Denver, CO - Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet issued the following statement today, two years since historic efforts began to protect the Greater Sage-grouse:
"Today marks two years since the decision to keep the Greater Sage-grouse off the endangered species list," Bennet said. "The existing sage grouse conservation plans-informed by science and developed through years of cooperation, consultation, and local input-provide a model for efforts to conserve threatened wildlife in the West. Despite this historic effort, the current administration continues to take steps and propose changes that would undermine the integrity of the plans and threaten the sage grouse. The administration should not waste the years of hard work from local governments, state wildlife agencies, governors, ranchers, conservationists, and sportsmen. Instead, they need to work with westerners who want to continue this type of collaboration, and for the conservation plans to stay intact, so the sage-brush ecosystem is conserved and the Greater Sage-grouse avoids an endangered species listing."
In June, Bennet warned Interior Secretary Zinke of creating uncertainty for Western communities by reviewing sage grouse conservation plans. In May, Bennet sent a letter to Secretary Zinke pressing him to respect local input, recognize years-long collaborative efforts, and effectively implement the conservation plans to prevent an Endangered Species Act listing for the Greater Sage-grouse.