A U.S. Bureau of Land Management study says unabated energy development or a return of severe West Nile virus could devastate sage grouse in northeast Wyoming. The three University of Montana wildlife biologists who did the study recommend several measures including focusing restoration efforts around plugged and abandoned gas wells. The Casper Star-Tribune reports says the Powder River Basin Resource Council is praising the study. The landowners group long has sought more protection of sage grouse and more careful energy development. Bruce Hinchey, president of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming, says he disagrees that sage grouse are close to extirpation. He says the petroleum industry is at the forefront of studying sage grouse and restoring their habitat. The BLM says it plans to move forward with suggestions in the study.
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