Idaho Governor Wants More Say in Species Protection Ideas

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter says federal agencies need to do a better job at considering state and local ideas when it comes to making decisions about species facing possible extinction.

Otter spoke Tuesday in Boise at a Western Governors' Association workshop intended to find a way to give states a stronger say in Endangered Species Act decisions. Panelists at the Species Conservation and Endangered Species Act Initiative included representatives from conservation groups, extractive industries, scientists and federal and state agencies.

They discussed voluntary conservation efforts, incentives for private land owners, best available science and critical habitat designation. A previous workshop in November was held in Wyoming and several more are planned. Information from the workshops will be compiled into a report to help guide legislative, regulatory and legal actions.