Sage Grouse Doesn't Get ESA Protection

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 7, 2005) – In a victory for conservation efforts, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) announced today that the greater sage grouse does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act at this time.  In his announcement, FWS Director Steve Williams commended government agencies and local working groups for their efforts to conserve the species and maintain or improve sage grouse habitat, and said those efforts should continue.

The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) and the Public Lands Council (PLC) have historically supported local conservation efforts as a more scientifically-viable means for species protection than federal listing. 

“In recent years, the livestock ranching community has joined forces with wildlife officials at the federal, state and local levels to put in place conservation efforts to better protect the bird,” says Jeff Eisenberg, executive director of PLC and NCBA director of federal lands. “This announcement by Director Williams points to those successes and proves that local conservation partnerships can achieve better results than federal mandates.”

Sage grouse habitat often exists on Western rangelands where ranchers graze livestock.  If the bird is listed as a federal endangered species, ranchers face increased costs, regulatory delays and land use restrictions that could seriously impact their operations.

“This is validation that the local working group process works, and livestock producers should know that we are being counted on to play a key role in management of the sage grouse,” says Oregon cattleman John O’Keeffe, who chairs PLC’s Sage Grouse Working Group.  “We‘re confident that sage grouse conservation can be compatible with livestock grazing on the rangelands in the West.”

In the recently passed Omnibus Appropriations Bill, the NCBA and PLC were successful in getting authorization for $5 million in funding within the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP) for conservation of sage grouse habitat. 

“We need to reaffirm with the Western Governors Association and other groups that we’re committed to managing the sage grouse at the local level,” says O’Keeffe. “These programs can serve as positive examples for species conservation, and pave the way for future partnerships.”

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 The National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA) is the largest organization representing America’s cattle industry.  Initiated in 1898, NCBA is the industry leader in education, influencing public policy to improve producer profitability and in preserving the industry’s heritage and future.  Efforts are made possible through membership contributions. To join, contact NCBA at 1-866-BEEF-USA or membership@beef.org.