Environmentalists hope the third time is the charm for listing the bi-state sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act as the Biden administration is reopening comments for listing the species.
“Maybe the third time will be the charm for getting this population segment the protection it so clearly deserves,” said Laura Cunningham, California director of Western Watersheds Project, in a statement. “None of the science shows that the bi-state birds have benefited from the Service’s dithering.”
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has reopened a 60-day public comment period to list the bi-state distinct population segment of greater sage-grouse as threatened with a 4(d) rule and critical habitat designation.
The bi-state sage grouse is found along the California-Nevada border across 4.5 million acres of high desert sagebrush. According to the environmental groups, the population has declined to 3,300 birds—below the minimum viability of 5,000 birds—and they attribute the decline to habitat loss, livestock grazing and predation of eggs by ravens.
The decision to reconsider listing the grouse came following a court’s 2022 decision to reinstate the original 2013 proposal to list the birds as threatened under the ESA. In 2015, USFWS withdrew the proposal due to conservation efforts by multiple groups. Environmental groups sued in 2018. The judge ruled USFWS should look at listing the bird and the agency opened a public comment period in 2019. In 2020, the Trump administration withdrew the proposal citing conservation efforts and future commitments by state and federal agencies and stakeholders to improve habitat for the species.
According to USFWS, the Bi-state Local Area Working Group has conserved, restored or enhanced more than 140,000 acres of sagebrush.
The California Cattlemen’s Association stated in their May 1 Legislative Bulletin newsletter they oppose the listing of the grouse “in light of the significant conservation progress which has been made by ranchers and others” and will submit comments at this open period. They are also encouraging ranchers to submit comments.
The comment period expires on June 26. Information on how to submit comments can be found at www.federalregister.gov by searching under docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2023-0052. — Charles Wallace, WLJ editor
