Gunnison Sage Grouse

The Gunnison Sage Grouse (centrocercus minimus) is a species of grouse whose primary remaining habitat is the Gunnison Basin. Extirpated from historic habitat in several states, including Arizona, New Mexico, Oklahoma and most of Utah, the population has been declining since the 1950s. About two-thirds of its habitat is on public land, most of which is managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

In 1995, Bureau of Land Management, US Forest Service, Colorado Division of Wildlife, Gunnison County, Gunnison County Stockgrowers, High Country Citizens’ Alliance, Black Canyon Audubon, biologists and other individuals began meeting to consider what could be done to reverse the unique bird’s decline. The group of over 20 people spent long hours together identifying potential causes. After identifying over 40 of these, the group created a Conservation Plan to inspire voluntary management actions which, participants hoped, would help restore the population. The more than 200 actions are based on restoring habitat quality, reducing habitat loss and fragmentation and preventing physical disturbance of the birds. The local group’s actions have far-reaching significance for the survival of the species.

With the Gunnison Sage Grouse Conservation Plan in place since 1997, many dedicated people have interpreted and acted on the recommendations in the Plan. Some of the plan has been implemented, while some efforts need to be increased, as the group continually evaluates itself and its achievements. Despite these efforts, the Gunnison Sage Grouse population has continued to decline, which shows that it is not easy to bring an imperiled species back to health.

Habitat

Gunnison sage-grouse require a variety of habitats such as large expanses of sagebrush with a diversity of grasses and forbs and healthy wetland and riparian ecosystems. It requires sagebrush for cover and fall and winter food.

Road and Trail Closures

Why are some of our public lands closed in the spring? The short answer is that the Gunnison Grouse does not like people, and any infringement on their habitat could further endanger the existence of this gentle creature on the planet.
Also, local conservationists have determined that giving these little guys some space is the best practice for protection.
Road and trail closures are temporary, until mid-May. So please do the birds a favor and follow the Gunnison Bureau of Land Management’s guidelines.

Links

All you need to know about the Gunnison Sage Grouse
HCCA, A local Conservation Group
Sisk-a-dee, A conservation group dedicated to preserving the Gunnison Grouse
USFWS, Sage Grouse Page