§ 225.4 - Cooperation with the States.

The Director shall cooperate with any State which establishes and maintains an adequate and active program for the conservation of endangered and threatened species. In order for a State program to be deemed an adequate and active program, the Director must find and reconfirm, on an annual basis, that:

(a) Authority resides in a State agency to conserve resident species determined by the State agency or the Director to be endangered or threatened;

(b) The State agency has established an acceptable conservation program, consistent with the purposes and policies of the Act, for all resident species in the State which are deemed by the Director to be endangered or threatened; and has furnished a copy of such program together with all pertinent details, information and data requested to the Director;

(c) The State agency is authorized to conduct investigations to determine the status and requirements for survival of resident species;

(d) The State agency is authorized to establish programs, including the acquisition of land or aquatic habitat or interests therein, for the conservation of resident endangered or threatened species; and

(e) Provisions are made for public participation in designating resident species as endangered or threatened.