BLM hearings in Utah concerning Sage Grouse management get underway on Tuesday and Basin leaders are urging locals to attend and show support for state management of Sage Grouse. While Sage Grouse are not listed as an endangered species, they are considered threatened and in response Utah has made a significant on-the-ground investment that is working for the Sage Grouse population. In written testimony to Congress last month, Governor Gary Herbert emphasized that federal BLM restrictions missed the mark badly in Utah and actually threaten the programs that are already working for Sage Grouse populations implemented by the state. Tuesday’s meeting is being held in Vernal and opposition of state management is anticipated from the activist community prompting leaders to urge locals to attend in support of the state management plans. “I would encourage anybody that uses the public lands and private lands where the Sage Grouse have an impact on to attend this meeting,” shares Senator Kevin Van Tassell. “We’ve done enough work for our state plan to be successful. We know how to manage the land and we have the science to back up what we are doing. Come support the state plan so we don’t get overly burdensome projects on our land that won’t even help the birds.” Those that could be impacted by federal management include hunters, cattlemen, grazers, ATV and recreational vehicle enthusiasts, the mineral extraction industry, and even private landowners. All are urged to attend the BLM hearing on Tuesday, November 14th, at the Western Park in Vernal from 5 to 7pm.
