Nevada panel seeks balance to protect sage grouse

A special panel appointed by Nevada Gov. Brian Sandoval hopes to find ways protect sage grouse without sacrificing economic development or rural lifestyles -- and do it by the end of July. At its inaugural meeting Tuesday, a senior adviser to the governor told the 10-member Greater Sage Grouse Advisory Committee that they must protect the bird while balancing the interests of industry, conservationists and local governments. In 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined sage grouse deserved federal protection, but other species were higher priorities. A recent legal settlement gives the agency until 2015 to decide the bird's status.

Sage grouse are ground-dwelling birds up to 2 feet tall. During spring mating season, males compete for females by performing an elaborate dance. They are found in 11 western states.