As important Greater Sage-Grouse habitat gets sold for oil and gas development rights and protections are eroded on federal public lands, we’re seeing western states step-up to conserve this invaluable species and ecosystem.

Wyoming Governor Gordon has called for a review of the state’s plan for how the birds are managed. What started as a proactive move by Democratic Governor Freudenthal in 2008 and continued with Republican Governor Mead still has states leading the way by putting politics aside to meet the needs of sage-grouse and western communities. The Sage-Grouse Implementation Team (SGIT)—of which Audubon has been a member since its inception in 2007—will be convening on July 10 in Lander, Wyoming, to discuss proposed changes from various workgroups and updates to the main body of the 2015 Sage-Grouse Executive Order. The SGIT is comprised of representatives from state and federal agencies, industry, agriculture, and non-governmental organizations. The public is welcome to attend this meeting.

Governor Gordon will take changes proposed by the SGIT into consideration and ultimately release a new executive order before the end of summer. Given the governor’s leadership in this effort and his recognition of the importance of science to guide the state’s management efforts, we are hopeful that the new executive order will continue to serve as an example of a science-based, stakeholder-informed management approach for other states to consider.

SGIT Meeting Information:

Location: The Inn at Lander (260 Grandview Drive, Lander, WY 82520)
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.