Bi-State Sage Grouse listing to be reconsidered

[Laura Bies]

This news and analysis are provided by the Ornithological Council, a consortium supported by ornithological societies. Join or renew your membership in your ornithological society if you value the services these societies provide to you, including OrnithologyExchange and the Ornithological Council.

A federal court has reversed a 2020 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, which found that the Bi-State population of Sage Grouse, found along the Nevada-California border, did not warrant federal protection

In this week's ruling, the judge concluded that the USFWS did not use the best available science and therefore erred in concluding that the population "was above the minimum threshold for viability.” The court ordered the agency to reconsider and issue a new listing decision. Until that new decision is complete, the 2013 determination that the Bi-State population of Sage Grouse warrants protection as a threatened species is back in effect. 

Bi-state Sage Grouse exist in six separate population segments spread over 4.5 million acres in Nevada and California, totaling about 3,300 individuals. 

About the Ornithological Council

The Ornithological Council is a consortium of scientific societies of ornithologists; these societies span the Western Hemisphere and the research conducted by their members spans the globe. Their cumulative expertise comprises the knowledge that is fundamental and essential to science-based bird conservation and management. The Ornithological Council is financially supported by our member societies and the individual ornithologists who value our work. If the OC’s resources are valuable to you, please consider joining one of our member societies or donating directly at Birdnet.org. Thank you for your support!