Sage-Grouse Not Endangered or Threatened

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service announced today that after completing its status review of the greater sage-grouse throughout its range, it has determined that the grouse does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act at this time. This decision comes after the same recommendation was made by agency senior regional scientists and managers on Dec. 3, 2004.

"I have reviewed the work completed by our scientists and I am confident that they have conducted a thorough and rigorous review and their recommendation is based on the best available science," stated Director Steve Williams. "I concur with their recommendation that the greater sage-grouse does not warrant the special protections of the Endangered Species Act across its range."

Federal, state and local agencies have combined efforts to maintain and improve sagebrush habitat for the long-term existence of the sage-grouse by developing and implementing conservation strategies throughout the grouse?s range.