USDA unveils new strategy to conserve sage grouse habitat on private lands
About 40 percent of sage-grouse habitat occurs on privately owned lands. NRCS and its conservation partners in 11 western states have worked to improve sage-grouse habitat for some time.
The NRCS Chief built on these efforts by declaring the Sage-Grouse Initiative a national priority. NRCS continues to coordinate with ranchers to improve habitat for this at-risk bird.
The same conservation practices that promote healthy grazing lands also benefit the sage grouse and other wildlife.
The same factors that negatively affect sage-grouse also affect the sustainability of native grazing lands:
- Land fragmentation
- Invasive species
- Unsustainable grazing systems
- Conifer encroachment
Farmers and ranchers can proactively work to conserve the sage grouse and help keep it from being listed under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).
NRCS Farm Bill conservation programs, including the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) are helping ranchers improve habitat for the sage-grouse.
The core NRCS conservation practice for Sage-Grouse Initiative is 645 - Upland Wildlife Habitat Management (PDF,57KB).
Additional Information
Visit the Sage-Grouse Initiative website.
Deseret News - Federal Money to Help Utah Ranchers in Sage Grouse Efforts
For more information, contact your local USDA-NRCS Service Center to schedule a meeting to discuss available options. You may also contact the NRCS State Office:
- Casey Burns, State Biologist, 801-524-4566
- James Huggard, Farm Bill Specialist, 435-381-2300 ext 109
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