1. (a) In this section, “Program” means the Wildlife Conservation, Education, and Outreach Program.
2. (b) There is a Wildlife Conservation, Education, and Outreach Program in the Department.

3. (c) The purpose of the Program is to:

   1. (1) Provide outreach on outdoor recreation and stewardship to suburban and exurban community leaders, organizations, schools, and universities;
   2. (2) Connect elementary and middle school students, their parents, and university students located in suburban and exurban areas to outdoor recreation and stewardship opportunities;
   3. (3) Foster interest in the use of private land and undeveloped public land for outdoor recreation; and
   4. (4) Foster interest in hunting and wildlife conservation.

4. (d) The Department, in consultation with Program staff, shall develop a plan to increase engagement of communities that historically have not had access to hunting and conservation programs and engagement of veterans in:

   1. (1) Outdoor recreation and stewardship;
   2. (2) Hunting; and
   3. (3) Wildlife conservation.

Added by Acts 2023, c. 543, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023; Acts 2023, c. 544, § 1, eff. July 1, 2023.