Tweeters,
While I applaud the NAS effort in Wyoming I think Dr. Gill paints a rather overly optimistic portrait of the situation. As he points out this "core area" program is restricted to Wyoming for now. Indeed, Wyoming represents the last great stronghold for Greater Sage-Grouse and preservation of species in the core range is important but I can't be anything but skeptical of Wyoming's ability to preserve grouse habitat continuity (see photos of the Jonah Fields here: http://www.alandoutoftime.com/photos/03lrg.html). In addition, it simply isn't possible to maintain Greater Sage-Grouse populations (~142,000 according to IUCN) in core-areas alone and I wonder if the the "core area" program will protect the species in the periphery of its range in WA, OR, ND, and CA. Has Audubon modeled population size and connectivity using only these core areas? What are their acceptable population limits? In addition, lets not forget that populations have declined by 50% since the 1960's. In other words, are we shooting for 140,000 grouse or a lower or higher population number.
As a former past president of the Black Canyon Audubon Society, that was heavily involved in Gunnison Sage-Grouse conservation, this story seems all too familiar. The Gunnison Sage-Grouse remains unlisted under ESA, despite population numbers falling below 3,000 birds. The USFWS has again been granted an extension (until Sept. 15) to decide on listing Gunnison Sage-Grouse. If the USFWS can't even recognize the endangerment of Gunnison Sage-Grouse I have little faith they will act to preserve the Greater Sage-Grouse through voluntary action and the development of "core area" programs.
Eternally skeptical and always hopeful,
Tyler
Tyler L. Hicks
Ph.D. Student
Washington State University Vancouver
E-mail: tyler_hicks at wsu.edu
Web Page: http://thingswithwings.org
"We were certainly uncertain. At least, I'm pretty sure I am." - Modest Mouse
From: floriferous at msn.com
To: tweeters at u.washington.edu
Date: Fri, 5 Mar 2010 21:04:22 -0800
Subject: [Tweeters] Nat Audubon take on Sage grouse non-listing
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/CDGFT.html&t=5/ZlZA&e=W9lkv03BMhs>
With best regards,
Frank
-----
Dr. Frank B. Gill
President
National Audubon
Society
_________________________________________________________________
Hotmail: Free, trusted and rich email service.
http://clk.atdmt.com/GBL/go/201469228/direct/01/