraska Chapter Of The Wildlife Society

The Nebraska Chapter of The Wildlife Society (NE-TWS) is the professional organization of biologists, educators and administrators who work in the field of wildlife management in Nebraska. The organization was chartered in 1966.

Section 1. NAME - The name of this organization shall be the Nebraska Chapter of The Wildlife Society, hereinafter referred to as the Nebraska Chapter or Chapter.

Section 2. AREA - The Chapter shall have as its area of organization the State of Nebraska.

Section 3. CRITERIA FOR AFFILIATION - The Nebraska Chapter shall conform to the Bylaws, Code of Ethics, policies, positions and objectives adopted by The Wildlife Society, Inc., hereinafter referred to as the Society.

Section 4. EXECUTIVE BOARD—The Nebraska Chapter Executive Board shall consist of the following elected officers: President, President-Elect, immediate Past President, Secretary, Treasurer, and four members-at-large.

Section 1. OBJECTIVES - Consistent with the objectives of the Society, the Nebraska Chapter objectives are to:

1. seek the highest standards in the wildlife profession,
2. promote sound stewardship of wildlife resources and habitats in Nebraska, provide opportunities for open communication and fellowship among wildlife professionals,

Section 2. IMPLEMENTATION - To aid in the achievement of these objectives, the Nebraska Chapter proposes to:

1. hold an annual meeting and other technical sessions, symposia, discussion panels, and opportunities for wildlife professionals to interact and remain current on issues and developments in wildlife management
2. offer research grants, awards, assistance, and scholarships to students and others conducting research and studying in Nebraska,
3. develop and disseminate policy statements based on scientific research to guide management of Nebraska wildlife, habitats, and natural resources,
4. provide awards to members and others to recognize outstanding professional achievements in wildlife administration, education, management and research,
5. host or facilitate student-professional workshops,
6. promote natural resource education through wildlife related contests, and by providing education materials, grants and technical assistance,
7. provide technical assistance, support, and planning input to agencies involved in natural resource management, coordinate with the Society and the Central Mountains and Plains Section in meeting Objectives noted in Section 1 of this Article.

The Nebraska Chapter business and fiscal year shall be 1 January through 31 December.

Section 1. VOTING MEMBER - Voting membership in the Nebraska Chapter shall be available to any member of the Chapter 1) who resides or is employed within the organizational area of the Chapter (Article I, Section 2) and 2) is in good standing. Rights, privileges, and responsibilities reserved for Voting Members include the following: holding an office in the Chapter, voting on official matters affecting the Society, and officially representing the Chapter on business of the Society by Board or officer appointment.

Section 2. OTHER MEMBER - Other membership in the Nebraska Chapter is available to those persons not members of the Society and/or residing or employed outside the Chapter's organizational area (Article I, Section 2), but who has an interest in the objectives and activities of the Chapter and are in good standing with the Nebraska Chapter. Other Members shall be entitled to all rights, privileges and responsibilities of
Voting Members, including voting in Chapter elections, except those reserved for Voting Members (Article IV, Section 1).

Section 3. CHARTER MEMBERS - Voting and Other Members in good standing on the Chapter membership rolls as of June 30, 1967, shall be considered Charter Members. Section 4. LIFE OR LEGACY MEMBER - Life or legacy membership in the Nebraska Chapter is available to any person who has an interest in the objectives and activities of the Chapter and has paid the lifetime or legacy dues set by the Chapter. Life or legacy
members shall be entitled to all rights, privileges and responsibilities of Voting Member, including voting in Chapter elections, except those reserved for Voting Members (Article IV, Section 1).

Section 5. HONORARY MEMBER - Honorary members of the Nebraska Chapter shall be persons who, by a majority vote of the members of the Chapter, have been thus recognized for their achievements. An Honorary Member pays no Chapter dues. Honorary Members who are Voting embers of the Society shall have the same rights and privileges as Voting Members of the Nebraska Chapter (Article IV, Section 1). Honorary Members who are not Voting Members of the Society shall have the same
rights and privileges as Other Members (Article IV, Section 2). Section 6. DUES - Annual or lifetime membership dues shall be set by the Chapter and shall be payable by each Voting, Lifetime, or Other Member to the Chapter Treasurer. Dues shall be payable annually by the member anniversary date, dues shall be remitted to the Treasurer in U.S. dollars, and members must pay their annual dues at the applicable level to remain in good standing.

Section 7: GOOD STANDING: Members who have not paid Chapter dues will not be considered in good standing and shall lose their Voting Member status in the Chapter. Section 8. RESIGNATION - Members may resign at any time by giving notice to the Chapter Secretary, or will be considered to have resigned if annual Chapter dues are not paid.

