Fish and Game Backs Sage-Grouse Decision

Idaho Fish and Game supports a recommendation to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that sage-grouse not be listed under the Endangered Species Act at this time. The Fish and Wildlife Service, the federal agency in charge of implementing the Endangered Species Act, announced December 3 that senior regional biologists have recommended the greater sage-grouse not be listed as a threatened or endangered species across its range. The recommendation was based on an extensive review of scientific data and analysis, Service Director Steve Williams announced. "Our biologists have conducted a thorough review of the best available scientific information and, in their view, recommend that the greater sage-grouse does not warrant the special protections of the Act across its range," Williams said. Williams said the best solution for conserving the greater sage-grouse is for federal agencies and western states to continue to support cooperative efforts to conserve and restore sage-grouse habitat. "Together we have worked effectively with local governments, tribes, local communities, conservation groups, private landowners and other partners to conserve and restore sagebrush habitat that is vital to sage grouse and many other species," Williams said. "We must continue -- and wherever possible expand -- these efforts to achieve measurable, on-the-ground habitat conservation and restoration." The Service received three petitions to list the greater sage-grouse range-wide as endangered or threatened. In April 2004, the Service announced that the petitions presented substantial information that listing may be warranted and began a full status review of the greater sage-grouse. Sage-grouse use about nine million acres of sagebrush habitat in Idaho. Although populations declined dramatically in the decades before 1985, populations have been relatively stable since then. Fish and Game Director Steve Huffaker said "I agree with the Service's science-based decision and look forward to the state of Idaho providing leadership in conserving this important gamebird. We have a good working relationship with the public and private landowners responsible for managing this bird's habitat and we will do our share in managing hunting and monitoring population trends."