Sage Grouse

Learn about the USDA-NRCS Working Lands for Wildlife's approach to conservation in the sagebrush-steppe and Great Plains Grasslands in this public presentation.

A new guide, produced through a partnership between public university extension programs in the Great Plains, the USDA-NRCS’s Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW), the USDA-NRCS’s Central National Technology Support Center (CNTSC), and various other conservation partners, provides the first-ever framework for addressing woody encroachment, now recognized as one of the top two drivers of grassland loss in the Great Plains.

For thousands of years, the vast majority of fires on the land were intentionally set by Indigenous Peoples of this region for a variety of reasons.

The spread of invasive annual grasses – such as cheatgrass, medusahead and ventenata – is causing major damage to western working lands.

Western rangelands and grasslands are being recognized for their ability to protect stored carbon long into the future. Rangelands are vast and store over 25% of carbon found in western ecosystems.

Learn how the WLFW programs are implemented with this handy flow chart.

Working Lands for Wildlife (WLFW) is a partnership between the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and private landowners.

Sweeping sagebrush and salt desert shrublands typify the Great Basin - a 200,000-square-mile landscape that encompasses much of Nevada and parts of Utah, Idaho, Oregon, Wyoming, and California.

The Working Lands for Wildlife - Sage Grouse program conserves sage-grouse and other wildlife through sustainable ranching.

FAQs Including CCAA and SGI Comparison

If you’re recreating on public lands in the American West, you’ve probably already felt the impacts of the invasive annual grasses and wildfires that ruin habitat for wildlife and our outdoor activities.

Sagebrush rangelands once covered nearly 250 million acres in western North America. Today, this landscape has been reduced to half its original size and is rapidly shrinking.

Rural Americans matter—a lot—to the fate of U.S. environmental policy. Not only do farmers, ranchers, and forest owners manage huge portions of American lands and watersheds, but rural voters also have an outsized impact on national policy.

For many years the Service has worked with partners to help them develop Candidate Conservation Agreements (CCAs). CCAs primarily have been developed by Federal agencies to cover Federal lands, and several have resulted in conservation efforts that made listing unnecessary.

In addition to the Colorado credit, landowners can receive an extra reward for conserving their land with a conservation easement. The current rules are not yet permanent, so please keep that in mind as you and your advisors make plans for your taxes.

This guide is meant to help you understand the steps that must be completed to conserve your property and the typical costs that are involved.

The purpose of our Partnering to Conserve Sagebrush Rangelands effort is to catalyze proactive, voluntary, and community-led sagebrush rangeland conservation – expanding success across private and public lands.

This guide has been produced by and for landowners and practitioners constructively engaged in one of the greatest conservation challenges of our time—how to share and manage a wild, working landscape that sustains both people and wildlife.

This paper analyzes surveys of private landowners to identify factors that determine landowner engagement in the conservation of endangered species.

This study comparing insect communities in grazed, rested, and idled pastures in Montana found that the types of insects that provide a critical food source for sage grouse chicks and other shrub- and grassland-dependent birds were 13 percent more prevalent on managed versus idled rangelands.& ...

Ranchers & Sage Grouse Find the Elbow Room They Need to Make A Living Why are record-breaking numbers of ranchers signing up for conservation easements in high-abundance sage grouse areas? Rangewide, a quarter-million acres will remain as working ranches without threat of subdivision.

Grazing access to public lands important for sustainable ranching  New research reveals a clear link between the economic health of ranches and their ability to maintain habitat for iconic wildlife.

The Western Governors’ Species Conservation and Endangered Species Act Initiative was launched by WGA Chairman and Wyoming Gov.

The purpose of this document is to help states, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and other partners develop and implement coordinated and robust mitigation processes across the range to reduce threats and the potential need to list the species under the Endangered Species Act.

Researchers examined whether benefits from sage grouse conservation extend to three species of sagebrush songbirds: Brewer's sparrow, sagebrush sparrow and sage thrasher.

Reducing Onshore Natural Gas and Oil Exploration and Production Impacts Using a Broad-Based Stakeholder Approach

Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 combines plans from 11 states into one cohesive, rangewide plan that will guide the agency's conservation efforts.

The 2014 Farm Bill Field Guide to Fish and Wildlife Conservation was prepared as an introduction for fish and wildlife conservation providers – the on-the-ground biologists and conservation partners who help deliver Farm Bill conservation programs to landowners.

Wildfire is a striking story, often filled with the drama of danger. But there's a narrative missing from many of the reports: We need more controlled fires to prevent these runaway infernos, said fire historian and Arizona State University Regents’ Professor Stephen Pyne.

In 2010, the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) designated the greater sage-grouse a Candidate species for protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

This Guide was created by staffs at Rocky Mountain Bird Observatory and at PRBO Conservation Science, describes 40 of the most common bird species in sagebrush habitats.& ...

