Of critical attention was the Obama administration’s decision to keep 10 million acres across sage grouse habitat states away from mining development. The 2015 sage grouse plan was crafted after long years of collaboration with states but still left several state governors dissatisfied with the underlying federal controls.
“Secretary (Ryan) Zinke has said from the beginning that by working closely with the states, who are on the front lines and a valued partner in protecting the health of these lands, we can be successful in conserving greater sage grouse habitat without stifling economic development and job growth,” said Mike Nedd, acting BLM director.
“And that’s what we intend to do – protect important habitat while also being a good neighbor to states and local communities.”
Ethan Lane, executive director of the Public Lands Council and the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Federal Lands, said the 2015 sage grouse plan amendments were not easily applied to every impacted stakeholder and were a concern to the ranching community.
“We know the ranching community, specifically public lands ranchers, have unique challenges and opportunities. The one-size-fits-all approach restricted our ability to play our part in this conservation effort,” Lane said. “I want to thank the Interior Department for their willingness to work with states and ranchers to get these plans right.”
Public Lands Council president Dave Eliason said the ranching community has voluntarily implemented many conservation practices for sage grouse and is anxious to continue dialogue with Interior on this issue.
“Ranchers have spent decades working to sustain and enhance habitat that is optimal for sage grouse by responsibly grazing public lands,” Eliason said. “Grazing and habitat conservation are two concepts that are not mutually exclusive, and this partnership is a solution benefiting all.” 
—Compiled by Progressive Cattleman editor David Cooper
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