Interior Secretary Sally Jewell says the Bi-State population of the greater sage-grouse, found in California and Nevada, does not need protection under the Endangered Species Act. “Federal, state and private partners have come together to proactively conserve key habitat and significantly reduce long-term threats to this distinct population segment of greater sage-grouse,” said an Interior statement. Some $75 million in state, local and federal funds has been committed over 15 years to assure habitat for the bird.
The announcement was regarded as a signal that the government would not list the greater sage-grouse as an endangered or threatened species either.