7. a. The commissioner shall establish such programs, including acquisition of land or aquatic habitats, as are deemed necessary for the conservation and management of nongame and endangered species of wildlife.

b. In carrying out programs authorized by P.L.1973, c.309 (C. 23:2A-1 et seq.), the commissioner may enter into agreements with federal agencies, with political subdivisions of the State, or with private persons for administration and management of any area established under this section or utilized for management of nongame or endangered species of wildlife.

c. With the approval of the Governor, the commissioner may cooperate with and receive money from the federal government, any county or municipal government, or private sources for the purposes of P.L.1973, c.309 (C. 23:2A-1 et seq.). The commissioner may establish a separate fund from these contributions for the support of nongame and endangered species programs and for the purposes of P.L.1973, c.309 (C. 23:2A-1 et seq.).

d. The commissioner may authorize, under such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by rule or regulation, the taking, possession, transportation, importation, exportation, sale or offer for sale, or shipment of nongame species and wildlife which appear on the State list of endangered species for scientific, zoological, or educational purposes, for propagation in captivity of such wildlife, or for other special purposes.

e. The commissioner shall appoint a committee of experts to advise and assist the commissioner in carrying out the intent of P.L.1973, c.309 (C. 23:2A-1 et seq.). These experts shall include persons actively involved in the conservation of wildlife.

L.1973, c.309, s.7; amended 1981, c.281, s.5; 2016, c.6, s.8.