Fish and Game Seeks Comments on Draft Sharp-tailed Grouse Plan

Idaho Fish and Game is seeking public comments on its draft management plan for the conservation of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse is one of six subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse in North America. They were once considered the most abundant and well-known upland game bird in the Pacific Northwest but now occupy less than 5 percent of their historic range in the United States. Idaho supports approximately 60 to 65 percent of the remaining Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in the United States. The intent of the draft management plan is to provide guidance to Fish and Game for implementing conservation measures that will enhance habitat and populations, and to prevent the need for ESA protection of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in the future. During their May 20 meeting in Lewiston, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved Fish and Game's request to solicit public comments on the draft plan. The draft plan is available on the Fish and Game website at https://fishandgame.idaho.gov/content/draft-columbian-sharp-tailed-grou…. Comments may be submitted on the website or by e-mail to idfg-staff@idfg.idaho.gov; or by mail to Sharp-tailed Grouse Plan Comments, c/o Idaho Fish and Game, P.O. Box 25, Boise ID 83707. The 30-day comment period will conclude on June 24. Fish and Game will evaluate all comments and revise the draft plan. A final plan will be submitted for commission review and approval in July.