Simpson and Sage Grouse

Simpson and Sage Grouse

David Sparks Ph.D.
David Sparks Ph.D.
Yet another article in the paper the other day talking about the endangered sage grouse and how hunting rules may be changed given that this little bird is put on the endangered species list. In their infinite wisdom, hunting and fishing authorities are going to make it a little more complicated to recreate in the outdoors should the endangered species label be applied. Well on that front, Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson has defended western priorities in the House Interior and Environment Appropriations bill for Fiscal Year 2015.  He authored a number of provisions that were included in the bill, including language delaying the decision to list the sage-grouse as an endangered species by one year.  Simpson successfully fought off efforts to strike this language during full committee consideration today.

 

Here is the Congressman's spokesperson, Nikki Watts: "What we're trying to say [with this language] is to give us the time to do the work that is necessary [to prevent the need for a listing]. States like Idaho have been working diligently with the BLM and the Fish and Wildlife Service to develop a plan to preserve sage-grouse habitat.  Do you know what the biggest threat to it is?  Wildfire.  Do you know what one of the things is that prevents those rangeland fires from spreading?  Grazing.  So there are some conflicts that go on here, and...the states and the federal government together are working hard to develop state management plans that [they can both] support.  They just need the time to do it."

 

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