New Report Highlights Ranchers Restoring Habitat for Sage Grouse

Today, the Sand County Foundation, a non-profit organization named for Leopold’s signature book, “A Sand County Almanac,” released a report showcasing the dedication of private landowners in conserving this at-risk species that is currently being considered for listing under the Endangered Species Act.  The foundation’s “Stories from the Range” report highlights the stewardship of ranchers, who are working with local, state and federal partners, have restored and protected 4.4 million acres of prime sage grouse habitat – an area of working lands the size of two Yellowstone National Parks. The Sage Grouse Initiative (SGI), a partnership led by USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), has been the driving force in private lands conservation efforts for sage grouse. That’s because big and intact sagebrush grazing lands are also good habitat for sage grouse. It’s a win-win effort benefiting the bird and the rural ways of life that sustain these landscapes...more