Once found in 13 western states and three Canadian provinces, today sage grouse are found in 11 states and in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. The bird's remaining strongholds are in Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, Nevada and Oregon. Concern about the status of sagebrush and sage grouse on western rangelands has led several groups and individuals to submit six different petitions to U.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceasking for an Endangered Species Act listing. The ESA requires the USFWS to assess the real or potential risks to a petitioned species based on five factors--habitat, over use, disease or predation, existing regulations, and other factors. The document addresses the five factors and explains how, through implementation of the conservation action and guidelines, Montana can reduce potential threats to sage grouse.
Based on the best available information, the plan describes the current status of Montanas sage grouse population and sagebrush habitat, describes the desired conditions for habitat, and identifies risks confronting habitat and sage grouse populations.
To provide for the long-term conservation and enhancement of the sagebrush steppe/mixed-grass prairie complex within Montana in a manner that supports sage grouse and a healthy diversity and abundance of wildlife species and human uses.
The Draft Management Plan and Conservation Strategies for Sage Grouse in Montana will help Montana: