Asking the Right Questions: The New Science for Sagebrush Management

When BLM updates a resource management plan, it will include its reasons for proposing to do so in an environmental impact analysis required by the National Environmental Policy Act.

For current efforts to update plans to conserve greater sage-grouse habitat on BLM-managed public lands, we carefully examine recently published scientific literature and data collected since 2015. and are determining whether changes to these plans could enhance conservation efforts. We want the best conservation efforts for grouse to take place in the right places.

The most basic information is number of sage-grouse There has been a long-term decline over the past decade. In his first five years (2015-2019) after the current management plan came into force, there were more than 40 cases in which the population fell below the established minimum standards in the areas covered by the plan.

All states where sagebrush is abundant have experienced long-term declines in numbers, but populations are changing at varying rates across the United States’ 145 million acres of sagebrush habitat. In managing nearly half of its acres, BLM relies heavily on the following information: State agencies collect it in their operations to manage sage-grouse populations.our Understand local conditions and trends Each round of data collection goes deeper.

Recent research requires attention to the following points: Impact of climate change About sagebrush habitat and how it is accelerating the decline of sagebrush numbers. You should consider whether any management decisions made in 2015 need to be adjusted as a result of these effects.

New science can also help resource managers better understand how grouse select and use resources. breeding groundand what conditions are necessary for these areas to remain available year after year.

We will consider new biological research and designate and conserve habitats that maintain ecosystems. Genetic diversity and connections This means that local grouse populations need to adapt to changing conditions.

Participate | Review and comment on draft environmental analyzes of proposed options to enhance protection of greater sage-grouse habitat on BLM-managed public lands. The public comment period is open until June 13, 2024.