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• 1. [Article] Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy

  The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy Author: Stiver, S. J. The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats and ecosystems that sustain these populations. 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 justification for this effort is widespread concern for declining populations and reduced distribution of sage-grouse. Title: Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy Author: Stiver, S. J. The overall goal of the Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy (Strategy) is to maintain and enhance populations and distribution of sagegrouse by protecting and improving sagebrush habitats and ecosystems that sustain these populations. 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 justification for this effort is widespread concern for declining populations and reduced distribution of sage-grouse. Close

• 2. [Article] Using Resilience and Resistance Concepts to Manage Threats to Sagebrush Ecosystems, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, and Greater Sage-Grouse in Their Eastern Range: A Strategic Multi-Scale Approach

  This report provides a strategic approach developed by a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies interagency working group for conservation of sagebrush ecosystems, Greater sage-grouse, and Gunnison ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: Using Resilience and Resistance Concepts to Manage Threats to Sagebrush Ecosystems, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, and Greater Sage-Grouse in Their Eastern Range: A Strategic Multi-Scale Approach Author: Chambers, J. C. This report provides a strategic approach developed by a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies interagency working group for conservation of sagebrush ecosystems, Greater sage-grouse, and Gunnison sage-grouse. It uses information on (1) factors that influence sagebrush ecosystem resilience to disturbance and resistance to nonnative invasive annual grasses and (2) distribution and relative abundance of sage-grouse populations to address persistent ecosystem threats, such as invasive annual grasses and wildfire, and land use and development threats, such as oil and gas development and cropland conversion, to develop effective management strategies. A sage-grouse habitat matrix links relative resilience and resistance of sagebrush ecosystems with modeled sage-grouse breeding habitat probabilities to help decisionmakers assess risks and determine appropriate management strategies at both landscape and site scales. Areas for targeted management are assessed by overlaying matrix components with Greater sage-grouse Priority Areas for Conservation and Gunnison sage-grouse critical habitat and linkages, breeding bird concentration areas, and specific habitat threats. Decision tools are discussed for determining the suitability of target areas for management and the most appropriate management actions. A similar approach was developed for the Great Basin that was incorporated into the Federal land use plan amendments and served as the basis of a Bureau of Land Management Fire and Invasives Assessment Tool, which was used to prioritize sage-grouse habitat for targeted management activities. Title: Using Resilience and Resistance Concepts to Manage Threats to Sagebrush Ecosystems, Gunnison Sage-Grouse, and Greater Sage-Grouse in Their Eastern Range: A Strategic Multi-Scale Approach Author: Chambers, J. C. This report provides a strategic approach developed by a Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies interagency working group for conservation of sagebrush ecosystems, Greater sage-grouse, and Gunnison sage-grouse. It uses information on (1) factors that influence sagebrush ecosystem resilience to disturbance and resistance to nonnative invasive annual grasses and (2) distribution and relative abundance of sage-grouse populations to address persistent ecosystem threats, such as invasive annual grasses and wildfire, and land use and development threats, such as oil and gas development and cropland conversion, to develop effective management strategies. A sage-grouse habitat matrix links relative resilience and resistance of sagebrush ecosystems with modeled sage-grouse breeding habitat probabilities to help decisionmakers assess risks and determine appropriate management strategies at both landscape and site scales. Areas for targeted management are assessed by overlaying matrix components with Greater sage-grouse Priority Areas for Conservation and Gunnison sage-grouse critical habitat and linkages, breeding bird concentration areas, and specific habitat threats. Decision tools are discussed for determining the suitability of target areas for management and the most appropriate management actions. A similar approach was developed for the Great Basin that was incorporated into the Federal land use plan amendments and served as the basis of a Bureau of Land Management Fire and Invasives Assessment Tool, which was used to prioritize sage-grouse habitat for targeted management activities. Close

• 3. [Article] FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort

  Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation ...

  Citation × Citation Citation Abstract Copy Title: FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort Author: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation on state and private lands, and a proactive strategy to reduce the risk of rangeland fires. Since public lands make up roughly half of the remaining sage-grouse habitat, management decisions by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are critical. The BLM and USFS land use plans will conserve key sagebrush habitat, address identified threats to the greater sage-grouse and promote sustainable economic development in the West. The plans were a key factor in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determination that the charismatic rangeland bird does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plans will not only benefit the greater sage-grouse, but will also preserve the West’s heritage of ranching and outdoor recreation; protect hundreds of wildlife species such as elk, mule deer and golden eagles that also rely on sagebrush habitat; and promote balance between conservation and development. A healthy economy and a healthy ecosystem are inextricably linked. The sagebrush habitat supports a vibrant ranching economy, as well as over $1 billion in economic activity from outdoor recreation. The plans conserve the most important sage-grouse habitat while still providing access to key resources. For example, the vast majority of areas with high potential for oil, gas and renewable energy development are outside of sage-grouse habitat. Strong federal plans are one part of the equation. States, ranchers, sportsmen, energy developers and other partners are also implementing smart, effective conservation measures that will help ensure the health of iconic sagebrush landscapes for years to come. More than 1,100 ranchers and partners across the West are working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Sage Grouse Initiative to restore more than 4.4 million acres of habitat while maintaining working landscapes. Additionally, the FWS and the BLM have also have commitments on 5.5 million acres in Candidate Conservation agreements on private and federal lands. Title: FACT SHEET: BLM, USFS Greater Sage-Grouse Conservation Effort Author: Bureau of Land Management, U.S. Forest Service Effective conservation of the greater sage-grouse and its habitat requires a collaborative, landscape-scale, science-based approach that includes strong federal plans, a strong commitment to conservation on state and private lands, and a proactive strategy to reduce the risk of rangeland fires. Since public lands make up roughly half of the remaining sage-grouse habitat, management decisions by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) are critical. The BLM and USFS land use plans will conserve key sagebrush habitat, address identified threats to the greater sage-grouse and promote sustainable economic development in the West. The plans were a key factor in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) determination that the charismatic rangeland bird does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The plans will not only benefit the greater sage-grouse, but will also preserve the West’s heritage of ranching and outdoor recreation; protect hundreds of wildlife species such as elk, mule deer and golden eagles that also rely on sagebrush habitat; and promote balance between conservation and development. A healthy economy and a healthy ecosystem are inextricably linked. The sagebrush habitat supports a vibrant ranching economy, as well as over $1 billion in economic activity from outdoor recreation. The plans conserve the most important sage-grouse habitat while still providing access to key resources. For example, the vast majority of areas with high potential for oil, gas and renewable energy development are outside of sage-grouse habitat. Strong federal plans are one part of the equation. States, ranchers, sportsmen, energy developers and other partners are also implementing smart, effective conservation measures that will help ensure the health of iconic sagebrush landscapes for years to come. More than 1,100 ranchers and partners across the West are working with the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Sage Grouse Initiative to restore more than 4.4 million acres of habitat while maintaining working landscapes. Additionally, the FWS and the BLM have also have commitments on 5.5 million acres in Candidate Conservation agreements on private and federal lands. Close