This Guide provides identifying characteristics and range maps for 18 species of sagebrush, encompassing 27 different kinds (including subspecies and hybrids).

This Strategy outlines the critical need to develop the associations among local, state, provincial, tribal, and federal agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individual citizens to design and implement cooperative actions to support robust populations of sage-grouse and the landscapes and habitats upon which they depend.

The Sage Grouse Initiative launched in 2010 and five years later is a primary catalyst for sage-steppe conservation, conserving 4.4 million acres across 11 western states.

A recent groundbreaking study reveals a strong link between sites, which are essential summer habitat for sage grouse to raise their broods, and the distribution of sage grouse breeding areas or leks.

Fire is an important part of the ecology of sagebrush habitats. It’s not possible to eliminate all fire from sagebrush, nor is it advisable.

Abstract This review synthesizes the state of knowledge on fire effects on vegetation and soils in semi-arid ecosystems in the Great  Basin Region, including the central and northern Great Basin and Range, Columbia River Basin, and the Snake River Plain.

Wildfire and subsequent invasion by exotic annual grasses in the Great Basin challenge land managers and impede the success of conservation practices designed to improve habitat quality for sage-grouse.

The purpose of this document is to help anyone who is a steward of sagebrush shrublands include management practices that help support a thriving community of wild birds.

Guide provides an approved design for wildlife escape ladders in watering facilities.

The invasion of juniper and other conifers into sagebrush rangelands degrades habitat for sage grouse. The most effective approach is to target early encroachment stands, completely removing small trees, and thereby sustaining the existing sagebrush community.

Watering tanks installed for livestock are often used by wildlife as well, with unintended consequences. Sage-grouse are known to drown in livestock water tanks that do not have escape ramps.

Marking fences for visibility can dramatically reduce sage grouse collisions. A new mapping tool can help managers and landowners target those fences that pose the highest risk for grouse strikes: fences close to leks and in flat or rolling terrain.

Brochure describes homeowner strategies and fire-resistant plant species that may reduce risk from wildfire.  

Document describes some of the key entities in the conservation of sage-grouse and sagebrush ecosystems.

MOU provides for cooperation among the participating State and federal land, wildlife management and science agencies in the conservation and management of Greater sage-grouse, sagebrush habitats and other sagebrush-dependent wildlife throughout the Western United States and Canada.

The Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) is a game bird managed under State authorities. Summarizes petitions to USFWS to list the species under ESA, the Services conclusions and litigation status.

This primer displays the historic and current range of sage-grouse, sage-grouse management zones, and the breeding bird density map.

Fish and Wildlife Service’s March 2010 status review provides a detailed description of seasonal habitats, sage-grouse natural history and population trend analyses.

Introductory guide provides key points for a basic understanding of the greater sage-grouse, Centrocercus urophasianus and  its habitats.

Plan presented to Greater Sage-grouse Executive Oversight Committee & Sage-Grouse Task Force, September 11, 2012.

February 2013 report delineates reasonable objectives, based upon the best scientific and commercial data available at the time of its release, for the conservation and survival of greater sage-grouse.

2012 Progress Report describes the need, goals, and results/outcomes of the Initiative.

Lesser prairie-chickens and greater sage-grouse depend on large prairie and steppe landscapes shared by agricultural producers, primarily ranching operations.

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) launched the Sage Grouse Initiative in 2010, applying the power of the Farm Bill to target lands where habitats are intact and sage grouse numbers are highest.

The Guide to Environmental Markets for Farmers and Ranchers, produced by the American Farmland Trust (AFT), provides an overview of available market opportunities for environmental credits and services, how farmers and ranchers can get involved in them, and ways to encourage their continued growth.

This document provides guidance on the establishment, use, and operation of conservation banks for the purpose of providing a tool for offset mitigating adverse impacts to species listed as threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.

Wyoming Edition  

This brochure is offered to the public to further outreach and education about sage-grouse; a species being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Program.

The 2014 Sage-Grouse Appendix identifies all sage-grouse conservation initiatives reported by states and counties between 2011 and 2014. &n ...

The fourth annual inventory produced by the Governors, through the Western Governors' Association, has expanded its focus from previous years.

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), have received applications from five Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs) for enhancement of survival (EOS) permits under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended.

Fence marking using vinyl undersill trim is an effective and practical approach to increasing wire fence visibility and reducing potential sage-grouse collisions.

The Appendix collects all initiatives reported by the relevant states and counties between 2011 and 2013 to avoid a threatened or endangered listing of sage-grouse and Gunnison sage-grouse on the federal endangered species list.

Plan describes Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s management of greater sage-grouse and provides guidance to public land management agencies and land managers for sage-grouse conservation.

A blueprint for conservation of Oregon's native fish and wildlife and their habitats, the Strategy provides information on at-risk species and habitats, identifies key issues affecting them and recommends actions.

