Draft Economic Analysis on Proposals to Protect the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of Greater-Sage Grouse

RENO, Nev. — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced the availability of the draft economic analysis (DEA) associated with proposals to protect the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of greater sage-grouse along the California-Nevada border under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The Service also announced a 30-day extension of the public comment period on the proposed critical habitat for the species. The Notice of Availability is scheduled for publication in the Federal Register on Tuesday, June 3, 2014.

The Service is required to consider the economic impact that may result from a designation of critical habitat. To assess the probable economic impacts of a designation, the agency must first evaluate specific land uses or activities and projects that may occur in the area of the critical habitat. The probable economic impact of a proposed critical habitat designation is analyzed by comparing scenarios “with critical habitat” and “without critical habitat.”

On April 8, 2014, the Service announced a 60-day extension of the comment period on the proposals, which include listing the bird as a threatened species, designating approximately 1.86 million acres of critical habitat for the species, and a special rule that would provide increased flexibility for land management practices that are intended to benefit the sage-grouse. The comment period on the proposed listing closes on June 9, 2014. However, the comment periods on the proposed critical habitat and the DEA close on July 3, 2014.

The final determination of whether or not to list the Bi-State DPS of greater sage-grouse as a threatened species will be published on or before April 28, 2015.

See full article here: http://www.fws.gov/nevada/highlights/news_releases/2014/nr-bsgsg-noa-dea-final6-02-14.pdf