Section 9. REINSTATEMENT - Persons dropped from the rolls of the Chapter for non- payment of dues or resignation may be reinstated into membership in this Chapter upon payment of current Chapter dues.

Section 1. NOMINATING COMMITTEE - The three-member Nominating Committee, selected by the Executive Board (Article VII, Section 1) of the Chapter, shall prepare a slate of two or more candidates for each of the elective positions, namely: President- Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, and four at-large-board members from the voting membership of the Chapter (Article IV, Section 1).

Clause A - Prior approval of each candidate’s nomination shall be obtained from said candidates. Candidates shall be informed that Society and Nebraska Chapter membership is required to be eligible for the Nebraska Chapter elective positions. Clause B - The Nomination slate shall be submitted to the Chapter membership at least 30 days prior to the time of balloting.

Clause C - Additional advanced nominations may be placed on the Nominating Committee's slate, provided prior approval of the nominee has been obtained from said candidate. Nominations also may be accepted from the floor at the time of elections, if conducted at the annual membership meeting.

Clause D - Those nominated must be members of the Society and voting members of the Nebraska Chapter in good standing (see Article IV, Section 7). A member may be elected for no more than two consecutive terms in the same elective position, except for President-Elect, President, and immediate Past President (see Article V, Section 3, Clauses A-C). Members may be nominated for more than one elective position; however, no one may hold more than one (1) elective position simultaneously (Article V, Section 2, Clause C).

Section 2. BALLOTING – Balloting will be carried out via electronic web-based survey service, or written ballots from the Voting Members and verified by the Secretary, and shall be confirmed or counted by the Nominating Committee of the Chapter. If any member of the Nominating Committee is a nominee, then the President shall appoint a Voting Member to assist in the ballot confirmation/counting.

Clause A - Members in arrears shall forfeit their rights to vote during the period of their delinquency.

Clause B - An absentee ballot may be submitted to the Secretary by a qualified member prior to the scheduled time for counting ballots.

Clause C - The candidate receiving the largest number of votes on the electronic and/or written ballot shall be declared elected. No one may hold more than one (1) elective position simultaneously; therefore, if a member receives the largest number of votes for more than one (1) elective position, then the member must decline all other positions.

Section 3. OFFICERS - The officers of the Nebraska Chapter shall be a President, President-Elect, immediate Past President, Treasurer, Secretary, and four Members-at- Large. The Executive Board shall act as the governing body for the Chapter and shall consist of the above-named officers. Only Voting Members who are in good standing and members of the Society may serve as officers of the Chapter.

Clause A - PRESIDENT - The President shall have general supervision of the Chapter officers and shall appoint, with the advice of the Executive Board, Chairpersons of all regular and special committees, except for the Nominating Committee (Article V, Section 1). The President shall preside at meetings of the Executive Board and the Chapter and shall be an ex-officio member of all committees except the Nominating Committee. The President shall represent the Chapter or appoint alternate representatives to other Chapter, Section, or Society boards, committees or meetings including the Chapter representative for the Central Mountains and Plains Executive Board. The President-Elect succeeds to the office of President for a one-year term.

Clause B - PRESIDENT-ELECT - The President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President in the absence of or upon the inability of the President to serve, and shall perform any duties assigned by the President. In the event the President-Elect cannot serve in the President's absence, the Executive Board shall appoint a President, pro tempore (i.e., for the time being). The President-Elect is elected by a vote of the membership for a one-year term.

Clause C – IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT – The President succeeds to the office of immediate Past President for a one-year term and shall be assigned specific executive and functional duties by the President.
Clause D - TREASURER - The Treasurer shall be responsible for the Chapter funds and shall submit a complete financial report to the Executive Board prior to each annual and board meeting. Duties also shall include the receipt and disbursement of funds and assisting the Membership Committee with the maintenance of the membership rolls. The Treasurer is elected by a vote of the membership on even-numbered years for a two-year term.

Clause E - SECRETARY - The Secretary shall be responsible for the Chapter files and records. Duties also shall include the recording of the minutes of all meetings, correspondence, and the issuance of meeting notices. The Secretary is elected by a vote of the membership on odd-numbered years for a two-year term.

Clause F - BOARD REPRESENTATIVES - Four Board Representatives are elected by a vote of the membership for two-year terms. Two Representatives are elected in even- numbered years and two are elected in odd-numbered years. They shall represent and serve as a liaison to the Executive Board for the members of the Chapter and will assist the President by conducting assigned duties.

