Greater sage grouse are found in 11 western U.S. states, including Idaho. First described by Lewis and Clark in 1804, sage grouse are found in open sagebrush plains; they depend almost entirely on sagebrush for food and protection from predators.
Concerns about long-term declines in sage grouse populations have prompted efforts to conserve the species as well as efforts to list the species as either threatened or endangered. In January 2005, the USFWS determined that sage grouse was not warranted for listing under the ESA. Each state is undertaking actions to preserve sage grouse.
Most states including Idaho have developed Local Working Groups (LWGs) to coordinate, fund, and implement sage grouse conservation projects. In Idaho, there are currently seven LWGs:
Westcentral LWG
Contact: Jennifer Neider (facilitator) 257-3479 coytrun@ctcweb.net
Owyhee LWG
Contact: Donna Bennett (Chairperson) 834-2398 bcattle@att.net
Jarbidge LWG
Contact: Mike Remming (Chairperson) 423-9768 mrem@safelink.net
Shoshone Basin LWG
Contact: Randy Smith (IDFG contact) 324-4350 rsmith@idfg.idaho.gov
Greater Curlew LWG, Upper Snake LWG, Challis LWG
Contact for all 3: Wendy Green-Lowe (facilitator) 522-1662 ext 3012
wlowe@jason.com
Sage Grouse Management Plan [PDF] 39 pages - 4 MB
