The greater sage-grouse inhabits sagebrush steppe throughout the Great Basin, from Washington to Southern Utah.  Available habitat has declined substantially and continues to be impacted by development, livestock grazing, energy development, and agriculture.  Sage-grouse depend almost entirely on sagebrush habitat for food and cover.  

Sage-grouse are well camouflaged and tend to be solitary, except in the spring when they congregate for an elaborate breeding display.  Those people lucky enough to witness this beautiful and somewhat comical display will understand why this charismatic resident of sagebrush lands needs to be protected.  The male sage grouse gather at breeding grounds, called leks, where they strut about, fanning their long, spiked tails, puffing up their breasts, and making clucking sounds.  Females choose the most attractive males to mate with, and then go off to nest and raise their young on their own.

After three separate petitions to list the sage-grouse as threatened or endangered, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service found that the species is warranted for listing, but precluded at this time because of other species the agency needs to list first.  In the meantime, sage-grouse populations continue to decline.  In Oregon, impacts from development, off-road vehicle use, cattle grazing, renewable energy projects, and associated transmission disturb lek sites and contribute to habitat fragmentation and species decline.

ONDA will continue to work with federal and state agencies, energy developers, landowners, and other stakeholders to find a sustainable future for sage grouse.