State biologists from Colorado, North Dakota, Utah and Wyoming came together this week to issue recommendations that would urge the Bureau of Land Management to add further protections for the sage grouse.
According to studies by biologist David Naugle, the density and pace of coal-bed methane development is devastating sage grouse "over and above those of habitat loss caused by wildfire, sagebrush control, or conversion of sagebrush to pasture or cropland. Moreover, the extent of CBM development explained lek (breeding ground) inactivity better than power lines, pre-existing roads, or West Nile virus mortality."
Industry officials tried to discredit Naugle's peer-reviewed work, which was published in the Journal of Wildlife Management and the Journal of Avian Diseases, since it was first released last summer.
"Regardless of what the published theories are, the Wyoming Game and Fish database doesn't support the conclusion that drilling in the Powder River Basin is causing the bird's demise," said Casper geologist Gene George, a consultant to Yates Petroleum.
Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Terry Cleveland said his administration will study the report before deciding whether to back the recommendations, noting that all stakeholders are working together to help conserve sage grouse habitat, including a massive mapping effort to pinpoint critical habitat and active leks.
Destruction of N.J. bald eagle nest investigated
The
cutting down of a tall pine tree that was home to a bald eagle nest has
triggered a probe by New Jersey and federal wildlife officials, as well
as reward offers that reached $3,500 this week.
When the
tree was cut down two or three weeks ago in Millville, N.J., according
to the state Department of Environmental Protection, it destroyed the
car-sized nest where biologists said three baby eagles were born in
2006.
On Sunday, one officer reported seeing two bald eagles flying directly over the broken nest.
Biologists
say a family of bald eagles can use the same nesting site for several
decades. The pair using the Millville nest were tracked annually since
2001.
"I am outraged by this unconscionable act," DEP
Commissioner Lisa Jackson said. "Because of their special nesting
requirements, bald eagles seek out the few trees that tower above the
canopy. The cutting of this mighty tree is particularly significant
because there is no other like it in that area."
Federal
fish and wildlife authorities are offering a $2,500 reward for
information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the
destruction, and New Jersey Audubon posted a $1,000 reward.
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