New research shows that 86% of hens avoided nesting in sagebrush habitat invaded by conifers. Luckily, the studies also show that removing conifers in otherwise high-quality habitat is a boon to nesting sage grouse.

Both the Bi-State population of greater sage-grouse and agricultural ranchlands will benefit from a just-announced $8 million USDA investment in California and Nevada.

New research shows that removing conifers can restore habitat for at-risk grouse as well as improve water availability and forage production for livestock.

The latest research — published in this month’s special issue of SRM’s Rangeland Ecology & Management science journal — shows the benefits of removing conifers for grouse, wildlife, and people living in sagebrush and prairie ecosystems.

In Oregon’s largest county — where cattle outnumber people 14 to 1 — the local soil and water conservation district has a recipe for collaborative conservation that’s improving the odds for both sage grouse and ranchers.