BLM Sage Grouse Plans Boost Western Conservation

Updated land plans support grazing and wildfire prevention across western states

The Bureau of Land Management has released updated greater sage grouse management plans that revise 77 land use plans across the western United States. These changes are designed to improve wildlife habitat, reduce wildfire risks, and support responsible land management practices. 

Sage grouse depend on healthy sagebrush ecosystems for food, shelter, and breeding. Over many years, ranchers have actively managed these lands through livestock grazing. The revised plans formally recognize grazing as an effective conservation tool that helps control excess vegetation and maintain balanced plant growth. 

Unmanaged vegetation can increase the risk of wildfires, which destroy nesting areas and food sources for sage grouse. Responsible grazing reduces dry plant buildup and supports healthier plant communities, creating safer and more productive habitats for wildlife. 

“The revised sage grouse management plans recognize the role of cattle producers, as the original conservationists and follows the best available science. Without ranchers actively managing millions of acres of western rangeland, there would be less habitat and forage, and grouse populations would be substantially smaller,” said NCBA President and Nebraska cattleman Buck Wehrbein.   

“This is the blueprint for how management plans should be revised in the future, with a bottom-up approach focusing on input from land managers and rural communities that live alongside wildlife including grouse. NCBA thanks the BLM and Trump administration for releasing these plans that greatly utilize stakeholder input," said Wehrbein. 

A key feature of the new plans is their focus on locally guided conservation. Sage grouse habitat differs greatly from state to state. Instead of using one national strategy, the revised approach allows state leaders, land managers, and grazing permit holders to guide conservation efforts based on local needs. 

This method ensures that conservation actions are based on real field experience and science-based practices. It also strengthens cooperation between federal agencies and rural communities that work closely with wildlife every day. 

The updated plans reduce unnecessary regulatory pressure, allowing ranchers to continue conservation activities such as habitat restoration, invasive plant control, and wildfire prevention without added barriers. These efforts support long-term land health while maintaining productive rangelands. 

Overall, the revised sage grouse plans provide a balanced solution that protects wildlife populations, strengthens rural livelihoods, and improves the health of western landscapes. By combining science-based management with community involvement, the new framework supports sustainable conservation for future generations. 

“The revised sage grouse management plans will support the work of ranchers across the West, as we work to create optimal habitat for sage grouse. These plans unleash the conservation prowess of federal lands ranchers and allow critical conservation work that supports grouse habitat to continue without burdensome government red tape,” said PLC President and Colorado rancher Tim Canterbury.  

“Previous administrations have wanted to use these management plans to tie up millions of acres of land and let them further degrade. That would not have helped boost sage grouse numbers and it is flat out unscientific. Ranchers throughout the West are thankful for the Trump administration and BLM leadership for releasing these detailed plans to the benefit of sage grouse and ranchers alike,” said Canterbury. 

Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey