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.

Read more

Sagebrush Resources
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Sagebrush Resources

Learn why the sagebrush needs you and how you can help.

Read more

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.

Read more

Birds of the Sagebrush Steppe

News and Stories

BLM’s Rock Springs plan a step forward, conserves lands and habitat
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

BLM’s Rock Springs plan a step forward, conserves lands and habitat

Rock Springs plan reflects public input and conserves key landscapes.

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.

Collaboration is Key to Conserving the Sagebrush Ecosystem
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Collaboration is Key to Conserving the Sagebrush Ecosystem

More than 70 people gathered at the Miller Ranch in Wyoming to celebrate efforts to conserve and restore the sagebrush ecosystem.

Can the Greater Sage-Grouse Be Kept Off the Endangered Species List?
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Can the Greater Sage-Grouse Be Kept Off the Endangered Species List?

Warming and habitat loss diminished sage grouse populations 80 percent since 1965, putting them on the brink of an endangered listing. Western states, the federal government and energy and ranching interests are struggling to prevent that.

Westerners Agree: Save the Greater Sage-Grouse
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Westerners Agree: Save the Greater Sage-Grouse

Public comment period closes on proposed grouse country conservation plans

A Morning on a Greater Sage-Grouse Lek
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

A Morning on a Greater Sage-Grouse Lek

Immerse yourself in the magic of Greater Sage-Grouse in this short video of a lek.

Enhancing Protections for the Greater Sage-Grouse: A Pivotal Moment for Conservation
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Enhancing Protections for the Greater Sage-Grouse: A Pivotal Moment for Conservation

Sage-grouse biologist Tom Christiansen's op-ed in the Casper Star Tribune.

Audubon Denounces Congressional Action to Undo BLM Rule Elevating Conservation on Public Lands 
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Audubon Denounces Congressional Action to Undo BLM Rule Elevating Conservation on Public Lands 

“This legislation is an end-run around how westerners themselves would like to see these lands managed.” 

Audubon: New Rule for Fossil Fuel Development on Federal Lands Long Overdue
Sagebrush Ecosystem Initiative

Audubon: New Rule for Fossil Fuel Development on Federal Lands Long Overdue

BLM public lands update puts critical wildlife habitat, cultural resources, and recreation on a level footing with oil and gas development

Learn about birds and get involved.