"The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced its plans to withdraw a proposed rule on Tuesday that would have otherwise granted protections under the Endangered Species Act to sage-grouse populations in California and Nevada.
The much fought-over species has been at the center of Western land conservation agreements for years, as the loss of its habitat has shrunk its populations. Fish and Wildlife hailed the decision as evidence of successful conservation, while environmental groups argued voluntary efforts were insufficient without the legal muscle of a listing.
The decision impacts what are known as the bi-state greater sage-grouse, which include 3,305 birds in six populations spread over 4.5 million acres of high desert along the California-Nevada border."
Mark Olalde reports for the Palm Springs Desert Sun March 30, 2020.