The "Sagebrush Sea" and the Sage-grouse
Overview
The Sagebrush Sea is a unique grassland ecosystem of the interior of the American West, occupied by the charismatic Sage-grouse. A species currently on decline due to industry development, agriculture and ranching, the US Department of Fish & Wildlife put the bird forward as a candidate for designation as an endangered species in 2015 under the Endangered Species Act. It was ultimately not listed, after a contentious vote by Congress. A land management plan was put forward to protect the sagebrush habitat which covers 11 US states. Legal battles to protect the sage grouse habitat continue.
In July 2018, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Trump administration
