WHEREAS, in 2005 the State of Idaho, in response to a congressional mandate, developed a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy (CWCS) identifying rare and declining species and priority habitats; and
 

        WHEREAS, the Idaho CWCS identifies 229 species of greatest conservation need in the State, of which 64 species still lack essential information pertaining to their population status, historic range and distribution within Idaho; and
 

        WHEREAS, the Idaho CWCS does not rank or prioritize the remaining 165 species of greatest conservation need; and
 

        WHEREAS, the lack of prioritization makes it difficult for government agencies and private sector land managers to focus conservation efforts; and
 

        WHEREAS, limited resources are available for research and management of high-priority species, making it imperative that we identify those species most requiring immediate attention;
 

    NOW, THEREFORE, I, C.L. “Butch” Otter, Governor of the State of Idaho, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me under the Constitution and laws of Idaho do hereby order:
 

    1. The Governor’s Office of Species Conservation (OSC), in conjunction with state agencies and     private sector land managers, to develop and publish a list of priority forest-dwelling species from

those listed in the Idaho CWCS; and
    2. OSC to coordinate the collection of data, development of conservation strategies and other efforts as necessary for the list of priority forest-dwelling species with private land owners, federal, state and local governments and the tribes of Idaho.

 

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho in Boise on this 4th day of December in the year of our Lord two thousand and seven and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred thirty-second and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred eighteenth.

BEN YSURSA
SECRETARY OF STATE