This booklet offers gardeners and landscape designers many choices of plants that work for gardens while protecting the health and beauty of Oregon’s natural lands and waters.

The Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) Noxious Weed Control Program provides a statewide leadership role for coordination and management of state listed noxious weeds.

This report considers the existing presence of habitat fragmentation activities in Oregon’s Sage-grouse habitat and describes state and local land use programs that apply to development proposals.

Incorporated in 2004 as a non-profit corporation, the Upper Deschutes River Coalition (UDRC) is comprised of 26 neighborhoods and communities “collectively addressing natural resource issues along the Upper Deschutes River and its tributaries”.

A working document that will serve as a resource for providing information that will enhance community safety through hazard and risk reduction in the wildland-urban interface areas of Baker County, February 15, 2006 (Revised).

Lake County Community Wildfire Prevention Plan map.

Lake County winter range elk and deer and sage grouse.

The Lake County CWPP was revisited in 2011 with the following basic goals in mind: reviewing the current role of the Lake  County CWPP and its functionality now compared to when it was written in 2005 such as improving fire prevention and suppression, reducing hazardous forest fuels, restoring forest health, and promoting community involvement recommending  measures to reduce structural ignitability and encourage economic development in the communities within Lake County.

The focus of this CWPP is on Lake County with emphasis on the communities of Adel, Alkali Lake, Anna Estates, Christmas Valley, Drews Reservoir, Fort Rock, Quartz Mountain/Drews Gap, Silver Lake, and Summer Lake.

The focus of this CWPP is on south-central Lake County with emphasis on the communities of Lakeview, Valley Falls, New Pine Creek, Westside and Paisley; Collins Timber Company lands; and rural residences.

The focus of the 2012 Grant County CWPP is on a sub-watershed basis with emphasis on “zones” defined by the communities of Dayville, Dale, Austin/Bates, Canyon City, Fox, Granite, Kimberly, John Day, Long Creek, Monument, Mt.

In this report, produced by the Sage-grouse National Technical Team in 2011, the BLM outlines Best Management Practices for Sage-grouse in the Appendixes.

The purpose of this Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances (CCAA) is to maintain and/or improve greater sage-grouse habitat while contributing to the economic sustainability of landowners and maintaining the ranching culture and agricultural way of life in Harney County.

Brochure defines a CCAA, its purpose, and benefits to ranching operations.

The Community Wildfire Protection Plan, CWPP, provides details on the risks, hazards, and valuable facilities to protect in case of a wildfire.

A working document that will serve as a resource for providing information to enhance community safety through hazard and risk reduction in the wildland-urban interface areas of Union County, 08-10-05.

Valuing the protection of Wildland-Urban Interface Areas and associated Communities-at-Risk across Malheur County.

The Crook County CWPP is a county-wide, strategic assessment of the risks, hazards, and mitigation and prevention opportunities associated with wildfire in our communities.

This paper summarizes the current knowledge of the ecology of sage grouse and, based on this information, provides guidelines to manage sage grouse populations and their habitats.

The purpose of this Community Wildfire Protection Plan is to establish prioritized recommendations that protect at-risk communities within the Bly Rural Fire Protection District, their citizens, homes and essential infrastructure and resources from the destruction of catastrophic wildfire.

The Keno CWPP goals and objectives, and action plan, are developed around a strategy for fuel hazard mitigation.

The purpose of this Community Wildfire Protection Plan is to establish priorities and recommendations that provide for a greater level of protection for the at-risk neighborhoods within the Rocky Point community, its citizens, homes, and essential infrastructure and resources from the destruction of catastrophic wildfire within the wildland-urban interface.

The purpose of the Walker Range CWPP is to protect human life and reduce property loss due to wildland fire in the communities and surrounding areas of the Crescent, Crescent-Odell Lakes, Chemult, and Oregon Outback Rural Fire Protection Districts and the Walker Range Forest Protective Association.

This whitepaper outlines interim guidance for development of ODFW's habitat mitigation recommendations associated with  renewable energy development and associated infrastructure or other landscape scale industrial-commercial developments in greater sage-grouse habitat in Oregon.

Oregon is one of eleven western states participating in a rangewide State/Federal Sage-grouse Task Force. This fact sheet describes the purpose, objectives and strategies of the SAGECON partnership.

Report evaluates  the collective, landscape-level effects of implementing all aspects of NRCS' SGI and related planning process on two species of sage grouse and their habitats.

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Access and Habitat Program was created in 1993 to improve wildlife habitat and public hunting access on private lands throughout the state.

This white paper is prepared by the Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Technical Committee for the WAFWA describing the risks and benefits of prescribed burns in Sage-Grouse habitat.

Western states, through the WGA and Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA), have worked collaboratively to address challenges facing sage-grouse and their habitat.