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Committee approves Fish and Game rule clarifying federal vs. state authorization for take of protected wildlife
Summary
The committee approved a rule from the Department of Fish and Game clarifying that department authorization to take wildlife does not substitute for a required federal take authorization for federally protected species.
The Senate Resources & Environment Committee approved a rule from the Idaho Department of Fish and Game clarifying that department authorization of an activity should not be interpreted as state authorization to take federally protected wildlife in the absence of federal take authorization.
Jim Fredericks, director of the Department of Fish and Game, told the committee the rule clarifies the department’s intent that state rule language cannot be read to shift enforcement responsibility for federal endangered‑species protections to the state. “If we authorize an activity, that should not be interpreted as state authorization to take federally protected wildlife in the absence of a federal take authorization,” Fredericks said.
Senator Harris moved to approve docket number 13‑01‑0724‑01 (as read into the record); Senator Cook seconded. The committee approved the rule by voice vote.
Federicks offered to remain for questions and later agreed the department would return at a later date to present additional material when the committee schedule allowed.
