Increased Protection for Greater Sage-Grouse Habitat

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has published proposed updates to strengthen conservation and management of greater sage-grouse habitat on public lands. The agency says the proposed updates, outlined in a final environmental impact statement and amendments to 77 resource management plans, incorporate new sage-grouse conservation science and lessons learned and accommodate changing resource conditions while increasing implementation flexibility.

Not everyone agrees.

Public Lands Council (PLC) Vice President and Nevada rancher Ron Cerri shares some of their concerns.

"I know that we're concerned that the effect of wild horses hasn't been adequately addressed in this, in this plan," said Cerri. "We saw lots of fires out throughout the West that hasn't been adequately addressed either. One of the biggest threats, the sage grouse is going to the biggest threat is fire. Mismanagement of the BLM and Forest Service and agencies is reason why we why we're seeing fires, as large and as abundant as they are. So, there's a few top topics that like fire and wild horses that just hasn't been adequately addressed under this EIS."

Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon also expressed dissatisfaction and among other things said the document offered is a product of a process that devalued state-generated science and collaboration.

Meanwhile, Protests of the proposed amendments may be filed until Dec. 16, 2024 at the BLM National NEPA Register. Following resolution of valid protests and responses to governors’ reviews for consistency with state and local plans, the BLM will issue Records of Decision for each state where habitat management plans are being updated.

Watch Report: https://youtu.be/KQUmqtKJK4Y

Source: Ag Information Network & Western Ag Network