East Idaho Times

U.S. Senators Mike Crapo and Jim Risch, U.S. Representatives Mike Simpson and Russ Fulcher, and Governor Brad Little have issued a joint statement regarding the Bureau of Land Management's (BLM) Final Resource Management Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse Land Use Plan Amendments and Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). These proposed amendments are set to impact 77 state-led sage-grouse resource management plans across the western United States.

The officials highlighted Idaho's longstanding role in habitat and wildlife management, stating: “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 emphasized that "management considerations cannot be rushed simply for the administration’s political convenience," underscoring the need for "adequate time, resources, and local input" to ensure decisions are both feasible and scientifically grounded.

Idaho's approach to sage-grouse conservation has been praised by both Democratic and Republican administrations over the years. To support these efforts against costly activist litigation that can undermine state initiatives, an Endangered Species Act listing prohibition on greater sage-grouse has been included in every annual appropriations bill since fiscal year 2015.