The Service used a structured analysis process to evaluate the factors potentially threatening greater sage-grouse populations. Service scientists researched all available scientific and commercial information and also listened to a panel of independent expert before making their recommendation to Fish and Wildlife Service Director, Steve Williams.

“The conclusion or the recommendation was that Sage Grouse are not threatened with extinction, they were not liable to be endangered in the foreseeable future and it was a very rigorous, deliberative process.”

The recommendation; a 170 page document that may well see its day in court according to Williams.

“You know it would be really great if, rather than spending time and money trying to sue us over a decision, that those folks went out and rolled up their sleeves like a lot of people are doing across the West and really get on the ground and improve the habitat for Sage Grouse.”

The Sage Grouse is protected by state fish and wildlife agencies and not federal, because it is not a migrating bird. Ron Tull, Interior Department Radio News Service, Washington.