Sage Grouse Recommendations In Governor’s Hands

BOISE, Idaho (AP) - A 16-member task force appointed by Gov. C.L. "Butch" Otter to figure out a way to   dissuade the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service from listing sage grouse as an endangered species has submitted its recommendations to the governor.      The Sage Grouse Task Force on Friday recommended limiting transmission lines, wind and solar energy plants and creating new measures for ranchers. The task force also recommends splitting Idaho's sage grouse habitat into three zones. If Otter approves the document it will be sent to the U.S. Bureau of Land Management to be used when the agency develops its national plan to keep sage grouse from being listed. In 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined sage grouse deserved federal protection, but other species were higher priorities.