The Nongame Program reinforces its procedure with a statistical ranking system, based on 13 indicators of species status. The Nongame Program works toward establishing the listing procedure as an administrative process. Representatives from conservation organizations, the timber industry, governments, tribes, and the general public form an ad hoc committee. The process should include a sufficient public review component, to allow inclusion of all relevant data. The process should set the stage for identifying the recovery needs of all listed species, with delisting as the goal.
Biologists begin to develop recovery plans for state-listed species.
The Nongame Program takes the first group of eight species through the new listing process. The Nongame Program issues Species of Concern in Washington in April. The Division publishes recovery plans for the upland sandpiper, snowy plover, and pygmy rabbit. The Wildlife Diversity Division issues a recovery plan for the ferruginous hawk. Listings become effective on September 25.