Wyo. grouse had good weather but still challenged

Sage grouse had favorable weather this summer but remain challenged by energy development in Wyoming. The species is a candidate for protection under the Endangered Species Act. A recent report from the University of Montana shows that sage grouse populations in the Powder River Basin remain viable, but West Nile virus and energy development in the basin continue to threaten the species. Tom Christiansen of the Wyoming Game and Fish Department says a dry summer minimized the threat of West Nile virus on the bird. Natural gas development has also slowed in some grouse habitat areas, but Christiansen says that there hasn't been any increase in grouse numbers as a result.