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

Conservation Groups Intervene to Defend Sage-Grouse Rules Opposed by Trump Administration
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Conservation Groups Intervene to Defend Sage-Grouse Rules Opposed by Trump Administration

The National Audubon Society, The Wilderness Society and Democracy Forward Submit New Legal Filing to Defend Crucial Cons

New Legislation Is a Welcome Start to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Public Lands
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

New Legislation Is a Welcome Start to Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Public Lands

The bill represents the first effort by Congress to strive for carbon neutrality on public lands.

A Win for Colorado’s Sage-Grouse
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

A Win for Colorado’s Sage-Grouse

The Bureau of Land Management removes 4,000 acres of sage-grouse habitat from its oil and gas lease sale.

Judge Blocks Trump Administration Plans that Lifted Sage-Grouse Protections
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Judge Blocks Trump Administration Plans that Lifted Sage-Grouse Protections

The injunction supports conservationists' claims that the industry-friendly plans are illegal, and puts stronger protections back in place for now.

Federal Court Halts Administration Plans to Rollback Sage-Grouse Protections
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Federal Court Halts Administration Plans to Rollback Sage-Grouse Protections

Ruling makes clear that the Administration ignored science and cut out the public

Sage-Grouse Experts Sound the Alarm Over Plunging Population
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Sage-Grouse Experts Sound the Alarm Over Plunging Population

New data show the imperiled bird’s numbers in a nosedive as the federal government continues to ease protections and sell off habitat.

Wyoming Just Protected Sage-Grouse. We need Colorado to keep doing the same.
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Wyoming Just Protected Sage-Grouse. We need Colorado to keep doing the same.

Governor Gordon’s executive order sets an example that other states should follow.

Wyoming Takes the Lead in Sage-Grouse Conservation
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Wyoming Takes the Lead in Sage-Grouse Conservation

Governor Mark Gordon’s revised Executive Order maintains a balanced approach to sage-grouse and energy development, conserving critical habitat for the imperiled species.

New Report Finds Increased Oil and Gas Leasing and Drilling in Priority Sage-Grouse Habitat
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

New Report Finds Increased Oil and Gas Leasing and Drilling in Priority Sage-Grouse Habitat

Despite a formal directive to keep leasing, drilling outside sage-grouse habitat, federal agencies have pushed to develop in priority habitat.

Learn about birds and get involved.