This bill defines "critical habitat" in relation to endangered species. It adds a new paragraph to the Endangered Species Conservation Act, stating that "critical habitat" refers to a geographical area of land or waters designated by the executive director of the department that currently or historically provides physical or biological features essential to the conservation of an endangered or threatened species.

The bill also amends RSA 212-A:9, I to state that the executive director shall establish programs, including the acquisition of land or aquatic habitat, as necessary for the conservation of endangered or threatened species, either within the current or projected future range of a species.

The bill will take effect 60 days after its passage.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 212-A:2, 212-A:9