A tough new law to protect endangered species in Massachusetts will add another layer of approvals to the building process in areas designated as important habitats. Under the law, state wildlife officials will identify lands that are "significant habitat" for animal and plant species that are endangered or threatened, as well as those declared at risk by the Director of the state Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. This list will include species at risk only in the state, which means some species abundant elsewhere but rare in Massachusetts would be protected. "The intent is to protect the species in danger of dying out in Massachusetts," says Henry Woolsey, coordinator of the natural heritage and endangered species program at the state's Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. "And
