RBC I The Associated Governments of Northwest Colorado (AGNC) issued a statement late last week on behalf of its member governments concerning the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) recent decision to list the Gunnison Sage Grouse as “threatened” under the Endangered Species Act.
The statement: “We are deeply disappointed that the USFWS disregarded the productive efforts of local communities and stakeholders, and instead saw fit to federally list the Gunnison Sage Grouse. We hope that this heavy-handed approach—which ignores local efforts, jeopardizes both the bird’s longevity and regional economic development, and strains relations between local governments and federal agencies—will not be duplicated in regard to the Greater Sage Grouse.
“We trust that wiser heads will prevail and that the work done on the ground and the interests of northwest Colorado, will not be so casually disregarded by the USFWS. Our commitment and approach to providing local solutions for protecting the Greater Sage Grouse in a way that will not cripple our economy, should serve as a national model for balanced and effective conservation; not discarded to placate hyper-litigious special interests.”
For more information, please contact AGNC Executive Director Scott McInnis at 970-285-7630.
