Wyoming

Management of greater sage-grouse populations continues to be a major issue for Wyoming and other western states. On June 2, 2011, Wyoming's Governor Matt Mead issued an Executive Order addressing "Greater Sage-Grouse Core Area Protection." In his Executive Order, Governor Mead adopted and updated the work and Executive Orders of his predecessor, former Governor Dave Freudenthal. Governor Mead recognized that on November 10, 2010, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service confirmed Wyoming's "Core Population Area" strategy as a long-term, science-based vision for the conservation of Greater Sage-Grouse. The Governor also recognized that several western states have either adopted or are considering adopting the Wyoming Core Area Strategy, thus making the concept consistent across the species range.

These efforts are critically important to the oil and gas industry in Wyoming, because as Governor Mead noted, the Greater Sage- Grouse is a "candidate" species for listing under the Endangered Species Act, and listing would have "significant adverse effect" on the Wyoming economy, including oil and gas development in the state.