Wyoming’s Ambitious Plan to Protect Sage Grouse: Will it Succeed?

Wyoming Expands Sage Grouse Protections: Will It Work?

The Challenge of Protecting the Sage Grouse

Wyoming is currently undergoing a process that aims to increase protected acres for the sage grouse, an embattled bird species in the western United States. While policymakers are hopeful that this map revision can help avert an Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing for the bird, skepticism has enveloped the process. The state’s ranchers and influential politicians, such as Rep. Albert Sommers, have expressed doubts about the effectiveness of expanding protections for the sage grouse, citing their past experiences with federal government employees overseeing similar environmental laws, such as those related to grizzly bears and wolves.

Sommers, in particular, expressed frustration with the difficulty of keeping up with the changes made by federal agencies. He stated, “You’re never going to catch them. I hate to see you go down that same path, whether it’s wolves, grizzly bears or whatever. You just can’t catch them.” This sentiment reflects a common concern among those familiar with dealing with federal regulations and their impact on industries.

Wyoming‘s Effort to Avoid an ESA Listing

Wyoming‘s Sage Grouse Implementation Team, led by Bob Budd, is working to revise the state’s sage grouse protection map in order to convince the federal government that Wyoming is a responsible steward of the bird. The team has proposed a series of changes, mostly expansions, to its sage grouse core area map to increase the percentage of protected sage grouse habitat. Currently, around 84% to 85% of the estimated sage grouse population in Wyoming resides within these core areas.

The goal of the revision is to demonstrate that Wyoming is effectively managing the species and its habitat, and thus avoid an ESA listing. However, Budd acknowledged that the proposed changes may not be enough and that further revisions are being considered.

The Concerns and Controversies Surrounding the Revisions

The fast-tracked nature of the map revisions and the lack of a transparent and inclusive public process have raised concerns and sparked controversy. Critics argue that the process has caught some landowners off guard and has pitted them against the sage grouse. Tom Christiansen, a retired sage grouse coordinator for the Wyoming Game and Fish Department, stated that the lack of public involvement in the decision-making process created unnecessary controversy.

However, supporters of the revisions, such as Daly Edmunds, director of policy and outreach for Audubon Rockies, believe that it is time to review and expand the sage grouse core areas. The proposed additions in areas with low densities of grouse and limited bird protections have garnered support from those advocating for the preservation of the species.

The Importance of Wyoming‘s Efforts

Wyoming plays a significant role in the fate of the sage grouse, housing an estimated 38% of the world’s remaining grouse population. The state’s previous sage grouse protections were influential in the U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision not to list the bird under the ESA in 2015. The conservation efforts by federal, state, and private partners have made a positive impact on the species and changed its projected trajectory.

The ongoing map revision process will contribute to shaping the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) draft environmental impact statement, which will outline changes to sage grouse conservation across 10 western states. Wyoming aims to collaborate with the BLM to prevent a sage grouse listing, as it recognizes the potential negative impact on western economies.

The Path Forward

While skepticism and controversy surround the current map revision process in Wyoming, it is crucial for stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and seek common ground. The protection of the sage grouse requires a balanced approach that considers the needs of both the species and the communities that rely on the land for various economic activities.

Wyoming‘s efforts to demonstrate responsible stewardship of the sage grouse through map revisions should be seen as a proactive step towards safeguarding the species and its habitat. By leveraging the best available scientific data and engaging with stakeholders, Wyoming can ensure the long-term survival of the sage grouse while sustaining the state’s economy.

In conclusion, while skepticism persists, Wyoming‘s expanded sage grouse protections have the potential to be a significant conservation effort. The state’s responsible management and collaboration with federal agencies will be crucial in shaping future policies and ensuring the ongoing protection of this iconic bird species in the western United States.