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Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Working together to create a healthy and balanced future for the West’s largest ecosystem

Greater Sage-Grouse. Photo: Evan Barrientos/Audubon Rockies

More than 350 species depend on the sagebrush ecosystem, as well as people. Reaching 14 states, sagebrush country is vital bird habitat, but only half of it is left and new demands continue to be placed on it. Audubon’s Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative brings together citizens, industry, government, and NGOs to find pragmatic solutions that balance the needs of people and birds. Join us in conserving this American treasure.

About The Sagebrush
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

About The Sagebrush

Values, threats, and conservation of America's largest ecosystem.

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Sagebrush Resources
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Sagebrush Resources

Learn why the sagebrush needs you and how you can help.

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Cheatgrass, Fire, and Sagebrush
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Cheatgrass, Fire, and Sagebrush

How cheatgrass and other invasives are threatening the very existence of the sagebrush steppe ecosystem.

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Birds of the Sagebrush Steppe

Greater Sage-Grouse

Latin:  Centrocercus urophasianus

Illustration for Greater Sage-Grouse

Golden Eagle

Latin:  Aquila chrysaetos

Illustration for Golden Eagle

Sage Thrasher

Latin:  Oreoscoptes montanus

Illustration for Sage Thrasher

Sagebrush Sparrow

Latin:  Artemisiospiza nevadensis

Illustration for Sagebrush Sparrow

Brewer's Sparrow

Latin:  Spizella breweri

Illustration for Brewer's Sparrow

News and Stories

Audubon: New Rule for Fossil Fuel Development on Federal Lands Long Overdue
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Audubon: New Rule for Fossil Fuel Development on Federal Lands Long Overdue

BLM public lands update puts critical wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and recreation on a level footing with oil and gas development

Attend a Public Meeting for Sage-Grouse
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Attend a Public Meeting for Sage-Grouse

By Audubon Rockies

Learn about the Bureau of Land Management’s Greater Sage-Grouse plans.

Pat O’Toole
Blog

Pat O’Toole

By Alison Holloran and Brian Rutledge

A rancher, conservationist, and friend of Audubon.

The Golden Triangle
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

The Golden Triangle

The sagebrush steppe was once North America's largest ecosystem. Today, less than half remains. In western Wyoming lies the crown jewel.

Conservation, Sportsmen Groups Express Support for Efforts to Improve Future for Greater Sage-grouse and Sagebrush Country
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Conservation, Sportsmen Groups Express Support for Efforts to Improve Future for Greater Sage-grouse and Sagebrush Country

Proposed BLM management plans makes science-backed conservation a priority

Department of Interior’s Long-term Commitment to Sagebrush Health Wins Praise from Sportsmen & Conservation Groups 
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Department of Interior’s Long-term Commitment to Sagebrush Health Wins Praise from Sportsmen & Conservation Groups 

Restoration to conserve “best of the best” remaining sagebrush habitat 

How New Incidental Take Permits Can Protect Bald and Golden Eagles at Wind Energy Sites
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

How New Incidental Take Permits Can Protect Bald and Golden Eagles at Wind Energy Sites

The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service has an improved permitting process that benefits eagles.

Proposed Rule Change Would Bring BLM Oil and Gas Leasing into the Modern Era
Working Lands

Proposed Rule Change Would Bring BLM Oil and Gas Leasing into the Modern Era

Change would prioritize habitat, sacred lands and other considerations when granting oil and gas leases.

New Report Shows Loss of More Than One Million Acres of Sagebrush Habitat Every Year
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

New Report Shows Loss of More Than One Million Acres of Sagebrush Habitat Every Year

Researchers also developed powerful new data and tools to help guide on-the-ground conservation efforts.

An Unexpected Paradise
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

An Unexpected Paradise

By Christopher Johnson

A Bahamian’s first impressions of Wyoming’s sagebrush ecosystem.

Learn about birds and get involved.