#StandWithGunny Resources
Background:
The Gunnison sage-grouse was designated as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act in 2014. Private landowners, county governments, local working groups, conservation organizations and others are all working together to address threats to Gunnison sage-grouse and reach a point where the species no longer needs the protection of the Endangered Species Act. Over half of the remaining occupied Gunnison sage-grouse habitat is on public land managed by the Bureau of Land Management and other federal agencies. The collaborative effort to save Gunnison sage-grouse has made substantial progress towards addressing a number of threats to the species. However, this effort will not succeed unless improved safeguards are put in place to protect Gunnison sage-grouse habitat and address threats to the species on public land.
The Gunnison sage-grouse occupies less than 10% of its historic range, with a total estimated population of fewer than 5,000 birds scattered across southwestern Colorado and Utah in seven populations (This estimate is from lek counts in 2014, preliminary results of lek counts in 2015 suggest the population may have increased somewhat). Only the largest of the seven populations, in the Gunnison Basin, is relatively stable and of sufficient size to persist in the absence of threats. The Gunnison Basin population contains more than 80% of all remaining individuals of the species. All six of the remaining populations are so small and isolated that they are at extreme risk of extirpation even in the absence of further threats (due to inbreeding depression and random demographic or environmental events). All seven populations continue to face threats that put them at risk over the long term.
In order to prevent the extinction of the Gunnison sage-grouse, biologists have determined that it is essential to maintain and increase the number of birds and the area of occupied habitat outside of the Gunnison Basin. The six small populations outside of the Gunnison Basin collectively make up a substantial pool of individuals to provide insurance against extinction in case of catastrophic unforeseen losses possible in the Gunnison Basin. They are also critical for maintaining the genetic diversity of the species.
The last remaining habitat for these small, vulnerable populations is not protected from oil and gas drilling, construction of powerlines and roads, and many other threats. The BLM is updating its land-use plans to include improved safeguards for Gunnison sage-grouse and is currently considering protecting the last remaining habitat occupied by two of these small populations (the San Miguel Basin and Dove Creek populations) by designating occupied habitat in the Dry Creek Basin and Northdale areas in southwest Colorado as Areas of Critical Environmental Concern (ACECs). Without improved safeguards for Gunnison sage-grouse on public lands, the Gunnison sage-grouse will continue to be at risk of extinction.
Talking Points:Reasons to Protect Gunnison Sage-Grouse:
To protect the web of life and all wildlife:
Gunnison sage-grouse are an important part of the web of life in southwest Colorado. When we protect habitat for Gunnison sage-grouse, we protect habitat for many other animals and plants, including elk, deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, songbirds, and rare wildflowers. We have a responsibility to leave the world a better place for future generations and that means being good stewards of the land and protecting habitat for all wildlife.
Continuing to destroy sagebrush habitat will not only push Gunnison sage-grouse over the brink of extinction, but also harm rare wildflowers, songbirds, elk, mule deer, pronghorn, bighorn sheep, and many other animals and plants that depend on this important wildlife habitat.
For our kids and future generations:
We have a responsibility to leave the world a better place for future generations and that means being good stewards of the land and protecting habitat for all wildlife, including Gunnison sage-grouse.
Future generations deserve a chance to enjoy watching Gunnison sage-grouse dance at sunrise.
Wildlife gets kids excited about the outdoors, and time spent outdoors watching wildlife, including the Gunnison sage-grouse, keeps our kids mentally and physically healthy.
I love watching Gunnison sage-grouse with my children, and I can only hope that they never have to tell their children about the good old days when Gunnison sage-grouse still danced in the spring. Instead, I hope they too, wake their children and slip out into the sagebrush with them to listen to the bubbling call of dancing sage-grouse at first light.
For our own benefit:
What benefits Gunnison sage-grouse benefits all of us. The bird’s decline and widespread loss of habitat are warning us that things are out of balance and that our western Colorado lands, clean air and water, and wildlife may be at risk. If everyone works together we can establish common sense safeguards that protect wildlife habitat and economic opportunities for us and for future generations.
By protecting Gunnison sage-grouse, we protect the land that all of us, from hikers and hunters to anglers and ranchers, value and enjoy.
Protecting Gunnison sage-grouse habitat benefits other wildlife. From bird watching to fishing, wildlife related recreation generates billions of dollars and supports millions of jobs.
Healthy sagebrush habitat supports local economies, wildlife, and $1 billion in outdoor recreation.
To work together to help people who have worked hard to protect Gunnison sage-grouse:
People from all walks of life have worked together and made an effort to do their part to contribute to conservation of Gunnison sage-grouse. We’ve made good progress and we have an opportunity now to make the remaining changes wildlife biologists agree are necessary so that Gunnison sage-grouse no longer need the protection of the Endangered Species Act.
Because we love our unique Colorado bird:
Gunnison sage-grouse is part of Colorado’s natural heritage and history. It would be a shame to let this unique bird that has shared southwestern Colorado with our ancestors for generations, disappear forever.
Gunnison sage-grouse are found nowhere else in the world. This unique bird is part of what makes Colorado special.
To prevent extinction because it's wrong to push animals and plants to extinction and for our own benefit:
We should all work together to protect Gunnison sage-grouse and all wildlife from extinction.
Worldwide, plants and animals are disappearing at an alarming rate, and the natural systems that all species, including humans depend on are at serious risk. In the United States alone, scientists estimate that more than 500 species have disappeared in the past 200 years. We owe it to future generations to protect our natural heritage by working together to protect and restore those species most at risk of extinction, including Gunnison sage-grouse.
It would be very sad if Gunnison sage-grouse disappeared forever.
We have a responsibility to provide a safety net for our nation’s wildlife, fish and plants on the brink of extinction, including Gunnison sage-grouse.
We must protect wildlife habitat and endangered species, so we can continue to live in a world where we can still see bald eagles, peregrine falcons, wolves, grizzly bears, wild salmon and Gunnison sage-grouse.