Addition of the Bi-State DPS of the Greater Sage-Grouse to the California-BLM Sensitive Species List

March 16, 2012

In Reply Refer To: 
6840 (CA930)P

EMS TRANSMISSION: 3/16/12  
Instruction Memorandum No. CA-2012-009
Expires: 9/30/13

To:             All BLM CA District and Field Office Managers

From:        State Director
 
Subject:     Addition of the Bi-State DPS of the Greater Sage-Grouse to the California-BLM
                  Sensitive Species List

The California-BLM Sensitive Species list is hereby updated to include the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of the Greater Sage-Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus).

In their March 23, 2010, 12-Month Finding for Petitions to List the Greater Sage-Grouse as Threatened or Endangered (FR 75: 13910-14014), the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service concluded that the Bi-State population of the Greater Sage-Grouse qualifies as a distinct population segment, a discrete listing entity pursuant to the Endangered Species Act (ESA).  Listing of the Bi-State DPS of the Greater Sage-Grouse under the ESA was found to be warranted, but precluded by higher priority listing actions.

Effective immediately, the Bi-State DPS of the Greater Sage-Grouse shall be managed as a distinct Bureau Sensitive Species entity on public lands administered by the Bishop and Ridgecrest field offices in California pursuant to BLM Manual 6840.  Consistent with policy articulated under Manual Section 6840.6, discretionary actions authorized by the affected field offices shall further the conservation of the Bi-State DPS.  Furthermore, the Bi-State DPS will be managed consistent with species and habitat management objectives in the affected land use plans and associated implementation plans, including conservation plans developed specifically for the Bi-State DPS of the Greater Sage-Grouse, to promote conservation of the DPS and to minimize the likelihood and need for listing the DPS under the ESA.

Questions regarding California-BLM’s sensitive species program may be directed to Amy Fesnock, Endangered Species Coordinator, at (916) 978-4646.
 

Signed by:                                    
Angie Lara                                    
Associate State Director                      

Authenticated by:   
Richard A. Erickson     
Records Management