Governor Asks Public Input on Sage Grouse Plan

(BOISE, ID)  —   Gov. Butch Otter is asking for the public’s input on a plan to keep the federal government from listing sage grouse under the Endangered Species Act. Otter will be taking public comments until July 13 on a proposal to limit transmission lines, solar and wind power, and open grazing in sage grouse habitat. Federal officials ruled that sage grouse deserved protection two years ago, but other species were higher priorities. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has until 2015 to make a decision.