The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) aims to increase access to public lands in several Western states for energy and mining development, in accordance with President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order, “Unleashing American Energy.” Now they are requesting public comment related to previous plans protecting the habitat of the Common Sage Grouse to make way for these energy projects.
The BLM controls the most significant chunk of sage grouse habitat in the U.S. – almost 65 million out of 145 million acres. While environmentalists worry how these new priorities might affect the Sage grouse population, officials say their proposals take into account studies done on how sage grouse respond to environmental disturbances.
Sage grouse populations are dwindling. What used to be in the millions is now under 800,000, mainly because of habitat loss worsened by droughts, wildfires, and invasive species. However, the sage grouse also shares its habitat with over 350 other species of wildlife, including pronghorn, mule deer, and pygmy rabbits.
These lands also support Western rural economies based on activities such as recreation, ranching, farming, energy, and small businesses, so finding a balance between protecting the species and other realities is a bit of a challenge. That’s why the BLM is requesting public comment to help align its priorities.
The amendments would affect BLM-managed public lands in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming.
While there has been an increase in outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) this migration season, the CDC says the public health risk is low.
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