Birds don’t choose where they live based on lines drawn on a map. That's the basis of a new B-L-M policy on sage grouse – which have been studied for a possible Endangered Species Act listing because of declining numbers. Previous policy focused on each B-L-M district and even state lines. Wildlife biologist Erik Molvar with the Biodiversity Conservation Alliance says looking at the entire range all-at-once is the right thing to do.
Sage grouse require undisturbed ranges that include sagebrush and grasses, and open areas for nesting season. Molvar says even though sage grouse conservation has at times been controversial, he thinks the success possible with the new policy is something everyone can agree on.
Molvar’s group was the first to propose the concept of managing habitat for sage grouse based on their entire range. The state of Wyoming proposed a similar plan, but Molvar says there were too many loopholes to ensure the bird population would grow.
Sage grouse require undisturbed ranges that include sagebrush and grasses, and open areas for nesting season. Molvar says even though sage grouse conservation has at times been controversial, he thinks the success possible with the new policy is something everyone can agree on.
Molvar’s group was the first to propose the concept of managing habitat for sage grouse based on their entire range. The state of Wyoming proposed a similar plan, but Molvar says there were too many loopholes to ensure the bird population would grow.
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