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B. Consistency, Coordination and Communication <br />The group addressing the new policy directives for implementing the ESA focused on the <br />need for consistency, communication and improved coordination among all levels of <br />government. The group agreed there should be a method for ongoing review of intrastate <br />policies and recommendations pertaining to endangered species issues. This would help state <br />agencies coordinate among themselves. One agency should be designated to lead this effort and <br />should be responsible for seeing that information is disseminated and activities are coordinated. <br />Coordination is also needed among states. An effective method of sharing Memoranda of <br />Understanding (MOUs), innovative approaches to problem solving, and other information of <br />common interest to the states should be developed. Several proposals emerged on this topic. <br />1. A coordinating committee should be established among the states through the WSWC <br />to ensure this function is carried out. The WSWC Endangered Species Act subcommittee might <br />serve this function. In addition, given the fact these issues also may cross state lines and be <br />based upon watershed boundaries, a committee organized on this basis may be appropriate, with <br />representatives from each watershed, basin or ecosystem serving on the committee, and giving <br />periodic reports on developments in their area. <br />2. The states should urge the US Fish & Wildlife Service ( USFWS) and National Marine <br />Fisheries Service (NMFS) to share innovations and agreements among the regions. The recovery <br />implementation plan program director should be made responsible for posting USFWS updates <br />Is on the Internet or by mail. Federal Register notices are inadequate. <br />States' Partnership in the ESA Process <br />The group expressed strong interest in the new policy directives announced by the <br />USFWS and the NMFS. However, there was a strong consensus that sufficient review by states <br />had not yet occurred and that it would be premature to suggest that these directives be given the <br />full weight of regulation. Several recommendations emerged on this topic. <br />1. The group agreed that a letter praising the Services for taking these initial steps toward <br />progress should be sent to the USFWS and the NMFS. This letter should also indicate that the <br />states remain committed to improving administration of the ESA and that a series of consensus- <br />based state recommendations will be forthcoming. In addition, the states should indicate that <br />they will actively support increased funding for the Services' ESA related activities. <br />2. After the states have transmitted their recommendations to the Services, they should <br />proactively encourage adoption of regulations enforcing the new policies and monitor progress in <br />this area. <br />3. States should coordinate efforts within the state and between states in response to <br />proposed federal regulations or in drafting proposed regulations. <br />3 <br />