Reno, Nevada — Due to ongoing scientific debate about population data for the bi-state greater sage-grouse, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is extending the final determination of whether to list the Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the species as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Additionally, a public comment period will be re-opened for another 30 days to solicit any new information and emerging data.
The Service has been engaged in a multi-partner conservation effort to boost the population of the bi-state DPS of greater sage-grouse for more than 15 years. Partners in bi-state sage-grouse conservation include federal, state, county and city agencies as well as non-profit organizations and private landowners.
As its name suggests, the bi-state greater sage-grouse straddles the California-Nevada border, where six populations of this species are spread across 4.5 million acres of high-desert sagebrush sagebrush
The western United States’ sagebrush country encompasses over 175 million acres of public and private lands. The sagebrush landscape provides many benefits to our rural economies and communities, and it serves as crucial habitat for a diversity of wildlife, including the iconic greater sage-grouse and over 350 other species.
Learn more about sagebrush . Greater sage-grouse are known for the males’ flamboyant springtime mating displays on traditional dancing grounds, known as leks. The birds use a variety of sagebrush habitats on private, state and federal lands.
In 2013, the Service proposed listing the bi-state DPS of greater sage-grouse as a threatened species with a 4(d) rule and proposed critical habitat. The Service withdrew the proposal in 2015 after concluding the population did not warrant protection, but a May 2018 court ruling vacated the withdrawal. In April 2019, the Service re-opened the public comment period for this proposed rule. The comment period made clear that debate exists among experts about the interpretation and accuracy of current scientific information, making it necessary to re-open the comment period for 30 days. All interested parties are encouraged to share new and emerging information during the comment period. A final listing determination is expected no later than April 1, 2020.
The Service is re-opening a 30 day comment period and will consider comments from all interested parties received by October 31, 2019. Comments may be submitted electronically at www.regulations.gov by searching under docket number FWS–R8–ES–2018–0106 (proposed listing determination) or FWS–R8–ES–2018–0107 (proposed critical habitat designation) and clicking on the “comment now” button. The Federal Register notice provides information on how to comment by other means.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife, plants, and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information about our work and the people who make it happen, visit https://www.fws.gov/cno/ or connect with us via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr.
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