SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Improved habitat management to protect sage-grouse will be the topic at a symposium hosted by the Nevada Section, Society for Range Management (NvSRM), Oct. 30-31, in Minden, Nev.
“We’re inviting everyone interested in what is being done to protect sage-grouse to attend,” said Chris Jasmine, NvSRM president.
The forum will showcase conservation efforts by landowners, stimulate discussion and exchange of information and technology, and create an opportunity to increase public awareness of the status of the sage-grouse. The Bi-State Local Area Working Group will present the 2012 Bi-State Action Plan and discuss the September 2013 listing deadline. Biologists from Nevada and California will present their research findings. Representatives from agriculture and conservation organizations, federal and state agencies, including the Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, Nevada Department of Wildlife, California Department of Fish and Game, US Geological Service and others will be on hand.
“You’ll be amazed at the proactive efforts ranchers and private landowners are making to keep the sage-grouse from being listed as an endangered species,” said Jasmine. “In the bi-state area alone, which is along the Nev./Calif. border, 86 separate habitat improvement projects that cover an area of 33,400 acres have been installed. Over 14,000 acres pinyon and juniper trees have been removed on invaded rangelands. Numerous miles of fence have been retrofitted with fence markers. Land exchanges and conservation easements have preserved over 18,000 acres just to protect the bird and its habitat for decades to come.”
The two-day symposium starts at 8:00 am at the Carson Valley Inn. Registration is $35.00 and includes refreshments. No advance registration is required.
The NvSRM Awards Banquet will be held on Oct. 31, for an additional cost of $30. Banquet reservations must be made by Oct. 15.
For more information, call Cub Wolfe at 775-465-9099 or e-mail [email protected].
