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.

Opinions on Sage-Grouse
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Opinions on Sage-Grouse

Op-eds from across the West about the Bureau of Land Management's land use plans.

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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

News and Stories

Biden’s 30 x 30 Plan: A Roadmap to Restore the Sagebrush Steppe
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Biden’s 30 x 30 Plan: A Roadmap to Restore the Sagebrush Steppe

Western conservation groups applaud Biden administration’s plan to conserve and restore 30 percent of the nation’s lands and waters by 2030.

Sage against the Machine
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Sage against the Machine

(From Earthjustice) Saving the greater sage-grouse was one of the largest conservation efforts in U.S. history. When the Trump administration tried to sacrifice it to oil and gas, the bird’s champions flew to its rescue.

Grouse: A Podcast About the Bird That's Dividing the West
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Grouse: A Podcast About the Bird That's Dividing the West

BirdNote's new podcast uses Sage-Grouse to tell a story about hope, compromise, and life in rural America.

Audubon: “Illegal directors make illegal decisions.”
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Audubon: “Illegal directors make illegal decisions.”

Federal court invalidates decisions made by illegally installed BLM Director Pendley.

Illegal Plans and Decisions Made by William Perry Pendley Must Be Retracted
Working Lands

Illegal Plans and Decisions Made by William Perry Pendley Must Be Retracted

Coalition of conservation organizations delivers letter to Secretary Bernhardt calling for immediate review.

Frustration Abounds Five Years After the Historic Sage-Grouse Agreement
Working Lands

Frustration Abounds Five Years After the Historic Sage-Grouse Agreement

The federal government hasn't kept up its end of the deal, advocates say, putting the bird back on course for an Endangered Species Act listing.

New Legislation Would Protect Public Input and Hold Oil and Gas Drillers Accountable
Working Lands

New Legislation Would Protect Public Input and Hold Oil and Gas Drillers Accountable

Two bills introduced by Sen. Michael Bennet (D-CO) increase accountability for oil and gas companies that walk away from their wells and ensure public oversight.

Converse County Energy Project Will Hurt Wyoming, Not Help It
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Converse County Energy Project Will Hurt Wyoming, Not Help It

Flaunting the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, a massive oil and gas project threatens wildlife and Wyoming’s economy.

A New Podcast Explores the Complicated World of the Greater Sage-Grouse
Working Lands

A New Podcast Explores the Complicated World of the Greater Sage-Grouse

Presented by BirdNote and hosted by Ashley Ahearn, the series dives into the past, present, and future of the West's most controversial bird.

Converse County Oil and Gas Project Poses Serious Threats to Raptors, Sage-Grouse
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Converse County Oil and Gas Project Poses Serious Threats to Raptors, Sage-Grouse

Conservation groups protest plan to build 5,000 new wells in critical wildlife habitat.

Learn about birds and get involved.