Most sections listed below are PDF files and require Adobe Acrobat Viewer (version 5.0 or above) to view or print. File size is listed in brackets.

Conservation Plan for the
Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho

Final, July 2006

The purpose of this web page is to present the 2006 Conservation Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho.

In 1997, the Idaho Fish and Game Commission approved the first statewide sage-grouse management plan. The 1997 plan divided the state into management areas and encouraged local groups (LWGs) to begin developing local solutions to sage-grouse needs. There are currently seven active Local Working Groups and several others beginning their work in Idaho.

This 2006 Conservation Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho replaces the 1997 plan and incorporates significant new information and data and includes completed Local Working Group Plans.

If you have questions, or would like a CD containing the entire plan, please contact the IDFG Wildlife Bureau at (208) 334-2920.

The entire plan is available for viewing and download or individual chapters and appendices may be viewed and/or downloaded by clicking on the appropriate link in the outline below.

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• Conservation Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho  [PDF, 11.7 MB] - Entire plan
  (NOTE: Approximate download time on a 56K modem, 30 minutes)

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• Prefaces: Includes the following: Executive Summary, Table of contents, Acknowledgements, Acronyms, Endorsements of Conservation Plan for the Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho, Memorandum of Understanding  [PDF, 375 KB]

• Chapter 1: Introduction and Plan Overview  [PDF, 1.74 MB]
  Chapter 1 provides an overview of the rangewide and statewide context within which this Plan was developed. The goals and purposes of the Plan are presented and the conservation objectives are identified. This chapter also includes a summary of the processes that led to the development of this Plan as well as the ongoing development of Local Working Group (LWG) plans. Most importantly, Chapter 1 identifies how this Plan is intended to be used by new and existing LWGs as well as in areas where no LWGs currently exist. Chapter 1 also speaks to the relationship between existing LWG plans and this Plan. Finally, the Western Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies (WAFWA) sage-grouse habitat management guidelines, and their use in the context of this Plan are briefly discussed in Chapter 1.
• Chapter 2: Sage-grouse and Sagebrush Ecology  [PDF, 325 KB]
  Chapter 2 provides a summary discussion of sage-grouse and sagebrush ecology. A basic understanding of both sage-grouse and sagebrush ecology are important components of planning for, designing, and implementing effective sage-grouse conservation plans and projects. Those who wish to access additional information about sage-grouse and/or sagebrush ecology are directed in this chapter to other valuable informational sources.
• Chapter 3: Status of Sage-grouse Populations and Habitat in Idaho  [PDF, 2.8 MB]
  Chapter 3 presents an overview of the status (at the time this Plan was completed) of sage-grouse habitat and populations in Idaho. This information is presented in this chapter at the mid-scale, Sage-grouse Planning Area (SGPA) level. Information included in this chapter includes a summary of land ownership, SGPA maps, SGPA population data and trends, and fragmentation analysis.
• Chapter 4: Threats and Conservation Measures  [PDF, 3.6 MB]
  Chapter 4 consists of descriptions of 19 threats to sage-grouse and sage-grouse habitat, and provides a toolbox of conservation measures to address each of those threats.
• Chapter 5: Research, Monitoring and Evaluation  [PDF, 450 KB]
  Chapter 5 includes a discussion of research, monitoring and evaluation needs and recommendations. This chapter includes recommendations and methodologies for sage-grouse population monitoring and for habitat evaluation and monitoring. An overview of needed research and monitoring activities is also included. A discussion of adaptive management concludes this chapter.
• Chapter 6: Implementation Milestones  [PDF, 192 KB]
  Chapter 6 outlines the current implementation schedule for this Plan, that summarizes certain important tasks and target completion dates.
• * New * : Chapter 6 – Revised October 2009  [PDF, 284 KB]
• Literature Cited  [PDF, 413 KB]

Appendices

• Appendix A - Definition of Terms  [PDF, 131 KB]
• Appendix B - Summary of Sage-grouse Petitions Submitted to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service  [PDF, 171 KB]
• Appendix C - USFWS January 2005 Findings   [PDF, 603 KB]
• Appendix D - Guidelines to Manage Sage-grouse Population and Their Habitats   [PDF, 355 KB]
• Appendix E - Executive Summary Threat Prioritization and Extirpation Risk Idaho Sage-Grouse Science Panel   [PDF, 724 KB]
• Appendix F - Key Contacts   [PDF, 149 KB]
• Appendix G - Ranking Criteria for Idaho Sage-grouse Grants   [PDF, 106 KB]
• Appendix H - Monitoring of Greater Sage-grouse Habitats and Populations   [PDF, 3.81 MB]
• Appendix I - Lek Forms   [PDF, 227 KB]
• Appendix J - Completed Local Working Group Sage-Grouse Conservation Plans
• * New * : Big Desert Local Working Group Sage-grouse Conservation Plan - Now available for public review. Comment submission specifics including deadline are included with the document. [PDF, 2.9 MB]
• Appendix K - County / IDFG Memorandum of Understanding Template   [PDF, 139 KB]