Section 4. TERM OF OFFICE - The officers shall serve for approximately one or two years (Article V, Section 3, Clauses A through F), be installed at the Regular Chapter Meeting, take office immediately following the Business Meeting, and unless re-elected,
terminate their duties at the conclusion of the next Business Meeting, or at such time as their successors are elected and installed.

Section 5. VACANCIES - If the office of the President is vacated for any reason, the President-Elect shall assume the duties of the President for the balance of the unexpired term of the President. All other vacancies in any unexpired term of an elective office shall
be filled through appointment by the Executive Board, although an appointed President- Elect shall serve only until the next scheduled Chapter election, at which point the membership shall elect the next President-Elect. All appointees must be Voting Members of the Chapter and the Society.

Section 1. REGULAR MEETINGS - Regular meetings of the Chapter membership shall be held at such times and places as determined and published by the Executive Board.

Clause A - MEETING NOTICE - Voting Members must be notified at least one month prior to Regular Meetings and at least 10 days prior to Special Meetings. The notice must contain reference to the business to be considered.

Clause B - QUORUM - The quorum for the Regular Meeting of the Chapter shall be over 50 percent of the membership or 10 members in good standing, whichever is less; and for Executive Board Meetings, at least 50 percent of the officers.

Clause C - MEETING RULES - The rules contained in the latest revision of Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the Chapter in all cases to which they are applicable, and in which they are not inconsistent with the Bylaws or the special rules of order of the Chapter or the Society.

Clause D - BYLAWS - Chapter Bylaws shall be available for inspection during every meeting. If these Bylaws are revised, the revision must be approved by the Society before becoming effective.

Section 2. SPECIAL MEETINGS - Special Meetings may be called by the Executive Board at any time, provided due notice (Article VI, Section lb) and the purpose of the call are given.

Clause A - Only those items listed in the call for a Special Meeting shall be acted upon at the Special Meeting.

Clause B - All Clauses under Section 1 of this Article apply as well to Special Meetings.

Section 1. EXECUTIVE BOARD - The Chapter shall be governed by an Executive Board composed of the duly elected officers.

Clause A - CONDUCT - The Executive Board shall conduct its affairs in conformance with the provisions of these Bylaws, and those of the Society. The Board is authorized to act for the Chapter between Chapter meetings and shall report its interim actions to the members at each succeeding membership meeting. Any action of the Board may be overridden by a two-thirds majority vote of the Voting and Other Members attending a Regular Meeting.

Clause B - ATTENDANCE - Members may attend Board Meetings, but may participate only when asked to do so, and they may not vote at such meetings.

Section 2. FINANCE - Funds of the Chapter shall be under the supervision of the Executive Board, and shall be handled by the Treasurer. The financial records of the Nebraska Chapter shall be periodically examined by the Audit Committee (Article VIII, Section 2, Clause G).

Clause A - The Treasurer need not be bonded.

Clause B - Funds shall be derived from dues, special assessments, work projects, and contributions.

Clause C - Funds shall be placed in a federally-insured bank or savings and loan association.

Section 3. REPORTS - The Secretary shall, within twenty (20) days after an election or other official action taken by the Chapter, provide a copy of such action to the Executive Director of the Society, the Central Mountains and Plains Section Representative and the Central Mountains and Plains Section President. An annual report from the Secretary shall be forwarded to these same parties. A statement of calendar-year income and expenses, together with starting and ending balances, must be submitted by the Treasurer to the Executive Director of the Society in January of each year for federal tax reporting by the Society office.

Section 4. FILES - The Chapter shall maintain a file containing: Bylaws of the Society, the Central Mountains and Plains Section, and the Nebraska Chapter; minutes of all Regular and Special Meetings of the Chapter and of the Executive Board; correspondence pertinent to Chapter affairs; all committee reports; financial statements and records; and all other material designated as pertinent by the Executive Board. A "procedure for filing" shall be kept in the Chapter file for the guidance of each succeeding Secretary. A
Chapter "Operations Manual" provided by the Society will be maintained by the Chapter President and a written record of transfer of this manual to the incoming President will be maintained and the Society will be notified of each such transfer.

Section 5. RESOLUTIONS AND PUBLIC STATEMENTS - Two or more members may submit resolutions or statements to the Chapter's Executive Board for its consideration. These shall be accepted or rejected by the Board and, if involving new policy, prepared for submission to the Chapter membership. Such new items must be
approved by two-thirds of the Chapter membership voting and must be transmitted to the Society, the Central Mountains and Plains Section Representative, and the Central Mountains and Plains Section President, if approved. Actions falling within previously established Chapter policies may be carried out by any Chapter officer upon unanimous approval of the Executive Board. On issues where there are no previously established Chapter policies and that demand action on a reasonably short notice, the President, or designated representative, may present a Public Statement on behalf of the Chapter provided that: 1) the concept of the statement be brought to the Executive Board's attention and is accepted by them prior to public issuing of the statement; and 2) copies of the statement are sent to the membership within 15 days after public issuing of the statement. Furthermore, the Nebraska Chapter may issue statements pertaining to subjects in its locale:

1. when the content of the statement falls within the established policy of the
   Society; and
2. in the absence of existing position statements by the Society.

