The law does not require recovery plans, critical habitat designation or agency consultation, although management programs are required. Seizure of property is also authorized. For plants, the Rare Plant Protection and Conservation Act authorizes investigation, listing and education efforts. Listing is based on scientific and commercial data only. The act cannot be used to interfere with, delay or impede any public works project.
Some state agencies manage their lands in a biologically sustainable manner.
For example, all lands owned by the state, except for specified areas, are designated as state wildlife management areas. In addition, natural resource areas, managed by the Division of Parks of the Department of Conservation, are regulated to preserve plant and animal wildlife. One example of a cooperative effort is the Tennessee Partners Program, a cooperative costshare program to enhance winter waterfowl habitat. The program is operated under an agreement with private landowners and federal and state agencies. Some in-service training on biodiversity is currently held in the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency.