Funding available for sage-grouse restoration projects

As part of the State of Idaho’s commitment to conserving sage-grouse and implementing habitat actions identified in the State sage-grouse conservation strategy, more than $300,000 will be distributed to groups and individuals for projects to improve habitat for the species on State and private lands in Idaho.

The Governor’s Office of Species Conservation now is accepting applications for the grant money. Applications are due no later than June 30, 2017. Information about the history, review process for applications, and how to apply for funding is available online at:https://species.idaho.gov/list/sagegrouse.html

Examples of the types of projects covered by the funds include:

·         Juniper removal

·         Exotic annual grass treatment

·         Fuel reduction projects

·         Fuel breaks

·         Offsite water development

·         Wet meadow restoration

·         Other types of sage-grouse habitat restoration and enhancements 

Greater consideration will be given to on-the-ground project proposals that benefit large landscapes and important sage grouse habitat as well as proposals that require matching funds from other sources.

There is $300,000 available for fiscal year 2018, which begins July 1, 2017, and funds are still available from the current budget year. All funding proposals will be evaluated by the Idaho Sage-grouse Action Team.

Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter acknowledged the Idaho Legislature’s approval this session of an increase in funding for the State’s program for protecting sage-grouse, maintaining working landscapes and preventing a future listing of the species under the federal Endangered Species Act.