US rejects protections for greater sage grouse across West

Townhall ^ | Sep 22, 2015 | Gruver

[george76]

The Interior Department said Tuesday that the greater sage grouse, a ground-dwelling bird whose vast range spans 11 Western states, does not need federal protections

...

The fight over whether to list the bird as endangered or threatened recalled the battle over the spotted owl 25 years ago, where federal protection greatly impeded the logging economy.

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could help defuse a potential political liability for Democrats heading into the 2016 election;

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House Natural Resources Committee Chairman Rob Bishop said Tuesday's announcement was a "cynical ploy" intended to mask the fact that the Obama administration has imposed limits on development across the West. Bishop was referring to changes in government policies guiding lands controlled by the U.S. Forest Service and Interior's Bureau of Land Management.

"Do not be fooled," the Utah Republican said in a statement. "With the stroke of a pen, the Obama administration's oppressive land management plan is the same thing as a listing" under the Endangered Species Act.

[eartrumpet]

I was sage grouse hunting today. The season lasts a week, limit 1 a day. Seven flew up 200 yards ahead of me and 4 more flew from a quarter mile. Last week I could walk up and almost pet the things, somebody must have told them this week they need to scurry.

[Read Write Repeat]

I love Nevada. So glad we’re taking this state back! :)

[Flycatcher]

Yep, Nevada is a beautiful state. My favorite.

_{And I live in Arizona, but don't tell anyone... Haha!}