Wyoming Debates Expanding Sage Grouse Core Area

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The following is a portion of an article by Benjamin Storrow, Casper Star-Tribune

A recent report commissioned by the Pew Charitable Trust found the number of sage grouse males across 10 Western states declined by 56 percent between 2007 and 2013. State officials don’t dispute the bird’s numbers are down considerably, but question the study’s time frame. Sage grouse numbers frequently fluctuate, and were actually up 9 percent in Wyoming last year, they note.

Either way, the decisions Wyoming makes will play an important part in the bird’s future. The state accounts for 26 percent of the species’ occupied range and 37 percent of its population.

Wyoming officials are redrawing the boundaries of 31 core areas for the first time since they were established five years ago. Policymakers are considering a host of suggestions to expand or subtract from current core areas. They will ultimately forward their recommendations next month to Gov. Matt Mead, who will have the final say over any potential changes.

It is a high-stakes process. A more protective map could convince federal officials that Wyoming’s plan is capable of stemming that decline. Failure to protect large populations of grouse could convince them otherwise, and prompt the bird’s listing.

The new borders also have important implications for industry. In some areas where new protections are proposed, oil and gas companies have already leased the land. Industry officials maintain their right to drill should be respected as the state considers possible additions to core areas.

The debate promises to test state officials, who have sought to balance sage grouse conservation with continued development since the strategy was adopted in 2008.

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Source:  Casper Star Tribune

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