Updated September 8, 2009

Sage-grouse conservation and management

Utah is home to two species of sage-grouse: Greater Sage-grouse and Gunnison Sage-grouse. To thrive, these birds need large, relatively undisturbed areas of healthy sagebrush as well as other native vegetation.

Unfortunately, widespread population growth, long-term drought, intensive energy development, large-scale wildfires and disease pose threats to sage-grouse populations and habitat in some areas. To combat these threats, the Utah Division of Wildlife Resources (DWR) has completed numerous habitat restoration projects. The agency has also completed detailed management plans for both species and cooperates with local working groups to complete additional habitat projects.

Management plans

• Utah Greater Sage-grouse Management Plan 2009
• Gunnison Sage-grouse Rangewide Conservation Plan 2005

Local working groups

• A list of Utah's sage-grouse working groups

GIS data

• An index of the DWR's GIS data

Management guidelines

• Utah's plan for sage-grouse and development
• Guidelines to manage sage-grouse populations and their habitats
• Brief guidelines for maintaining and enhancing sage-grouse habitat on private lands in Utah

Other useful links

• DWR Utah Conservation Data Center
• SAGEMAP
• Sage-grouse Restoration Project