Group Proposes Halting Projects To Protect Grouse

A 16-member task force appointed by Gov. C.L. “Butch” Otter trying to figure out a way to dissuade the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing sage grouse as an endangered species is recommending halting new wind, transmission and oil and gas projects in habitat identified as a priority for sage grouse.

But The Times-News reports the task force on Thursday couldn’t reach an agreement on grazing management practices that protect sage grouse without punishing ranchers.

The group has until June 13 to submit a proposal to Otter. If Otter approves the document it will be sent to federal officials.

A recent legal settlement gives Fish and Wildlife until 2015 to decide the bird’s status – threatened or endangered or not in need of federal protection.

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Information from: The Times-News, http://www.magicvalley.com