Despite the landmark decision not to list the greater sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act (ESA) last year, there are still lingering questions for many people around the west. A big one? Whether the ESA itself should be reformed.
Governor C.L. "Butch" Otter is leading a meeting with the Western Governors' Association in Boise. According to a press release, the nonpartisan group wants states to share ideas about species management. The association is also looking at ways to “improve efficiency of the Endangered Species Act.”
Idaho filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service after the sage grouse decision in September. The suit claims federal leaders were deceptive in creating the land use plans that were approved the same day as the decision.
It’s not clear yet what recommendations western leaders will make after the workshop, but the issue of species protection in the sagebrush steppe will be a focus.
Follow reporter Frankie Barnhill on Twitter @FABarnhill
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