...Subd. 3.
(a) The commissioner shall adopt rules under chapter 14, to designate species of wild animal or plant as:
(1) endangered, if the species is threatened with extinction throughout all or a significant portion of its range;
(2) threatened, if the species is likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future throughout all or a significant portion of its range; or
(3) species of special concern, if although the species is not endangered or threatened, it is extremely uncommon in this state, or has unique or highly specific habitat requirements and deserves careful monitoring of its status. Species on the periphery of their range that are not listed as threatened may be included in this category along with those species that were once threatened or endangered but now have increasing or protected, stable populations.
(b) The range of the species in this state is a factor in determining its status as endangered, threatened, or of special concern. A designation by the secretary of the interior that a species is threatened or endangered is a prima facie showing under this section.
(c) The commissioner shall reevaluate the designated species list every three years after it is first adopted and make appropriate changes. The review must consider the need for further protection of species on the species of special concern list. Species may be withdrawn from designation in the same manner that species are designated.
Subd. 4. The commissioner may conduct investigations to determine the status and requirements for survival of a resident species of wild animal or plant.
Subd. 5.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law, the commissioner may undertake management programs, issue orders, and adopt rules necessary to bring a resident species of wild animal or plant that has been designated as threatened or endangered to a point at which it is no longer threatened or endangered.
(b) Subject to the provisions of subdivision 6, management programs for endangered or threatened species include research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition, habitat maintenance, propagation, live trapping, transplantation, and regulated taking...
Citation: M.S.A. § 84.0895.