Comment period extended for sage-grouse map update

The comment period for the process to update Wyoming's sage-grouse map has been extended through most of July in response to significant interest from the public.

The current proposed revisions to the Sage-grouse Core Area Map would introduce a small new management area for sage-grouse on the southern border of Crook County, abutting and linked to an already-established large management area that stretches down into Weston County. Crook County also hosts a connectivity area to the northwest.

The revisions are taking place because the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is undertaking an amendment to its Sage-grouse Resource Management Plan, which includes updating the habitat map.

In the past, BLM has incorporated the state's own core area map for sage grouse into the plan, but this time is different. Due to NEPA limitations, BLM is not able to engage stakeholders as the state's Sage-grouse Implementation Team (SGIT) has done in the past, so the state is reviewing its own map to provide to BLM.

The goal of this process is for the state to continue its successful management of sage-grouse, which would preclude the need for an Endangered Species Act listing.

A 2019 executive order from Governor Mark Gordon states that the U.S. Department of the Interior has placed management authority with the State of Wyoming and stresses the importance of conserving the species because its listing as an endangered species would have a significant adverse effect on land and natural resource management and the economy, including the ability to generate revenues from state lands.

Consequently, the state – along with federal land management agencies, private landowners, local governments and other stakeholders – has for a number of years coordinated conservation actions across jurisdictional boundaries to encompass around 15 million acres of habitat for the sage-grouse.

Due to public interest, Governor Mark Gordon announced last week that comments will now be taken until 5 p.m. on July 28. SGIT and Gordon will hold additional meetings with stakeholders to take comments and discuss the proposed changes.

"The original time frame for the review of the SGIT proposal was driven by the BLM's process for the development of an Environmental Impact Statement," said Governor Mark Gordon in an announcement of the extension.

"While I understand their agency's desire to move forward efficiently, folks affected by the potential addition of sage-grouse core areas need additional time and the opportunity to discuss the state's process. These are not insignificant matters. I know – I ranch in a sage-grouse core area."