Section 7 of the Endangered Species Act directs all Federal agencies to use their existing authorities to conserve threatened and endangered species and, in consultation with the Service, to ensure that their actions do not jeopardize listed species or destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Section 7 applies to management of Federal lands as well as other Federal actions that may affect listed species, such as Federal approval of private activities through the issuance of Federal permits, licenses, or other actions.

Section 7(a)(2) of the Endangered Species Act requires all Federal agencies, in consultation with and with the assistance of the Secretary of the Interior, to insure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by such agency is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. This includes any Federal action include funding, licensing, permitting, authorizing, or carrying out activities under their jurisdictions. By law, section 7 consultation is a cooperative effort involving affected parties engaged in analyzing effects posed by proposed actions on listed species or critical habitat(s).