WAFWA SAGE-GROUSE CONSERVATION

archived

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) is awarding a single, sole source grant to WAFWA for assistance in conservation efforts for the greater sage-grouse. The greater sage-grouse is currently managed by State wildlife agency members of WAFWA, and has been for over 100 years. WAFWA agencies are the primary entity responsible for the management of sage-grouse and their habitats, and for coordinating with other agencies and private interests when necessary/important. WAFWA is also actively involved in directing, and in most cases, conducting greater sage-grouse and sagebrush research to better manage the species and potential threats. Additionally, WAFWA has coordinated the local working group efforts for sage-grouse conservation in each state within the species range. Biologists from the WAFWA member states are the species experts, as is evidenced with the publication of the 2004 “Conservation Assessment of Greater Sage-grouse and Sagebrush Habitats” and the 2006 “Greater Sage-grouse Comprehensive Conservation Strategy”. Both of these publications were the result of a 2002 Cooperative Agreement between the Service and WAFWA. Since publication of the 2004 document significant new information regarding impact of various activities on this species and its habitats has emerged. This grant will be for a period of 5 years. Additional funding may be added throughout the life of the agreement subject to availability of funds and appropriations. For information on sub-grant opportunities, please contact WAFWA,703-358-2237. No other applications will be considered by FWS.

High