NRCS developed the Sage-grouse Initiative to help private landowners voluntarily conserve sage-grouse populations and habitat on their working lands. In Idaho, NRCS identified potential threats to sage-grouse and their habitat and determined specific conservation practices to reduce those threats. Technical and financial assistance through EQIP and WHIP is available for implementing the specific practices.
The ultimate goal of the Initiative is to help ensure sustainable use of good sagebrush habitat by both ranchers and wildlife such as the sage-grouse.
To alleviate threats that are within the control of the rancher, NRCS Idaho will be working with private landowners to implement these practices:
- Removing fences, installing perch deterrents, or marking fences to make them more visible - NRCS Practices - Obstruction Removal (500), Fish & Wildlife Structure (734), Biology Tech Note 3.
- Grazing strategies that sustain range conditions and increased residual cover for nesting - NRCS Practices - Upland Wildlife Habitat (645), Prescribed Grazing (528), Fence (382), and Watering Facility (614).
- Management strategies that treat noxious weeds/invasive species - NRCS Practice - Herbaceous Weed Control (315).
- Increasing native plant species diversity, removing encroaching juniper, reducing wildfire risk - NRCS Practices - Brush Management (314), Riparian Herbaceous Cover (390), Prescribed Grazing (528), Range Planting (550), Restoration and Management of Rare and Declining Habitat (643), Firebreak (394), and Critical Area Planting (342).
- Installing wildlife escape ramps into existing stock water tanks - NRCS Practice - Fish & Wildlife Structure (734).
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Idaho EQIP Sage-grouse Initiative Contacts
- Local
- Idaho EQIP Sage-grouse Initiative Program:
- Technical Information: Trisha Cracroft, Idaho State Biologist, 208-378-5725, Trisha.Cracroft@id.usda.gov
- Program Information: Ron Brooks: 208-378-5724, Ron.Brooks@id.usda.gov
Contact Sage-Grouse Initiative - Idaho
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Contact Sage-Grouse Initiative - Idaho
Ron Brooks
USDA-NRCS
9173 W Barnes Dr
Suite C
Boise, ID 83709-1574
Phone: (208) 378-5700
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