A management program conceived and implemented by
JOHNSON COUNTY LANDOWNERS
LAKE DESMET CONSERVATION DISTRICT
NATURAL RESOURCES CONSERVATION SERVICE
Sage Grouse
The
Enhancement and Restoration
of
HABITAT
In Johnson County, Wyoming
This publication outlines the steps taken
to formulate and implement a
conservation planning effort utilizing
Best Management Practices (BMPs)
through a partnership comprised of
Johnson County Landowners,
Lake DeSmet Conservation Service
and Natural Resources Conservation Service.
The success of this program is
based on the premise that
“What is good for wildlife habitat is good for agriculture.”
Photos Courtesy of:
Natural Resources Conservation Service
Lake DeSmet Conservation District
Tom Maechtle, Wildlife Biologist
Buffalo Data Services
Wyoming Game & Fish Department
Text Author: Sue C. Myers
Published by Clear Creek Printers
January 2008
RESOURCES
Professional:
Landowners:
Phil Gonzales, NRCS District Conservationist
Tom Lohse
Nikki Lohse, LDCD Manager
Dave Fraley
Jerry Gladson, Certified Technical Service Provider
Bob Ruby
Tom Maechtle, Wildlife Biologist
Wayne Nelson
Bert Jellison, Wyoming Game & Fish Habitat Biologist
John Christian
Dan Thiele, Wyoming Game & Fish Wildlife Biologist
Ryan Fieldgrove
Gary Packard
Bernard Betz
Larry Vignaroli
World Wide Web:
http://www.fws.gov/mountain-prairie/species/birds/sagegrouse/
While others have been conducting studies,
holding public meetings, publishing news stories and/or
lamenting about the declining number of sage grouse in
Wyoming, concerned conservationists and landowners in
northern Wyoming have already taken steps to protect
and enhance the habitat of these high profile native game
birds.
The thinly-veiled threat that sage grouse may be
added to the federal “endangered species” list, was enough
for area ranchers to sit up and take notice. They knew that
if the sage grouse was listed, it would affect their entire
livestock and ranching operations. As one rancher com-
mented, “We would rather do something ourselves to pro-
vide a