Washington, DC

The Biden administration announced that it will take another look at the greater sage grouse conservation plans and the process (started in the Obama administration but halted by the Trump administration) to withdraw 10 million acres of important grouse habitat from mineral location and entry.  

Statement by Vera Smith, Senior Federal Lands Policy Analyst: 

“We are heartened to see the Department of the Interior take steps to restore policies designed to conserve the sage grouse that were stripped away by the previous administration. We look forward to working with the Department to chart an effective course forward for the conservation and recovery of this iconic bird.” 

For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.  

 

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Washington, D.C.

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