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

“A Grave Setback:” US Forest Service Releases Weak Versions of Sagebrush Conservation Plans
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

“A Grave Setback:” US Forest Service Releases Weak Versions of Sagebrush Conservation Plans

Forest Service lands that include important habitat for Greater Sage-Grouse and 350 other species of wildlife now at increased risk of further development.

With Habitat Protections Officially Lifted, What’s Next for the Greater Sage-Grouse?
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

With Habitat Protections Officially Lifted, What’s Next for the Greater Sage-Grouse?

More lawsuits are coming, and a long-threatened listing under the Endangered Species Act is once again a real possibility.

Audubon Laments Shortsighted Approach to Sagebrush Management
Working Lands

Audubon Laments Shortsighted Approach to Sagebrush Management

Washington insiders replace compromise and a science-driven consensus in favor of accelerating development across a threatened and unique Western landscape.

The Greater Sage-Grouse’s Most Important Habitat Is on the Auction Block
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

The Greater Sage-Grouse’s Most Important Habitat Is on the Auction Block

Every parcel up for grabs in this week’s federal oil and gas lease sale is in the bird’s territory, despite earlier agreements to steer the industry away.

Trump Administration Moves to Open Sage-Grouse Strongholds to Oil and Gas
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Trump Administration Moves to Open Sage-Grouse Strongholds to Oil and Gas

New management plans would roll back protections in seven states, lifting restrictions on more than 80 percent of the bird's most vital habitat

After the Smoke Clears
Blog

After the Smoke Clears

An interview with Ann Moser, a wildlife staff biologist with Idaho Fish and Game, on sagebrush restoration after the Soda Fire.

Celebrating Sagebrush: The West's Most Important Native Plant
Sagebrush Resources

Celebrating Sagebrush: The West's Most Important Native Plant

Covering 165 million acres across 14 states, sagebrush country is home to more wildlife—and people—than you might realize.

What The Heck Is A Lek
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

What The Heck Is A Lek

Your Guide To Dancing and Singing For Mates

Learn about birds and get involved.