March 24, 2008 Contact: Lesley A. Collins
307-261-7603 BLM, WGFD Partner with Local Groups
on Sage Grouse Distribution ProjectThe Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and Wyoming Game and Fish Department (WGF) have teamed up with the Bates Hole/Shirley Basin Sage Grouse Local Working Group, University of Wyoming, Natural Resource Conservation Service, and the local land owners on a joint venture to examine sage grouse distribution and seasonal habitat preferences in Natrona County, Wyo. The Western Natrona County Sage Grouse Distribution Project will involve collaring approximately 80 sage grouse with VHF radio necklace collars during the spring of 2008. The project will focus on sage grouse populations in western Natrona County, between State Highway 20-26 and Poison Spider Road. Radio-collared birds will be tracked using aerial and ground telemetry throughout the year. The grouse locations will be recorded using a Global Positioning System (GPS) and incorporated into Geographical Information System (GIS) for mapping and spatial analysis. This study will be managed by a University of Wyoming graduate student. Results of the project will be presented at professional meetings and seminars and published in peer reviewed journals. For more information, contact Wildlife Biologist Jim Wright at 307-261-7600. -BLM- | 