East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo, Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, along with Governor Brad Little, have responded to the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) release of the Final Resource Management Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse Land Use Plan Amendments and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The proposed amendments are set to impact 77 state-led sage-grouse resource management plans across Western states.

In a joint statement, the Idaho elected officials emphasized Idaho's leadership in habitat and wildlife management. They stated, "Idaho has long been a leader in habitat and wildlife management. We have made great strides in the conservation of the greater sage-grouse through years of state-led collaboration and science-informed decision making." They further stressed that "management considerations cannot be rushed simply for the administration’s political convenience. Adequate time, resources, and local input are necessary to ensure the end result is feasible and scientifically sound."

The State of Idaho's sage-grouse conservation plan has been praised by both Democrat and Republican administrations over the years. To support state conservation efforts without interference from activist litigation, an Endangered Species Act (ESA) listing prohibition on greater sage-grouse has been included in every annual appropriations bill since fiscal year 2015.