Access to federal sage-grouse workshop criticized

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — A meeting this week in Fort Collins about the greater sage grouse has drawn fire from several Western representatives who want to know why public attendance is limited while regulators focus on possible land use issues.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and U.S. Geological Survey are conducting a workshop Wednesday and Thursday to discuss scientific questions about bird populations. Interior Department officials said the panel includes government agencies, tribes, industry and local conservation organizations.

The department said people who were invited to attend were drafted with help from wildlife agencies so they could focus on scientific issues.

According to the Grand Junction Daily Sentinel, critics said scientists who favor federal limits are invited, while industries and other critics are being excluded.

Estimates on the number of sage grouse vary from 100,000 to 500,000, raising questions over the need for stricter limits on development.

Sage grouse are chicken-sized birds that live in sagebrush and grasslands. They are known for gathering in spring in breeding grounds called leks, where the males puff themselves out and dance for females searching for mates.

A listing would affect the way lands are managed in 11 states, including Nevada. In Colorado, state and local officials say it could hamstring the energy industry.