BLM releases final analysis on Bruneau-Owyhee sage-grouse habitat project
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BOISE, Idaho – The Bureau of Land Management has released the Final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Bruneau-Owyhee Sage-Grouse Habitat Project for a 30-day public availability period beginning Feb. 9, 2018. This Final EIS analyzes the removal of encroaching Western juniper on about 726,000 acres within a 1.67 million-acre area of sagebrush steppe habitat in Owyhee County.
“This project is a great example of the BLM’s effort to achieve shared conservation stewardship alongside our partners to improve and maintain sagebrush-steppe habitat,” said Boise District Manager Lara Douglas. “The input of our partners and the public has been instrumental in designing this project.”
The BLM has developed this project in collaboration with the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, Idaho Department of Lands, Natural Resources Conservation Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“Projects like this align with state objectives to enhance the conditions on this important landscape for both wildlife and multiple-use activities,” said Josh Uriarte, Terrestrial Species Program Manager for the Idaho Governor’s Office of Species Conservation. “Removing encroaching juniper will improve conditions for Greater sage-grouse and many other species that depend on a healthy sagebrush-steppe ecosystem.”
This juniper treatment project will build on proactive land management policies and practices to conserve the region's remaining sagebrush habitat, which also supports significant economic activity, such as ranching and recreation, and abundant wildlife, including mule deer, elk, pronghorn antelope and golden eagles.
To review the Final EIS and associated documents, go to https://go.usa.gov/xnAKz
For more information, contact BLM Project Manager Mike McGee at (208) 384-3464.
The BLM manages more than 245 million acres of public land located primarily in 12 western states, including Alaska, on behalf of the American people. The BLM also administers 700 million acres of sub-surface mineral estate throughout the nation. Our mission is to sustain the health, diversity, and productivity of America’s public lands for the use and enjoyment of present and future generations.