The Interior Department unveiled nearly a hundred tailored plans for improving the bird’s habitat across eleven Western States. That includes restricting what people can do in certain areas. Greater Sage Grouse populations have been struggling, and Garfield County Commissioners have their own plan in place to help the birds.
Commissioners are worried a listing would economically harm the oil and gas industry and the local economy. A representative said Thursday that Commissioners will take some time to review the new federal guidelines before drawing conclusions.