Sage Grouse Controversy Continues
Posted in Listing

As we previously reported, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) has proposed to list the Gunnison sage-grouse (Centrocercus minimus) and the Greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) as endangered and threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, and to designate millions of acres of land as critical habitat for the species.  (See our prior posts on January 23, 2013 and October 29, 2013.)  Because of the controversy surrounding the proposed listings and designations, the Service has extended the comment period on the proposals to ensure that the public has an adequate opportunity to review and comment on the proposed rules.  (See our prior posts on December 19, 2013 and November 13, 2013.)  In an effort to avoid any further action by the Service, a number of State and local agencies are attempting to develop a sage grouse management plan that would avoid the need for listing either of the two species.  (See articles by Heather Sackett on January 5, 2014, post by Mack Cole on January 6, 2014, article by Glenn Oppel on January 8, 2014.)  Only time will tell whether these efforts are successful.

  • Benjamin Z. Rubin
    Partner

    Ben Rubin is chair of Nossaman’s Environment & Land Use Group. Ben assists developers, public agencies, landowners and corporate clients on a variety of complex land use and environmental matters. He counsels clients on matters ...

Nossaman’s Endangered Species Law & Policy blog focuses on news, events, and policies affecting endangered species issues in California and throughout the United States. Topics include listing and critical habitat decisions, conservation and recovery planning, inter-agency consultation, and related developments in law, policy, and science. We also inform readers about regulatory and legislative developments, as well as key court decisions.

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