Feds decide not to list Sage-grouse

United States Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, along with Montana Gov. Steve Bullock and several other western governors, announced Tuesday the Greater-Sage grouse is not endangered and hence, protection under the Endangered Species Act is not warranted for the bird.

“Today’s decision is good for our state, our economy and this iconic bird,” Bullock said in a press statement. “Montana’s Sage-grouse management plan is the right path forward in a state where 60 percent of the bird’s habitat is privately owned. This decision shows that when Montanans from diverse viewpoints put aside their differences and focus on addressing a challenge, we can accomplish great things for our state.”

The decision was the culmination of a strong bipartisan coalition and a collaboration of government, conservation, sports, recreation, agriculture and industry interests. It garnered the support of such groups as the Montana Stockgrowers Association, Montana Audobon, Montana Petroleum Association and Montana Wildlife Federation.

“We appreciate the efforts and leadership from Gov. Bullock to ensure that management of the Sage-grouse remains in state hands,” said Dave Galt, executive director of the Montana Petroleum Association. “The decision today recognizes the strength of Montana’s efforts to protect Sage-grouse and is a victory for Montana’s private landowners as well as our economic opportunities and quality of life.”

Dave Chadwick, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation also declared the decision a victory.

“Today’s decision demonstrates that when we roll up our sleeves and put aside politics, we can preserve both Montana’s wildlife and our working farms and ranches,” he said. “Now we need to dedicate ourselves to fully implementing these protections and recovering this important species for future generations.”

Other Montana elected officials, however, were less pleased by the decision, especially the trade-off in which three land-use proposals were approved for Bureau of Land Management lands in eastern Montana.

Attorney General Tim Fox said his office intends to remain engaged with the Department of the Interior and would oppose land-use plans that impose too many restrictions on the use of public lands in Montana.

“The Department of the Interior made the right call regarding the Sage-grouse, but made the wrong decision in approving three proposed land-use plans impacting eastern Montana,” Fox said. “There plans impose unnecessary, onerous restrictions on the diverse uses of public lands that Montanans benefit from and enjoy, including recreation, agriculture, grazing and mineral development. My office will continue to stay engaged and will take all steps necessary to protect Montana’s legal rights and interests.”

Montana’s lone member of the United States House of Representativaes, Rep. Ryan Zinke, characterized the decision as “another federal land grab.”

“I’ve said this from the beginning: The listing of the Sage-grouse as an endangered species is not warranted, and neither is another federal land grab,” he said. “I’m happy to hear that the Fish and Wildlife Service is finally coming to this conclusion and respecting what scientists, conservationists and landowners have known for years. However, I remain concerned about the federal government’s role in the conservation process, specifically the withdrawal of tens of millions of acres of land that has the potential for natural resource development. This multi-million acre land grab is aimed at shutting down Montana’s energy economy. I firmly believe state-driven solutions are the best approach to create a middle ground to protect the species while ensuring energy development opportunities continue.”

Montana State Sen. Chas Vincent of Libby said the compromise shows how middle ground can be found, even on divisive issues, when collaborative efforts are embraced.

“Was it a taking of land? Probably,” he said. “But the taking would have been much greater if the bird was listed as endangered. I think this bodes well for future collaborative efforts like those we have in Lincoln County. We don’t know if this will be successful yet, it’s going to be litigated. But if it is successful, it’s a great example of a broad cross-section of people coming together in a collaborative effort.”

Vincent said the litigation he anticipates as a result of Tuesday’s decision not to list the Greater Sage-grouse highlights the need for fundamental reform in Washington, D.C.

“Everyone came together on this, but extremists are going to litigate anyway,” he said. “It just points to the need for reform in Washington. One small group of extremists can use a litigate-for-pay business model to undo the collaborative work of a broad coalition of stake-holders.”