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Release Date: March 5, 2010
Dept. of the Interior Secretary announced today that the sage-grouse needs protection under the Endangered Species Act. Today's decision will place the once-abundant sage-grouse on the Endangered Species Act "Candidate" list until funding is available to provide full protections. This is an important step toward common sense solutions to conserve healthy Western lands. Ranchers, sportsmen, scientists, and concerned citizens commended the decision, and are committed to working with state and federal agencies on a balanced approach that looks toward the long-term sustainability of the American West. The health of the sage-grouse is a litmus test for how we are protecting our western landscapes and way of life. Poorly managed oil and gas drilling, pipelines, power lines, roads, invasive weeds, and suburban sprawl are changing the face of the West. More than 350 other plants and animals rely on the same air, land, and water where this once-abundant bird lives. The individuals listed below are willing and able to discuss today's announcement and will be involved as this issue develops in the coming months. High-resolution photos, maps, b-roll, fact sheets, and the audio from our recent press teleconference can all be found at: www.nativeecosystems.org <http://www.nativeecosystems.org> . Contact: Wes McStay, Rancher, Moffat County, CO (970) 824-5707: "Conserving the sage-grouse will help preserve our rural way of life here in northwest Colorado. My ranching operation has been coexisting with sage-grouse for many years, and sage-grouse have enriched my life and my operations. We're all in this together---from the small ranchers like myself, to large oil and gas companies. If we all finally do our fair share we can succeed in conserving this amazing animal." Dr. Allan Reishus, Physician and Sportsman, Craig, CO (970) 824-2228: "Westerners, especially sportsmen, need to appreciate how important sage-grouse lands are to our local communities. Over three billion dollars per year comes into Colorado's economy from hunting, fishing, and other wildlife-related recreation. The land that supports sage-grouse also is home to mule deer, elk, and antelope---conserving sage-grouse also means conserving big game." John Smeltzer, Board President, Colorado Wildlife Federation, Fort Collins (970) 690-3598: "This decision provides an opportunity for landowners, sportsmen and other conservationists to collaborate on approaches that conserve and restore grouse habitat in ways that benefit all interests. However, it's important to understand that the sage-grouse is just one indicator of the increasing impacts on the West's wildlife habitat. All groups and interests need to work together if we're to sustain our wildlife heritage." Dr. Clait Braun, Retired Wildlife Biologist and Avian Program Manager, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Tucson (520) 529-4614 Erin Robertson, Senior Staff Biologist, Center for Native Ecosystems, Denver (303) 546-0214 Luke Schafer, Northwest Campaign Coordinator, Colorado Environmental Coalition, Craig, CO (970) 824-5241 Nada Culver, BLM Action Center Director, The Wilderness Society, Denver (303) 807-6918 |
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