As scientists with decades of experience in the study and conservation of greater sage-grouse, we commend the Bureau of Land Management’s (BLM) initiative to revise resource management plans through its 2024 Draft Environmental Impact Statement.
Nevertheless, we believe the proposed measures require significant refinements to genuinely protect this iconic species and its expansive habitat. To that end, 21 leading scientists submitted a letter to the BLM imploring the agency to strengthen the plans based on the best available science.
The sage grouse is an indicator species for the health of the sage steppe ecosystem. Sadly, in the most comprehensive analysis ever of sage grouse population trends, researchers documented 80% fewer male greater sage grouse at leks compared to 1965, an annual loss of about 3%. This decline represents not just a loss of sage grouse, but a forewarning of the broader ecological deterioration of the sagebrush landscape, which supports a rich biodiversity including over 350 other species.
Our concerns are not merely academic or theoretical concerns. The survival of the greater sage grouse and the preservation of the sage steppe ecosystem are indicative of our broader commitment to conserving our natural heritage on America’s public lands. The science is clear about the loss of birds and deterioration conditions and threats facing sagebrush lands. Because of what is at stake to those across the West, the BLM’s final decision must reflect a comprehensive, science-based strategy that prioritizes effective habitat management and species conservation.
The BLM’s draft plan identifies and defines Priority Habitat Management Areas (PHMA) and General Habitat Management Areas (GHMA). While these designations are useful, our concern lies in their application and inconsistencies therein. Scientific research unequivocally supports the need for large, interconnected sagebrush dominated landscapes. Many studies have demonstrated the importance of habitat connectivity and the dire consequences of its fragmentation. PHMA designations should be expanded to include essential corridors to ensure robust, genetically diverse populations that can withstand environmental changes and other threats.
Moreover, the approach of “no net loss” of habitat proposed in the plan needs to be strictly adhered to across the sage grouse range. Given the continuous decline of sage grouse populations and habitat, policies that not only prevent further loss but actively enhance and restore sagebrush habitat must be implemented. This can be achieved through rigorous land health assessments, improved wildfire suppression, invasive plant and grazing practices and strict application of mitigation hierarchies.
We are also very concerned by the inconsistent application of lek buffers — the areas around breeding sites, which are crucial for the bird’s reproduction. Current state management strategies vary, with some allowing disturbances too close to these sensitive areas. Research suggests that 3-mile buffer zones, which are substantially larger than those currently proposed, are required to prevent lek abandonment and ensure the survival of nests and early brood-rearing habitats. Sage grouse habitat needs are similar across the species’ range, and BLM needs to ensure that lek buffers are consistently applied across the publicly-owned and publicly-managed sage steppe.
Finally, the Targeted Annual Warning System (TAWS), an adaptive management tool embraced by most western fish and wildlife agencies, needs more emphasis in the BLM’s plan. TAWS has proven effective in monitoring population trends and prompting necessary management actions. It represents a critical mechanism for objective, data-driven, responsive conservation strategies that adapt to changing conditions.
We appreciate the BLM’s effort to reassess its approach and encourage a final plan that truly aligns with the ecological needs of sage grouse. By adopting a science-driven, proactive conservation strategy, BLM can ensure that this emblematic species thrives for generations to come. Doing so will also be beneficial to western communities, who also depend on healthy sagebrush rangelands.
(Photo courtesy of Freestone Strategies) Jack Connelly
Jack Connelly is a retired biologist, formerly with Idaho Fish and Game.
(Photo courtesy of Freestone Strategies) Terry Riley
Terry Riley is a wildlife biologist with the North American Grouse Partnership.
(Photo courtesy of Freestone Strategies) Tom Christiansen
Tom Christiansen is a retired sage-grouse biologist, formerly with the Wyoming Game and Fish Department.
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