Places & Projects
OREGON
Applying Science Improves Conservation Delivery
More than 32,000 acres of juniper-invaded sagebrush-steppe are once again treeless. Planning and science inform the sweeping improvements across private and BLM lands. A University of Idaho study monitors habitat effectiveness after juniper removal. Findings continually enhance conservation success in all conifer removal projects.
Partners: Landowners, BLM, NRCS, Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife.
Watch the SGI video about conifer removal.
WASHINGTON
A Community of Willing Landowners Step Up to Enhance Habitat
Private lands harbor some of the best homes for Washington’s birds. Ranchers enrolled a cluster of 14,400 acres in SGI grazing programs in 2012. The rotational systems and other grazing strategies encourage taller grasses to shelter nesting grouse, and better range for livestock.
Partners: Landowners, NRCS.
Watch the SGI video about grazing systems.
IDAHO
Removing Juniper Invigorates Both Private and Public Lands
To reclaim 50 square miles of prime sage grouse habitat takes cooperation across private and public land boundaries. After two years of planning and cultivating partnerships, taking out the invasive Utah junipers is paying dividends.
Partners: Landowners, Pheasants Forever, BLM, NRCS, Idaho Fish and Game, Mule Deer Foundation, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, West Cassia Soil and Water Conservation District, South Magic Valley Sage-Grouse Local Working Group.
CALIFORNIA
Habitat Improvements Enable Sage Grouse Reintroduction
A small population of sage grouse centered on Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge is on the rise, with an influx of new Nevada birds. To make sure the birds have plentiful and connected habitat, landowners and agencies restore previously occupied habitat.
Partners: Landowners, NRCS, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, U.S. Forest Service, Resource Conservation District, University of California Cooperative Extension, California Department of Fish & Game, Nevada Department of Wildlife.
Watch the overview video about the Sage Grouse Initiative.
NEVADA
Cooperative Conservation Aids Bi-State Sage Grouse
The genetically distinct Bi-State population straddles the Nevada-California border. SGI investments have leveraged millions of partner dollars for conservation easements that help ranching remain viable and the landscape intact for sage grouse and other wildlife. A cooperative team of stakeholders carries out the Bi-State Action Plan, intended to keep the Bi-State sage grouse off the Endangered Species List.
Partners: Landowners, NRCS, The Nature Conservancy, Eastern Sierra Land Trust, US Forest Service, Nevada Dept. of Wildlife, California Dept. of Fish and Game, and more.
Watch the overview video about the Sage Grouse Initiative.
UTAH
Watershed-scale Grazing Project a Model for Working Together
More sage grouse dwell in Rich County in the far northeast corner than any other part of Utah. New grazing systems over 150,000 acres are designed to benefit ranching and wildlife alike. The primary goals are to sustain range health, to heal riparian areas, and to improve water quality.
Partners: Landowners, NRCS, BLM, U.S. Forest Service, Utah Dept. of Agriculture and Food.
Watch the SGI video about grazing systems.
WYOMING
Sommers-Grindstone Ranches Protect Future for Ranching, Wildlife, Fishing Access, and Cultural Sites
An impressive land protection agreement in Sublette County, Wyoming, conserved nearly 19,000 acres of historic agricultural land, critical sage grouse and other wildlife habitat, and iconic view sheds. The Sommers Grindstone Conservation Project is one of the most extensive private lands conservation efforts in Wyoming’s history and includes four separate conservation easements and public fishing access on nearly five miles of the Green River. The landmark agreements were made possible by the vision of landowners Albert Sommers, his sister Jonita Sommers and Maggie Miller of Grindstone Cattle Co.
Partners: Sommers Ranch Partnership, the Grindstone Cattle Company, Wyoming Game and Fish, Wyoming Stock Growers Land Trust, NRCS.
Change this one to say Watch the SGI video about the saving sage grouse: the Wyoming example.
COLORADO
Conservation Easement Preserves Wildlife and Ranching Heritage
The Colorado Cattlemen’s Agricultural Land Trust (CCALT) completed protection of the 3,819-acre Elk Head Ranch on June 13, 2012. The historic Elk Head Ranch, northwest of Steamboat Springs is dominated by rolling sagebrush covered hills and riparian areas along the Elkhead Creek, which flows through the property. The ranch falls within a priority habitat area for the greater sage grouse.
Partners: Elk Head Ranch landowner, CCALT, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Routt County (Purchase of Development Rights Program).
Watch the SGI video about conservation easements.
MONTANA
Making Fence markers Provides Work for People With Developmental Disabilities
Saws are buzzing in the workshop. Thanks to the efforts of COR Enterprises in Billings some 100,000 fence markers now protect more than 60 miles of previously unmarked fences that once posed risks for sage grouse. Birds see the white vinyl markers snapped onto the top fence wire and avoid collisions. The markers help birds survive, and making them offers dignified work for people with developmental disabilities.
Partners: COR Enterprises, BLM, NRCS.
Watch the overview video about the Sage Grouse Initiative.
SOUTH DAKOTA
Innovative Grazing Serves Grouse and Rangeland
At the fringe of sage grouse range, ranchers work closely with the NRCS to design and apply grazing systems that promote tall grasses and shrubs for nesting grouse. They also time grazing and intensity in the riparian areas to encourage lush plants and insects, nutritious foods for growing chicks. Some pastures are rested for 15 months for maximum plant growth, while others are grazed on a seasonal rotation.
Partners: Agricultural producers, NRCS.
Watch the SGI video about grazing systems.
NORTH DAKOTA
Growing and Planting Sagebrush Restores Habitat
At the fringe of their range, sagebrush for grouse is in high demand. That’s why SGI is helping to fund seed collection from the wild, growing plants in nurseries, and planting sagebrush in grasslands. Since 2010, these efforts have resulted in hand-planting 3000 seedlings in Bowman and Slope Counties. Five hundred plants went to South Dakota and to the BLM. Survival rates so far look positive for habitat restoration.
Partners: NRCS, North Dakota Game and Fish, BLM.
Watch the overview video about the Sage Grouse Initiative.