Forest Service officials discuss possible sage grouse management changes

Caribou-Targhee National Forest officials said possible management changes in the region’s sage grouse habitat areas could affect regional ranchers.

The meeting was part of discussions with county commissioners at the Bannock County Courthouse.

Westside District Ranger Lori Bell says these changes. including fencing, are being proposed to keep the birds safe in their natural habitat. This will prevent them from being on the list as a threatened species. It will protect a female’s nest and mating areas.

Bell says the purpose of the Forest Service visit to the county commission discussions, was to give ranchers and anyone else in the sage grouse habitat areas a heads-up on the possible changes.

Note: Lori Bell was initially misidentified as a Bureau of Land Management officer. The story has been corrected to reflect her role as a Forest Service district ranger.