B.__The board, acting in accordance with the Maine Administrative Procedure Act, may adopt any rules necessary for the conduct of its business.__The board shall adopt by rule a schedule for submission and action on grant proposals submitted pursuant to subsection 5, paragraph B.

C.__Appointed citizen members are entitled to compensation equal to legislative per diem and travel expenses under Title 5, section 12004-G, subsection 29-B while engaged in board activities.

D.__A quorum of the board for the transaction of business is 4 members.

E.__Board members are governed by the conflict of interest provisions in Title 5, section 18.

5.__Board functions.__The board has the following functions.

A.__The board, in accordance with the rule-making provisions of the Maine Administrative Procedure Act and in consultation with natural resources agencies, shall adopt a strategic plan for each of the funding categories listed in section 10307.__The board may cooperate with other state or federal agencies in developing the plan or carrying out other functions under this subchapter.__The strategic plan must identify the priority areas for funding for 6 years using the criteria listed in section 10309.__The board may amend the strategic plan.

B.__The board shall review and award annually funding requests for specific projects from natural resources agencies.__The board may award grants only to proposals that conform to the strategic plan adopted pursuant to paragraph A.__Grant proposals that establish a public-private partnership are encouraged.__Grant proposals must include a stated purpose, a time line, potential outcomes, a budget and an explanation of need.

C.__The board shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the joint standing committees of the Legislature having jurisdiction over energy matters, natural resources matters and inland fisheries and wildlife matters.__In the annual report, the board shall detail expenditures made from the fund and the board's progress in implementing the strategic plan.