Idaho Congressman Mike Simpson discussed the impact on Idaho of the recent sage-grouse decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service with Interior Assistant Secretary Tom Strickland.  Strickland testified today before the House Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee, of which Simpson is Ranking Republican Member, regarding the President’s FY 2011 budget request.

Earlier this month, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the greater sage-grouse is “warranted but precluded” from the protections afforded by the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  A “warranted but precluded” decision allows the Service to focus its resources on species in greater need of listing while continuing to partner with states and local governments to address the challenges facing the sage-grouse. 

“Assistant Secretary, I appreciate your efforts to keep me apprised of the Department’s decisions regarding sage-grouse.  As I’m sure you can imagine, my constituents, many of whom have seen the ESA used as a weapon to run them out of business, are concerned that this species could be listed under the Act,” said Simpson.  “Over the past fourteen years, the State of Idaho has led the way in developing a comprehensive plan for species and habitat preservation, working with land users to find collaborative solutions to address this problem.  I’m encouraged that this decision will allow the Service to continue working closely with states, private landowners, and other partners to prevent ever having to list the species.”

Assistant Secretary Strickland expressed his support for the Candidate Conservation Agreement with Assurances recently completed by the State of Idaho, which was the first such agreement for the species in the nation.  He said he is cautiously hopeful that with these types of cooperative agreements in place, there will not be a need to list the species.

“We know that the challenges facing the sage-grouse are complex,” said Simpson.  “As Assistant Strickland reiterated, if we handle this the right way, conservation can work hand in hand with a wide range of activities occurring right now on public lands in the West.  I have been pleased with the way land users in Idaho have voluntarily cooperated with the state and federal government on species conservation efforts.  These types of agreements are the best hope for real species recovery, and I am hopeful that the Department and the Service will stand by their decision if it is challenged in court.”