Save the sage

[scolopaxmatt]

I thought I'd post some good news.  I was beginning to get a little snarky there.  Sorry all.  Rejoice.  The sage grouse is safe® for now.

 

http://www.fieldandstream.com/blogs/the-conservationist/sage-grouse-amendment-pulled-from-defense-bill?dom=fas&loc=contentwell&lnk=sage-grouse-amendment-pulled-from-defense-bill

[mike rossi]

Instead of listing the sage grouse under the endangered species act, the fish and wildlife service is using what is known as a "Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances". 

 

A listing under the ESA would have created hurdles for the energy industry operating on the western plains, and perhaps ranchers. 

 

The Candidate Conservation Agreement With Assurances also creates hurdles, but is preferred by industry because from a business perspective  it is believed that dealing with the known is cheaper than dealing with the unknown. The advantage to them is they know what the costs are so there is less uncertainty.

 

It does all that, while formalizing the work to be done in a conservation action with partners and binds them to the deal. That is much better than Congress's proposal to delay listing under the ESA for ten years.... 

 

Unless these corporate partners go out and beyond what is required, I wouldn't be impressed by any grandstanding done to bond with the hunting community, because eventually a court order would have been issued for compliance with the law. 

Edited June 24, 2015 by mike rossi