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

News and Stories

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.

Court Strikes Down Trump Administration’s Sage-grouse Directive, Canceling Hundreds of Oil and Gas Leases
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Court Strikes Down Trump Administration’s Sage-grouse Directive, Canceling Hundreds of Oil and Gas Leases

Administration violated federal law by leasing sensitive sage-grouse habitat for drilling

Conservation Groups Sound Alarm on Administration’s Continued Assault on Western Values
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Conservation Groups Sound Alarm on Administration’s Continued Assault on Western Values

"The administration is rushing through yet another effort to reduce protections for our shared public lands, and it’s the sage-grouse’s turn, again."

Sage Advice From a Sage-Grouse Expert
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Sage Advice From a Sage-Grouse Expert

Retired wildlife biologist Dr. Jack Connelly speaks up on the importance of sage-grouse habitat protections.

Learn about birds and get involved.