Federal agencies need to do a better job considering state and local ideas when it comes to making decisions about species facing possible extinction, Gov. Butch Otter said Tuesday. "Being part of the process, being part of the solution, and being seriously considered with our ideas is what matters and will continue to matter," Otter said in Boise at a Western Governors' Association workshop intended to find a way to give states a stronger say in Endangered Species Act decisions, the AP reports.

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; AP reporter Keith Ridler has a full report here.