The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has recently begun evaluating plans for sage-grouse conservation as part of a push across several western states to protect their habitat.
Native to the western part of the United States, the Greater sage-grouse inhabits some 150 million acres of sagebrush-steppe lands and is best known for the distinctive mating ritual it performs on flat, open patches of the sagebrush sea, according to the BLM.
“The BLM is committed to reversing long-term downward trends in sage-grouse populations and habitats in a manner that fulfills our multiple-use and sustained yield mission and meets the needs of Western communities,” said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning, according to the release. “We remain dedicated to working closely with states, local governments, Tribes and other partners who have worked in a collaborative and bipartisan fashion for more than a decade toward sustainable and balanced management of sagebrush habitat.”
The Bureau is responsible for managing the largest share of sage-steppe as habitat for the Greater sage-grouse, according to a BLM press release. With 68 million acres total, the BLM has managed the habitat under resource management plans adopted in 2015 to stem habitat loss and population declines.
Pertaining to the states of California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming, BLM published a notice of intent Nov. 22 designed to amend the original land-use plans on BLM-managed public lands through a new, land-use planning initiative, according to the Federal Register. Under the old plans, the BLM found that the parameters regarding sage-grouse habitat did not adequately address the changing needs of the environment in the wake of climate change and other aspects of habitat destruction.
As part of the amendments being made to the land-use plans, BLM is encouraging the public to submit comments in writing regarding the changes until Feb. 7, 2022.
