Greater Sage-Grouse Gets Help From BLM

by Larry on January 8, 2010

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Sage Grouse photos by Frank Kratofil

Newly announced changes to United States Bureau of Land Management (BLM) leasing policies offer enhanced protection for the Near Threatened Sage-grouseCentrocercus urophasianus, and an innovative model for wildlife-friendly energy development. “This is a landmark decision for wildlife, and for the return of sound science to federal policymaking, showing that we can have energy development and protect vital habitat at the same time”, said Brian Rutledge, Audubon Wyoming’s Executive Director, and a key proponent of the core area approach.

The Greater Sage-grouse is North America’s largest grouse, inhabiting areas dominated by large sagebrush in the Western United States and Canada. They are renown for their spectacular breeding displays, caught on camera by my good friend Frank Kratofil.

Like many other animal species, the decline in Greater Sage-grouse numbers are attributed to habitat loss and degradation (see the post on Burrowing Owls). If we are serious about helping these species in trouble and developing clean, renewable energy at the same time, the wildlife friendly model offered by the United States Bureau of Land Management may be one of the solutions.

Well I’m glad to see steps being taken to protect near-threatened species, especially when energy dollars are on the line. If only other species hovering on the edge of being ESA listed would be offered such protections…i.e. burrowing owls.
.-= Scott´s last blog ..The hills are forlorn with the sound of dozers =-.