WASHINGTON, D.C., USA — The greater sage-grouse is the largest grouse in North America and it lives in sagebrush habitats across the western United States and southern Canada. Over the years their habitat has declined. A draft plan from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) would strengthen conservation and management on public land.
"The majesty of the West and its way of life are at stake. Sagebrush lands are places where people work and play, and they are the headwaters for the West's major rivers," said BLM Director Tracy Stone-Manning. "Joint efforts to conserve the greater sage-grouse and its habitat led to the largest collaborative conservation effort in our history, and we are building on that work, together with our partners, to ensure the health of these lands and local economies into the future."
The draft plan has new information on conservation science, accommodates resource conditions and is designed for flexibility in implementation. The BLM is holding 13 public meetings for questions and comments. People can find information on the meetings here.
"Protecting and restoring sagebrush on BLM-managed public lands across the West is critical not just for greater sage-grouse, but also for the health of western communities and other iconic Western species that rely on healthy sagebrush, including mule deer, pronghorn, and the pygmy rabbit," a news release stated.
The full draft impact statement is open for public comment on Mar. 15 and ends June 13. People can learn about how to make public comment here.
Watch more Local News:
See the latest news from around the Treasure Valley and the Gem State in our YouTube playlist:
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET NEWS FROM KTVB:
Download the KTVB News Mobile App
Apple iOS: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Watch news reports for FREE on YouTube: KTVB YouTube channel
Stream Live for FREE on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching 'KTVB'.
Stream Live for FREE on FIRE TV: Search ‘KTVB’ and click ‘Get’ to download.
