An Associated Press story, “Forest Service to change sage grouse protections in 5 states,” quotes John Freemuth, Cecil D. Andrus Endowed Chair for Environment and Public Lands and university distinguished professor.
The Forest Service says the change will allow multiple uses in sage grouse habitat. Environmentalists say the change will turn too much control of public lands over to state and local governments that have been opposed to conservation.
Freemuth said that monitoring results will be key.
“It’s fine to revise the plans, but we need to have the scientists out there doing the research,” he said.
Read the complete story: https://idahonews.com/news/local/feds-to-change-protections-for-sage-grouse-in-idaho-four-other-states