Governors: Trump directive could hurt bird habitat
DENVER — Some governors in the U.S. West say a new Trump administration directive threatens to undermine a hardwon compromise aimed at saving a beleaguered bird scattered across their region.
The directive, issued in late July, severely limits a type of land swap involving federal property. Critics say that eliminates an important technique for saving habitat for the shrinking population of greater sage grouse.
“It took one of our tools out of the toolbox,” said John Swartout, an adviser to Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper.
Hickenlooper told federal officials in an Aug. 2 letter that he opposes the change. Nevada, Oregon and Utah also expressed opposition or concern.
A spokeswoman for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, which issued the directive, said the agency would work with the governors on “adjusted” plans.
Greater sage grouse are spiky-tailed, ground-dwelling birds about the size of chickens. They are best known for the males’ showy displays in springtime mating dances.
They once numbered in the millions, but the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service now estimates the population at 200,000 to 500,000. Experts blame energy development that broke up the bird’s habitat, along with disease, livestock grazing and other causes.
Their range covers about 270,000 square miles in parts of 11 Western U.S. states and two Canadian provinces.