Spreading across 14 states, the sagebrush ecosystem is the most widespread ecosystem in the United States. At first, sagebrush country may appear desolate, but in reality it is a beautiful and biologically diverse place, home to more than 350 species, many of which live nowhere else.

Several birds are among these species, most notably the Greater Sage-Grouse. Because they need large expanses of healthy sagebrush habitat across an area that overlaps with many other sagebrush species, Greater Sage-Grouse are considered an umbrella species. This means that by conserving sage-grouse, we conserve many other species in the sagebrush ecosystem.

People also depend on sagebrush country for livelihoods, resources, and recreation. Sagebrush plants play a key role in providing a consistent water supply. Game species like pronghorn, mule deer, and elk rely on healthy sagebrush habitat and contribute to local economies. Ranchers and their livestock depend on sagebrush plant communities. Finally, the wide-open landscapes of the sagebrush ecosystem is part of our country’s identity, history, and heritage.

Threats

Historically, this iconic habitat covered 153 million acres, but today only about half remains. Land conversion for urban development and agriculture are among the lead causes. Both renewable and non-renewable energy development are increasing in sagebrush country, fragmenting habitat and disturbing wildlife. Much of the remaining habitat is being degraded by invasive weeds and poor management.

Invasion by nonnative annual grasses, primarily cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum) and medusahead (Taeniatherum asperum), is now one of the greatest threats to sagebrush country. Their invasion is fueling hotter, larger, and more frequent fires that can permanently alter sagebrush habitat. In addition, invasives reduce the food and cover available to wildlife.

Very little of the sagebrush ecosystem has been undisturbed by humans in the last two-hundred years. As a result, many of its species are declining.

Conservation

In 2015, the Department of the Interior finalized landmark conservation plans to protect the Greater Sage-Grouse, thereby preventing the need for an Endangered Species Act listing. The plans were the result of years of science and collaboration across an unprecedented range of western stakeholders, including Audubon. Now, the current administration under Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke has begun a process that could dismantle these historic conservation efforts.

The management decisions being made today—often on public lands—will determine its future. We must balance our demands on this ecosystem with science as our guide. It is in everyone’s interest to conserve the sagebrush ecosystem.