In Episode 15 of District of Conservation, Gabriella explains the situation with the greater sage grouse and reforms to the 2015 plan; conservation groups backing a “Sportsmen’s Package” during the Lame Duck Session, and newly announced plans to scale back the overreaches of the 2015 Waters of the U.S. which subjects all bodies of water, including puddles and ditches, to regulation.

SHOW NOTES:

SAGE GROUSE

IUCN Status on Sage Grouse and Threats to It: https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/22679503/92816586

Final Records of Decision from September 2015 explaining plan for greater sage grouse: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/historic-conservation-campaign-protects-greater-sage-grouse

Pew on 2015 sage grouse plan: https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2015/09/22/sage-grouse-habitat-protected-by-historic-obama-administration-plans

Wyoming Tribune Eagle on state’s rights angle to management of sage grouse and WY Governor opinion https://www.wyomingnews.com/news/local_news/new-rules-give-states-more-authority-over-sage-grouse/article_db00a038-fb88-11e8-882a-ff6d5a2e1e6f.html

TRCP Article on Rule Change: http://www.trcp.org/2018/12/06/blms-revised-sage-grouse-plans-continue-conservation-create-uncertainty/

SPORTSMEN PACKAGE – LAME DUCK

https://elknetwork.com/ask-congress-to-pass-sportsmens-package/#/25/

http://www.cahss.org/conservation-leaders-urge-congress-to-pass-sportsmens-priorities/?fbclid=IwAR2qNyhFatgPV-BC679RPloqyjH2h00NCGoBTpOGAdSedOCFYQAK7ZQsEns

http://congressionalsportsmen.org/the-media-room/news/csf-asks-congressional-leaders-not-to-be-lame-ducks

ALERT! Package of Pro-Sportsmen’s Bills Need Your Support

WOTUS Rule Reform: https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-and-army-propose-new-waters-united-states-definition