BLM may burn grass to save birds’ habitat

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – Public lands managers are considering fire as a way to preserve habitat for sage grouse, a species of desert bird that has teetered on the edge of the endangered species list.

Much of the sagebrush habitat in the Bureau of Land Management’s Upper Snake River District, which encompasses 23 counties, has been invaded by non-native cheatgrass.

Fire could be a valuable tool in restoring the sagebrush ecosystem that grouse call home, said Eric Limbach, BLM project manager.

“Species like the sage grouse need the sagebrush to survive,” he said.

To restore the sage brush ecosystem for sage grouse and other species, the BLM proposes a four-step process.

Prescribed burns come first. When the cheatgrass is dry, as it is in the late summer or early fall, the BLM would conduct a controlled burn on the grasses. In the spring, an herbicide would be applied to prevent new cheatgrass growth. After that, the area would be seeded with native grasses.

Finally, sage brush seeds would be distributed by aerial application.

“It takes a real aggressive approach,” Limbach said.

The BLM created this preferred plan after public feedback indicated a high level of concern for sage grouse habitat, Limbach said Thursday.

Sagebrush is the woody green brush that grows in cold desert climate, from foot-tall plants to bushes taller than a person.

Cheatgrass is a golden to bone-colored tall grass that grows quickly over burned sagebrush land, often pushing out the sage. Cheatgrass has little nutrition value for birds and mammals that graze in sagebrush country.

The BLM is also considering three other management options, including a plan that would do nothing. Public comments are being taken by the agency through Feb. 10.