(WASHINGTON, D.C.–November 8, 2024) – Main conservation and sportsmen’s organizations right now reacted with cautious optimism to a newly launched ultimate draft of a plan by the Bureau of Land Administration (BLM) that outlines how the company intends to reverse the alarming decline of higher sage-grouse populations throughout 10 Western states. The BLM first unveiled the proposed amendments final spring to dozens of grouse useful resource administration plans (RMP) as a blueprint for land use and growth on public lands that function grouse habitat.
These plans – masking thousands and thousands of acres throughout California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oregon, Utah and Wyoming — have been initially finalized by the BLM in 2015 after unprecedented collaboration between Western governors, conservationists, hunters and anglers, ranchers and growth pursuits, however have been by no means carried out as meant. In the meantime, the fowl’s populations are in freefall: research present a drop of 80 percent in sage-grouse populations throughout its vary since 1965, a lack of three % yearly. The West loses greater than one million acres of functioning sagebrush habitat each year to wildfires, growth, invasive species and different components.
“It’s taken us years to get right here whereas grouse populations hemorrhage throughout the West,” mentioned Alison Holloran, government director of Audubon Rockies. “It’s time to maneuver from speaking in regards to the issues to fixing them. These plans are larger than simply the fowl and politics. We’ve got an ethical obligation to steward these lands that belong to the American public.”
“Sage grouse and sagebrush habitats are dealing with important declines throughout the West,” mentioned Lee Davis of The Nature Conservancy’s Sagebrush Sea Program. “It’s essential that we work collectively now to develop a balanced, pragmatic, and sturdy method that not solely halts habitat loss but additionally averts the chance of an ESA itemizing. With out collaboration and compromise, all of us stand to lose.”
“Efficient conservation of Better sage-grouse has and all the time would require collaboration amongst state, federal, and personal companions, no matter who’s within the White Home. We’re happy to see that these plans are in line with this method, looking for versatile, sturdy and scientifically-supported administration of the species,” mentioned Bailey Brennan, public lands counsel for the Nationwide Wildlife Federation. “With such a balanced method to conservation, we hope companions rally behind these amendments and give attention to coordinated implementation – no more planning – in coming years.”
“With a continued decline of higher sage-grouse coinciding with the sustained lack of sagebrush habitat, the time has by no means been extra pressing for these useful resource administration plans to mirror the perfect obtainable science,” mentioned Kaden McArthur, authorities relations supervisor for Backcountry Hunters & Anglers. “The collaborative method mirrored in these plans, and now their correct implementation, is vital to making sure wholesome sagebrush ecosystems proceed to supply alternatives for sportsmen and ladies who cherish these public lands and this iconic fowl.”
“With grouse populations on the precipice, now could be the time for motion,” mentioned Bobby McEnaney, director of Land Conservation on the NRDC (Pure Assets Protection Council). “By issuing these land administration plans, the Bureau of Land Administration has recognized science-based approaches to handle the habitat that the enduring sage-grouse want for survival.”
“Nevada has misplaced over 70% of our prime sagebrush habitat over the previous 20 years. For the reason that Better Sage-grouse is an indicator species of our panorama’s well being, it’s no shock that this fowl is experiencing a steep decline in inhabitants as properly. Clearly the present administration technique to preserve sage-grouse and its habitat is just not working and a change in method is sorely wanted,” mentioned Russell Kuhlman, Govt Director of the Nevada Wildlife Federation. “We perceive that our public lands are for a number of use and we’re happy to see a extra balanced method that may hopefully reverse the downward pattern of the fowl and its habitat whereas preserving entry for all stakeholders.”
“Science makes clear that stronger conservation measures are wanted to substantively shield this necessary species and its expansive habitat,” mentioned Marcia Argust, director of The Pew Charitable Trusts’ U.S. conservation program. “And our polling reveals that there’s sturdy help amongst residents of Western counties from throughout the political spectrum—60% of respondents need the plans to be strengthened. The company is adopting a wide range of administration approaches to assist stem the declining higher sage-grouse inhabitants and assist preserve this huge swath of the American West as a spot the place folks and nature can stay, and profit, in live performance.”
Earlier than public remark closed on June 13, 1000’s of Westerners submitted feedback to the Bureau on proposed amendments for more than 70 resource management plans (RMPs), masking 67 million acres of BLM-managed grouse habitat. Organizations joined a letter submitted by 19 conservation organizations calling on the BLM to reverse the fowl’s steep decline and to decide on sturdy, science-based approaches from among the many options proposed.
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Media contacts:
Jason Howe/Nationwide Audubon Society: jason.howe@audubon.org; 415-595-9245
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The Nationwide Audubon Society protects birds and the locations they want, right now and tomorrow. Audubon works all through the Americas utilizing science, advocacy, schooling, and on-the-ground conservation. State packages, nature facilities, chapters, and companions give Audubon an unparalleled wingspan that reaches thousands and thousands of individuals every year to tell, encourage, and unite numerous communities in conservation motion. A nonprofit conservation group since 1905, Audubon believes in a world during which folks and wildlife thrive. Study extra at www.audubon.org and on Fb, Twitter and Instagram @audubonsociety
