The Commission is an autonomous board that addresses issues pertaining to the Department of Natural Resources. Included in the Commission's functions are the adoptions of permanent rules, service (either directly or through an Administrative Law Judge) as the "ultimate authority" for appeals from DNR orders, the development of "nonrule policy documents" (general policy statements), and the employment of DNR property managers.
Bryan W. Poynter is Chair for this twelve-member board, and Jane Ann Stautz is Vice Chair. Commission membership includes citizens chosen on a bipartisan basis, as well as ex officio state agency membership (IC 14-10-1-1). The powers and duties of the Commission are described generally but not exhaustively in IC 14-10-2. The Commission is required by IC 14-10-1-7 to meet at least four times annually, but it more typically meets six times a year.