CHEYENNE, Wyo. — On Thursday, March 14, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) released the public draft of the Greater Sage-grouse multi-state Management Plan and its accompanying Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), which mitigates impacts on Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse populations.
Governor Mark Gordon said in the announcement that more work is needed to finalize the management plan, and that the public now has the opportunity to comment on the newly released draft. Comments on areas of critical environmental concern (ACEC) will be addressed.
“This was long-awaited and given Wyoming’s leadership on sage-grouse management, I have been concerned about how well the BLM would respect state-led efforts,” Governor Gordon said in an announcement. “While more analysis of this is needed, the first pass shows the BLM picked a preferred alternative that will allow for detailed comments that specifically addresses Wyoming’s concerns.”
Greater sage-grouse have long suffered from habitat loss due in part to climate change, including drought conditions, more frequent wildfires and invasive species, according to the BLM. The plans proposed within the EIS incorporate science and adjustments for climate change conditions and identified concerns in managing mineral development and the conservation of the species.
“Since this plan could have a disproportionate effect on Wyoming citizens and industries, any proposed BLM actions that do not align with the core areas established through our state-led process will be closely scrutinized,” Gordon said. “Wyoming maintains primary management authority of most wildlife, including sage-grouse, and deference should be given to our management processes, population assessments, identification of core areas, prudent use of no surface occupancy restrictions in mineral and oil and gas development and stewardship areas.”
The Management Plan lists a need for action due to the loss of critical sage-grouse habitat, and long-term population declines. In the plan, the BLM’s says it will mitigate impacts to the species, including habitat loss of connectivity, mineral development management, predation threats and cattle grazing.
Wyoming state agencies are now beginning a deep dive into the hundreds of pages and will issue comments, as will the Governor’s Office.
Comments on the draft EIS are due in 90 days and comments are due on the possible areas of critical environmental concern (ACEC) in 60 days.
