Decline in Greater-Sage Grouse Population

Greater Sage-grouse | BLM

The Greater Sage-grouse is an iconic Western bird and the largest grouse in North America, with 23 million acres of their habitat right here on Nevada public lands. However, their population has and continues to decline since numbers were first recorded in the 1950’s largely due to habitat loss from energy production, wildfires, conifer encroachment and invasive species. Over 55% of Greater Sage-grouse habitat in the country has been lost since the 1800’s. 

Sage-grouse could become officially endangered which would continue to imbalance the whole sage-brush ecosystem that it lives in while also causing further limitations to how Nevada public lands are managed (potentially affecting recreation and it's economy).

It is important to keep in mind that most of the public lands of sage-grouse habitat have little to no potential for oil, gas, and other energy development. To help combat habitat loss from continuous energy production endeavors despite the low probability of their success, voice your opposition to new legislation that sells off public lands through letters and calls to your representatives. Also, look out for future volunteer opportunities to restore Greater Sage-grouse habitat from conifer encroachment and invasive species damage! 

Sources:

• Greater-Sage grouse | BLM

• Greater Sage-Grouse | USFWS

• BLM, USFS Plans for Western Public Lands Provide for Greater-Sage Grouse Protection, Balanced Development | BLM

• Conifer Removal | Intermountain West Joint Venture

• Interior Department proposes strengthened protections for greater-sage grouse habitat | BLM