Gordon praises updates to BLM sage-grouse management plan

CHEYENNE (WNE) — Gov. Mark Gordon said Wednesday he is pleased with the significant changes announced by the U.S. Department of Interior, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) to the proposed Resource Management Plan Amendment for Greater Sage-Grouse Rangewide Planning.

The document outlining changes to both adaptive management and the elimination of priority habitat management areas with limited exceptions corresponds to concerns raised by the governor in his consistency review and are reflective of the authority the state of Wyoming has over management sage-grouse, a news release from the governor’s office said.

“Finally, the current version of the Greater Sage-Grouse Plan recognizes Wyoming’s leadership in both protecting the bird and providing for common sense development. Wyoming is home to more sage-grouse than any other state, we have decades of experience and a proven track record of successfully managing the bird. Our state plan through the Sage-Grouse Executive Order is sound, and has been for over 16 years,” Gordon said in the release. “In addition, the amendment reverses the Biden policies that attempted to encroach on states’ rights to manage wildlife within their borders. We are grateful to the Trump administration for recognizing the meaningful work of the states.”

Wyoming Game and Fish Department Director Angi Bruce echoed the governor, stating in the release: “After nearly four years of active engagement with the BLM, it is rewarding to see the plan land in a place that uses the best science available, state expertise and our existing state processes. This collaboration is a representation of our commitment to maintaining a healthy sage-grouse population.”

BLM has opened a 30-day public comment period on the significant changes that closes on Oct. 2.

This story was published on Sept. 4, 2025.