OAR 603-073-0060: Periodic Review of State List

(1) The director shall review each listed species at least once every five years to determine if documented evidence exists to justify reclassification from threatened to endangered or vice versa, removal from the state list, or a recommendation to the federal government for reclassification or removal if the species is also on the federal list. Such evidence may include, but is not limited to, increase in population size or numbers, reduction or removal of threats or taxonomic re-evaluation of a listed species. Identification and review of Candidate species (defined in OAR 603-073-0080) that merit consideration of listing as endangered or threatened shall occur in conjunction with the periodic state list review. (2) The review under section (1) of this rule shall be conducted according to the criteria set forth in ORS 564.110 and these rules. (3) In the course of reviewing listed species, the director shall consult with any agencies or persons known to have direct knowledge of the species under consideration. Specifically, in the case of taxonomic questions involving a listed species, the director shall request that the Technical Advisory Committee (see OAR 603-073-0030) submit a written statement defining its opinion of the taxonomy of the species and indicating, if necessary, an appropriate expert for additional consultation. (4) If the director determines that sufficient documented evidence exists to justify listing a species as endangered or threatened, reclassification, or removal from the state list, the director shall, within 90 days of the determination, commence rulemaking to change the status of the species. The director shall mail notice of any resulting status change to affected or interested agencies or persons whose names are included on the director’ s mailing list for such purposes.