Greater Sage-grouse Conservation Announcement

Summary

This speech celebrates a significant conservation achievement for the greater sage-grouse, a bird native to the American West. Due to an unprecedented collaboration across 11 states, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the sage-grouse does not require protection under the Endangered Species Act. The effort, involving governments, ranchers, industries, scientists, and conservationists, aimed to preserve the sagebrush ecosystem that supports not only the sage-grouse but hundreds of other species. Despite ongoing challenges like climate change and habitat fragmentation, the success demonstrates the power of collaboration in securing a brighter future for the West's wildlife and landscapes.

Takeaways

• 😀 The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the greater sage-grouse does not require protection under the Endangered Species Act.
• 😀 This decision is the result of a large-scale, collaborative conservation effort across 11 western states.
• 😀 The greater sage-grouse is a unique bird that thrives in the American West’s sagebrush landscapes.
• 😀 The bird’s mating displays are iconic, and it lives in harsh conditions, such as extreme heat in summer and cold in winter.
• 😀 The sagebrush landscape is home to hundreds of species, including elk, mule deer, pronghorn, and golden eagles.
• 😀 A healthy sagebrush ecosystem also supports vital industries such as ranching, outdoor recreation, and energy production.
• 😀 However, this landscape faces severe challenges, such as longer fire seasons, invasive species, and land fragmentation.
• 😀 Greater sage-grouse populations have decreased by up to 90% since the 19th century, signaling ecosystem distress.
• 😀 The conservation effort for the sage-grouse has become the largest land conservation initiative in U.S. history.
• 😀 The collaboration involved various stakeholders, including governments, ranchers, industries, scientists, and conservation groups.
• 😀 The Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision reflects a promising future for the sage-grouse, thanks to these collective efforts and sound scientific practices.

Q & A

What recent milestone for conservation in America was announced?

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that the greater sage-grouse does not require protection under the Endangered Species Act, marking a significant milestone in conservation efforts.

Why is the greater sage-grouse an important species for conservation?

The greater sage-grouse is an iconic bird native to the American West, playing a crucial role in the sagebrush ecosystem, which supports a wide range of species and contributes to the region's economy.

What challenges have the sagebrush landscapes faced in recent years?

The sagebrush landscapes have been impacted by longer and hotter fire seasons, invasive species, and development, leading to the degradation of the environment and the decline of species like the sage-grouse.

How much has the population of the greater sage-grouse declined since the 19th century?

The greater sage-grouse population has fallen by as much as 90 percent since the 19th century.

What is significant about the conservation efforts for the sage-grouse?

The conservation efforts to protect the sage-grouse have led to the largest land conservation project in U.S. history, involving a broad coalition of stakeholders working together across 11 western states.

Which groups were involved in the effort to protect the sage-grouse and its habitat?

A diverse group of stakeholders were involved, including governments at all levels, ranchers, industries, firefighters, scientists, and the conservation community.

How does the sagebrush ecosystem support the western economy?

The sagebrush ecosystem supports the western economy by providing essential resources for ranching, outdoor recreation, and energy production, all of which are vital to the region.

What does the determination by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service mean for the future of the sage-grouse?

The determination suggests that the collective conservation efforts have been successful in stabilizing the sage-grouse population, leading to a brighter future for the bird without needing further protections under the Endangered Species Act.

What role does climate change play in the threats to the sagebrush landscape?

Climate change contributes to longer and more intense fire seasons, which, combined with other factors like invasive species and development, exacerbate the stress on the sagebrush landscape and its inhabitants.

What message does the speaker convey about the future of American conservation?

The speaker emphasizes optimism for the future, highlighting that collaboration across diverse groups, guided by sound science, is key to overcoming challenges and ensuring the sustainability of American conservation efforts.