Idaho Land Conservation Assistance Network

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) launched the Sage Grouse Initiative in 2010, applying the power of the Farm Bill to target lands where habitats are intact and sage grouse numbers are highest. The Initiative covers 56 million acres across 11 western states. While private lands are the primary focus, the Initiative serves as a catalyst for public land enhancements. Today, the Initiative belongs to the many partners shaping history.

The speed of success matches the scale: 700+ ranchers enrolled; investments of $145 million generate $70 million in matching contributions; conservation easements reduce sodbusting and subdivision threat on 240,000+ acres; new grazing systems increase hiding cover for nesting birds on 2+ million acres; removal of invading conifers restores historic sagebrush on 200,000 acres, and marking or removing 500+ miles of high-­risk fences prevent bird collisions.
 

Our Tracking Success report features the top reasons the paradigm works, with conservation practices that illustrate each concept: Shared Vision, Strategic, Accountability, Leverage, Certainty, and Trust and Credibility.