Ten years ago, greater sage grouse populations were in such a state of decline that these birds were considered for protection under the Endangered Species Act. Thanks to the cooperative work of several public and private groups, management plans were adopted in 2015 that are based on science and protect the future of these birds and the more than 350 other species that depend on a healthy sagebrush ecosystem.

The Bureau of Land Management, which controls many of the sagebrush habitats, is considering changes to these Sage Grouse Conservation Plans that will weaken the current protections. For more information on this issue, and to Speak Up For Sage Grouse, visit http://audubon.org and choose the Take Action tab. Don’t delay, the comment deadline is Monday, April 6.