Governor Mead Ready to Argue Sage-Grouse in Court [AUDIO]

Wyoming will be allowed to present its case for keeping the greater sage-grouse off the endangered species list to a judge in Idaho. Judge Lynn Windmill granted Wyoming's motion to intervene in litigation to defend the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision that listing sage-grouse is warranted but precluded by other priorities.

Governor Matt Mead says he's worked hard to maintain a state-based solution for protecting sage-grouse habitat. An Executive Order from the Governor set forth a Sage-Grouse Core Area Protection Strategy. Mead has noted listing the sage-grouse would have very serious implications for Wyoming’s economy and says he is pleased Wyoming motion to intervene was granted.

No state has come close to what Wyoming has done regarding the protection of sage-grouse. Wyoming has more experience and more at stake than any other state  so it is appropriate that Judge Winmill has let us into that lawsuit. We're very eager to present the Wyoming case for his consideration.
-Governor Matt Mead

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service says sage-grouse are found at elevations of 4,000 to 9,000 feet and rely on sagebrush for shelter and food. They currently occupy approximately 56 percent of their historical range.