The Humboldt marten (Martes caurina humboldtensis) was listed as federally threatened in 2020. Coastal marten occur in small, isolated populations in Oregon and California and are currently threatened with habitat loss, catastrophic wildfire, and threats inherent to small populations. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) of 1973 was a visionary framework designed around protecting species and implementing recovery actions using science-based decision-making. Each section of the ESA contributes towards recovery goals and facilitates collaboration between land managers and researchers. This case study will examine how various sections of the ESA are intended to work in concert to conserve Humboldt marten and their habitat and the challenges with using science to support policy.