National BLM > OR/WA > Energy > Wind Energy Development Challenges & Opportunities Map

Sagebrush Ecosystem

Final EIS

The Oregon Sub-regional Greater Sage-Grouse (GRSG) Proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment (Proposed RMPA) and Final Environmental Impact Statement (FEIS), is one of fifteen sub-regional efforts being conducted as part of the BLM National Greater-Sage Grouse Planning Strategy. The BLM prepared the Proposed RMPA and FEIS in consultation with cooperating agencies, taking into account public comments received during this planning effort. The purpose of the Proposed RMPA is to amend eight eastern Oregon Resource Management Plans (Andrews, Baker, Brothers LaPine, Lakeview, Southeastern Oregon, Steens, Three Rivers, and Upper Deschutes) to identify and incorporate appropriate conservation measures to conserve, enhance, and/or restore GRSG habitat by reducing, eliminating, or minimizing threats to that habitat.

Historic Conservation Campaign Protects Greater Sage-Grouse (PDF)
Record of Decision (PDF)
Oregon Sage-grouse Approved RMP Amendment (PDF)
Sage-grouse ARMPA Appendix H - Fire and Invasive Species Assessment (PDF)
FEIS Errata Sheet (PDF)
Oregon Sage Grouse News Release (PDF)
Oregon Sage Grouse Fact Sheet (PDF)
Final EIS
BLM National Sage Grouse Site
Final GIS Data

Sagebrush Ecosystem

The sagebrush ecosystem is home to unique plant and wildlife species, and is very important to the overall ecological health of eastern Oregon. Many birds and mammals depend on sagebrush ecosystems in the western United States for survival. In the last century, drastic changes caused by livestock grazing, conversion of lands to agriculture, the introduction of exotic plant species, and fire have resulted in alteration and fragmentation of sagebrush vegetative communities throughout the Intermountain West. The loss of sagebrush ecosystems are negatively affecting many of the more than 350 species of plants and animals that depend on sagebrush ecosystems for all or part of their existence including Greater Sage-Grouse as well as Pygmy Rabbit, Mule Deer, and Golden Eagles. Other examples of sagebrush dependent species include sage sparrow, ferruginous hawks, Brewer's sparrow, sage thrasher, sagebrush vole, and many botanical species.

BLM and Sage-Grouse Conservation

In response to requests from state and local governments to facilitate ways to conserve Greater Sage-Grouse and protect its habitat, BLM scientists and managers met with state wildlife management officials July 16, 2011 to brief them on the agency’s National Greater Sage-Grouse Planning Strategy. The meeting took place at the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies. The BLM strategy emphasizes a cooperative approach and provides a framework to advance efforts to implement timely conservation measures for sage-grouse and its habitat.