INTERIOR DEPARTMENT PROVIDES NEW GUIDANCE TO PROMOTE DEVELOPMENT OF CONSERVATION BANKS

(Washington)--The U.S. Department of the Interior has issued the first comprehensive federal guidelines designed to promote the establishment of Conservation Banks, which ensure perpetual protection for endangered species that are adversely affected elsewhere, Assistant Secretary for Fish and Wildlife and Parks Craig Manson said today.

"This is a hallmark event in the 30-year history of the Endangered Species Act," Manson said, "and a major step by the Fish and Wildlife Service to implement Secretary Norton