The Trump Administration plans to change how an iconic western species is managed. The new approach comes after Republican governors lobbied for a review of a plan to protect the greater sage grouse.
Interior Sec. Ryan Zinke says the changes will give states more control over the bird's management. During his June visit to Boise, the Trump cabinet member indicated this change was coming.
“The commitment is to work with the states and give some latitude in how they build their plan and then manage by numbers," he said. "Which is important. I think that will tell you whether a population is healthy or not.”
Under the Obama Administration, management of the bird focused on a more federalized approach to first recover their 11-state habitat, arguing that species numbers would rebound once land uses like grazing and energy production are minimized.
But some GOP governors – including Idaho Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter –disagreed with that strategy. The new Trump Administration plan also leaves room for energy production, which has riled the Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental advocacy groups.
Read the Interior Department report here, or scroll below.
Find reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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