The Nebraska Chapter will not issue statements that may be in conflict with the policy of the Society without prior approval of the Society's Council. All statements will follow the "Guidelines for Wildlife Policy Activities" (Appendix 4.421 of the Operations Manual) and conform to the Society's policy regarding conservation affairs stated therein. The Chapter membership, the Society, the Central Mountains and Plains Section Representative, and the Central Mountains and Plains Section President must receive copies of any Resolution or Public Statement within 15 days of such action.

Section 1. APPOINTMENTS - The Chapter President shall consider suggestions of the Executive Board and appoint Chairpersons of all regular standing committees except the Nominating Committee (Article V, Section 1) and special committees as the need arises.
Committee Chairpersons shall complete their committees with assistance of the President.

Section 2. DUTIES OF STANDING COMMITTEES:

Clause A - NOMINATING - (See Article V, Section 1)

Clause B - MEMBERSHIP - This committee shall endeavor to obtain the maximum number of qualified persons residing in the Chapter's organizational area to become members of the Society, the Central Mountains and Plains Section and the Nebraska Chapter. This committee shall maintain a list of all student members at Nebraska's Universities and colleges who list wildlife management or related fields as their major subjects and encourage them to join the Chapter. This committee shall also encourage their participation at Chapter meetings and on committees.

Clause C - PROGRAM - This committee shall arrange programs for all Regular Meetings and provide the President with a proposed agenda for the Regular Meeting at least one month prior to the meeting date.

Clause D – CONSERVATION REVIEW - This committee shall review legislative proposals, administrative regulations, environmental assessments and impact statements, and other subjects or issues affecting wildlife or wildlife habitat within the organizational area of the Chapter and make recommendations to the Executive Board for any action that should be taken by the Nebraska Chapter. This committee shall also coordinate with regional and Society Conservation Affairs Networks on pertinent issues. The Chairperson may ask any Chapter member to assist with reviews.

Clause E - EDUCATION AND INFORMATION - This committee shall seek and employ methods of informing the membership and public of basic concepts of wildlife management and of Chapter and Society activities and interests in concurrence with the Bylaws.

Clause F - AUDIT - This committee shall consist of a Chairperson and at least 2 additional members. It shall review the financial records and support documents of the Treasurer at least annually. The committee also shall review these records and documents prior to any change in the office of Treasurer.

Clause G - CERTIFICATION - This committee shall be responsible for education, promotion, and dissemination of certification information to wildlife professionals and the public in Nebraska and shall promote certification among employing agencies and private companies.

Clause H - STUDENT CHAPTER – This committee shall be responsible for promoting interactions between students and professionals, will provide an established line of communication between Student Chapters and the Executive Board, and provide Student Chapters with resources such as funds, outreach, and education.

Section 3. SPECIAL COMMITTEES AND TASK FORCES - The Executive Board shall have the authority to establish and dissolve Special Committees and Task Forces to address special short-term issues or efforts.

Section 4. ACCOUNTABILITY - All committees shall be accountable to the Executive Board, under general supervision of the President.

Section 5. TENURE - All committees shall serve until new committees are appointed in their stead or until the duties assigned to the committee have been discharged by the Executive Board.

Section 1. PROCEDURE - These Bylaws may be altered or amended by a majority of the members voting at any regular or special Chapter meeting if due notice of the proposed changes (Article VI, Section 1, B) is followed. A member who will be absent from the meeting may file an absentee ballot (Article V, Section 2, B).

Section 2. CONFORMANCE - Amendments to the Bylaws must not conflict with the current Bylaws of the Society. If these Bylaws are revised, the new revision must be approved by the Society before becoming effective.

Section 1. PROCEDURE - These Bylaws may be altered or amended by a majority of the members voting at any regular or special Chapter meeting if due notice of the proposed changes (Article VI, Section 1, B) is followed. A member who will be absent from the meeting may file an absentee ballot (Article V, Section 2, B).

Section 2. CONFORMANCE - Amendments to the Bylaws must not conflict with the current Bylaws of the Society. If these Bylaws are revised, the new revision must be approved by the Society before becoming effective.