Don’t let D.C. politics undo protections for sage grouse

Re: “Give sage grouse plans time,” July 30 guest commentary.

I appreciated Dave Showalter’s opinion piece on Secretary of Interior Ryan Zinke’s review of the sage-grouse plans. As a member of one of the 10 independent Audubon chapters in Colorado, I have been watching what happens regarding managing this iconic species I enjoy observing. In fact, our chapters joined together and sent a letter to Gov. John Hickenlooper and our congressional delegation. Our message was clear: forward-thinking sage-grouse management plans, developed from years of collaboration, should not be derailed by Washington politics.

We are among many who live, work, play and place great value on our public lands. We’re speaking up and we’re not alone. Recently a Western rancher/ county commissioner, an oil and gas developer and a biologist all went to Washington, D.C., to support these plans. Western-style collaboration at its best! Short-sighted politics should not overturn years of hard work. We need to give these plans a chance to do what was intended.

Ronald Harden, Loveland

Denver Post file Greater sage grouse jockey for position during mating season on the Mcstay Ranch in Craig on April 7, 2015. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke has called for a new review of sage grouse conservation plans.