CASPER, Wyo. (AP) - A new report by the Western Governors’ Association says Wyoming has spent $7.9 million on sage grouse conservation efforts since 2005.
The report inventories efforts by 11 Western states to protect the bird and its habitat.
The Casper Star-Tribune reports (https://bit.ly/1hwp373 ) the document comes out ahead of an expected 2015 ruling by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on whether to list sage grouse as an endangered species.
People were interested in these podcasts
Such a listing could curtail energy development throughout the region. The governors point out in a letter to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell that many states have adopted voluntary strategies to avoid a listing.
The report notes Utah spent $8.8 million to improve sage grouse habitat last year alone.
Wyoming’s efforts include establishing eight regional teams that are implementing sage grouse conservation plans.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.