Pew Comments on BLM’s Proposed Changes to 2015 Sage-Grouse Plans

The Pew Charitable Trusts submitted comments July 31 on draft plans by the Department of the Interior to weaken the conservation provisions in the 2015 sage-grouse strategy. BLM’s proposed changes would significantly reduce protections, undermining the careful balance the historic 2015 plans established between conservation and development. This accord benefits not only the sage-grouse, but also the 350 other species that depend on a healthy sage-steppe ecosystem across the interior West. Pew supports the carefully crafted, consensus-based 2015 decision that was strongly supported by residents of the communities where the sage-grouse roam.