Idaho Land Conservation Assistance Network

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).

More Information:

• Working Lands for Wildlife Greater Sage-grouse FAQs Including CCAA and SGI Comparison 
• Working Lands for Wildlife Implementation Process  
• Working Lands for Wildlife Predictability FAQs
• Sage-grouse Threats in Idaho 
• Idaho Priority Areas for Conservation for Sage-grouse
• National Sage-grouse Report 
• Sage-grouse Initiative Fact Sheet  
• Sage-grouse and Conference Report Fact Sheet  
• Interagency Funding Sources Tip Sheet 
• Sage-grouse Initiative Strategy for Idaho   

Ranking:

• EQIP Sage-grouse Ranking Sheet 

Documents:

• Conference Report for the NRCS Sage-grouse Initiative 
• Idaho Department of Fish and Game Idaho Sage-grouse Conservation Plan 2006
• Idaho Monitoring Methods and Protocols for Sage-grouse Initiative 
• Prescribed Grazing - Conservation Practice Job Sheet  Updated 2-7-14
• Prescribed Grazing - Habitat Improvement for Sage-grouse - Conservation Practice Specifications 
• Sage-grouse Threat Checklist 
• Species Habitat Evaluation for Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho 
• Sage-grouse Lek Survey Protocols for Idaho 
• Species Habitat Evaluation for Greater Sage-grouse in Idaho 
• Upland Wildlife Habitat Management - Habitat Improvement for Sage-grouse - Conservation Practice Specifications New!

Links:

• Sage Grouse Initiative - Wildlife Conservation Through Sustainable Agriculture

Idaho EQIP Sage-grouse Initiative Contacts

• Local
  • Please contact the District Conservationist in the USDA Service Center nearest the location of your property. 
• 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

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of IdahoLandCAN.
Sage-Grouse Initiative - Idaho is not employed by or affiliated with the Idaho Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

Listed in:

• USDA - NRCS Programs

Contact Sage-Grouse Initiative - Idaho

Ron Brooks
USDA-NRCS
9173 W Barnes Dr
Suite C
Boise, ID  83709-1574
Phone: (208) 378-5700
 Email Sage-Grouse Initiative - Idaho
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Service Area

Statewide service provider in:

• Idaho