Forwarded From Helen Engle.

From: "Dr. Frank Gill" <president at audubon.org>
Date: Fri, 05 Mar 2010 15:02:29 -0500
To: Helen <hengle at iinet.com>
Subject: Special Advisory: Hope amid decision not to list an imperiled bird.



It's been a long time coming, and today's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
decision that Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing of the Greater
Sage-Grouse is "Warranted but Precluded" is prompting some to declare
defeat-but not Audubon.

We see real hope here.

Despite 50 years of scientific evidence, the decision marks the first time
that the peril faced by this iconic western species has been officially
recognized, as justified by its precipitous decline. It is now officially
an ESA "Candidate Species."

An immediate ESA listing, though scientifically justified, was always-truth
be told-a political long shot. It would have meant tremendous restrictions
that western residents feared would render nearly impossible important
economic uses of the land. Especially at risk were energy development
plans, including those for urgently needed-renewable energy projects. Under
the new ruling carefully-planned energy and other development can still
proceed.

But Audubon is determined to save the Greater Sage-Grouse and other species
dependent on sage habitat. So why are we hopeful? The answer is simple:
there's real conservation progress afoot.

The Interior Department recently embraced a plan crafted in Wyoming-with
significant Audubon leadership-to designate the Core Areas (vital breeding
habitat) most critical to survival of much of the state's Greater
Sage-Grouse population. Tough rules were created to limit the energy
development that poses a major threat to these special habitats and to
grouse survival. Less stringent restrictions remained in place for most of
the state, allowing economic development to proceed with fewer limits in the
non-core areas.

The Interior Department has indicated that it will expand the model to
millions of acres over 11 western states, using state data and the
scientific expertise of Audubon and other groups to designate core habitats
and develop the plans to protect them from a host of threats. This is not
just politically possible; it is already underway and will make a huge
difference for the Greater Sage-Grouse and a host of other species that rely
on this unique American habitat.

Audubon played a key role in developing and advocating for the Wyoming Core
Areas plan and for its expansion through federal efforts. With your help,
we will continue to strengthen the approach and secure its effective
enforcement. We will make it a successful tool for benefitting imperiled
species, western ecosystems and human communities alike.

Together, we can turn the Greater Sage-Grouse listing decision into the
start of a true conservation victory. Please help us succeed with a special
contribution at: https://loon.audubon.org/payment/donate/CDGFT.html
<http://eidertrk.audubon.org/trk/r.emt?s=loon.audubon.org/payment/donate/CDG
FT.html&t=5/ZlZA&e=W9lkv03BMhs>
<http://eidertrk.audubon.org/trk/r.emt?s=loon.audubon.org/payment/donate/CDG
FT.html&t=5/ZlZA&e=W9lkv03BMhs>

With best regards,
Frank
-----
Dr. Frank B. Gill
President
National Audubon Society