greater sage grouse

A recent University of Wyoming study that linked free-roaming overpopulation to the decline of sage grouse has received pushback for not factoring in livestock. But the lead researcher said it does – indirectly – and that the goal of the research is to help with the complex puzzle of managing multi-use landscapes.

The BLM released their latest federal draft plan for managing sage grouse across the West, and Wyoming officials are displeased. The timing of the lengthy process will likely push the release of the final plan after Trump’s inauguration. Wyoming’s Gordon hopes that’ll be favorable to Wyoming’s management goals – like more state oversight and less restrictions on oil and gas development.

In roughly the last two decades, sage grouse populations have declined by over 40%.

In the Western U.S., the greater sage-grouse population continues to shrink because of wildfires, invasive plants, and energy development. A new survey shows most voters want to see stronger protections for the iconic, chicken-sized bird.

The Bureau of Land Management recently held a series of public meetings about its new proposed sage grouse management plan. As the bird’s population continues to dwindle across the West, the agency is trying to add protections, all in an attempt to prevent the bird from being listed as an Endangered Species.

A long awaited federal draft plan for greater sage grouse management in the Western U.S. has been released, and so far, Wyoming is cautiously optimistic.

New research shows cattle grazing can coexist with one of the most iconic and threatened birds in the West.

Wyoming landowners could get more of a heads up if their property is going to be affected by sage grouse protection plans if a bill currently moving through the state legislature passes.

A conversation about the Endangered Species Act would be remiss without the Greater Sage-Grouse. The bird lives in 11 states in the West, with about 40 percent residing in Wyoming. Since the 1960s, data show that the total population has been declining. So, for many years, some groups have petitioned to list it as endangered. Wyoming has tried desperately to avoid that, as it could severely restrict development and energy production across much of the sagebrush landscape in the state. Wyoming Public Radio’s Caitlin Tan spoke with Bob Budd, chairman of the Sage-Grouse Implementation Team, which is overseeing the redrawing of Wyoming’s new sage-grouse map. Budd has been involved with the state’s efforts since 2000.

Every spring, sage grouse go to ‘leks’ – which are sacred mating grounds in the sagebrush. This year, researchers noticed 15 percent more birds at the Wyoming leks compared to last year.