June 15, 2023 |
Photo – Wyoming Sage Grouse – Bigfoot99 file photo
Governor Mark Gordon is seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the State of Wyoming’s sage-grouse core area protection map. The revisions are proposed by the Sage-grouse Implementation Team (SGIT) subcommittee.
The original sage-grouse core area protection strategy and map were developed in 2008, revised in 2015 and again in 2019. The core area map encompasses approximately 15 million acres of sage-grouse habitat in Wyoming.
The latest revisions come in response to proposed Bureau of Land Management land use amendments that may alter federal administration of sage-grouse habitat on public lands. As part of this process, the BLM will update its sage-grouse habitat map.
The State of Wyoming is looking to work with the BLM in hopes that any federal changes take place in a collaborative manner with the state, recognizing and implementing SGIT recommendations.
In a statement, Governor Mark Gordon said, “Wyoming has a proven track record in sage-grouse management and science. Public participation is essential, will inform my review, help identify areas where we can improve upon what is already working and better calibrate our overall approach.”
Members of SGIT are governor-appointed and work collaboratively to protect sage-grouse under the State of Wyoming’s Sage-Grouse Executive Order. The group meets approximately six times a year to discuss sage-grouse-related issues under the direction of Chairman Bob Budd.
Budd said his group will continue to work with the BLM and the public to maintain a transparent process that includes opportunity for public comment.
Written comments will be accepted through 5 p.m. June 28 through a Google form on the Wyoming Game and Fish web site. The Governor will issue a final version of the map to update his Executive Order.
