The Montana Sagebrush Initiative and other related FWP habitat programs

Background Nationally, sage grouse have declined in abundance and distribution. Habitat loss is considered to be the primary reason. How does Montana compare?

Montana? Some loss of range, especially in peripheral habitats. Retains large tracts of native sagebrush grasslands (rangeland) that support sustainable sage grouse populations. Generally, habitats are intact and productive (good understory). Sage grouse habitat is a mixed ownership.

Who owns the sagebrush? Land Steward Native American Federal Private State 64% 3% 5% 28% 0% (Broad Scale Vegetation Map)

Goal Statement from Final Draft Plan “ P rovide for the long-term conservation and enhancement of the sagebrush steppe/mixed-grass prairie complex within Montana in a manner that supports sage grouse, a healthy diversity and abundance of wildlife species, and human uses.”

Guiding Principle #4 “ T his plan is not intended to exclude any uses or activities or infringe on legally defined private property rights; rather, it serves to provide solutions to problems and address issues that negatively affect sage grouse and degrade sagebrush community health.”

S tate and federal lands have some protections in policy and environmental review. P rivately-owned sagebrush grasslands provide important habitat…

Private land? We need an incentive-based approach for conserving privately-owned sagebrush habitats. Large scale Stream-lined Landowner-friendly Partnership effort (state and federal$) Term agreement Basic habitat elements are conserved

Montana Sagebrush Initiative

What is it? Voluntary sagebrush lease agreement program (private land). Protect sagebrush-grasslands from: Herbicides Prescribed fire Plowing Sagebrush manipulation activities One-time payment of $12/acre ($7680/square mile) 30-year term recorded agreement No grazing restrictions

Shared cost 50% Federal Landowner Incentive Program (LIP) 50% Sportsman dollars via Upland Game Bird Hunting Licenses Implement through Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program (UGBHEP) Reasonable upland game bird hunting access during term of agreement

Areas of Focus 2-mile radius of Leks Documented wintering areas Highest Priority Areas based on Core and Peripheral habitats High sage grouse densities Less than 61% federal land Less than 35% cropped

Benefits? Incentive-based approach Proactive approach – maintaining effective habitat is better than restoring lost habitats Landscape scale – Phase 1 = 217,000 acres Provides some assurance that privately-owned habitats continue to be conserved Many sagebrush-associated species benefit

Sagebrush Obligate and Associated Species: Greater Sage Grouse, Sage Thrasher, Brewer ’ s Sparrow, Sage Sparrow, Sagebrush Lizard, Pygmy Rabbit, Sagebrush Vole, Loggerhead Shrike, Ferruginous Hawk, Prairie Falcon, Burrowing Owl, Common Poor Will, Gray Flycatcher, Says Phoebe, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Green- tailed Towhee,Vesper Sparrow, Lark Sparrow,Lark Bunting,Western Meadowlark, Preble ’ s Shrew, Dwarf Shrew, Merriam ’ s Shrew, Yuma Myotis, Long-eared Myotis, Fringed Myotis, Long-legged Myotis, Western Small-footed Myotis, Spotted Bat, Townsend ’ s Big-eared Bat, Pallid Bat, Desert Cottontail, White-tailed Jackrabbit, Black-tailed Jackrabbit, Least Chipmunk, Richardson ’ s Ground Squirrel, Wyoming Ground Squirrel, Great Basin Pocket Mouse, Ord ’ s Kangaroo Rat, Northern Grasshopper Mouse, Pronghorn, Tiger Salamander, Great Plains Toad, Woodhouse’s Toad, Greater Short- horned Lizard, Racer,Western Hognose Snake, Milk Snake, Gopher Snake, Western Terrestrial Garter Snake, Plains Garter Snake, Common Garter Snake, Western Rattlesnake (N = 53 species) (Reference: John Carlson, Montana Natural Heritage Program)

Additional FWP Habitat Programs Upland Game Bird Habitat Enhancement Program (UGBHEP) Habitat Montana Program

UGBHEP FWP’s funding source for developing rest rotation grazing systems 75% cost share on most items 50% cost share on wells, pipelines, and roads Reasonable public upland game bird hunting Partnership-ready!

Rest Rotation Grazing Project Example – Best Case Scenario $200,000 grazing project USDA Program up to 75% cost share -$150,000- UGBHEP up to 75% of remainder -$37,500- Landowner -$12,500 (can be in-kind labor) USDA CSP (Conservation Security Program) Payment?

Habitat Montana Program

Habitat Montana HB526 FWP’s funding source for purchasing conservation easements Very focused approach (high habitat/wildlife values) Intent is habitat conservation Land retained in private ownership Maintains traditional ranching operation Hunting access is negotiated

FWP’s habitat program approach – In Summary… Approximately 65% of Montana is privately-owned Approximately 65% of Montana is privately-owned Habitat work must mesh with ag operation – programs are flexible Habitat work must mesh with ag operation – programs are flexible Project values go beyond habitat (win-win philosophy) Project values go beyond habitat (win-win philosophy) Trust between agency and landowner is essential Trust between agency and landowner is essential Habitat program reputation is a key to success Habitat program reputation is a key to success

Montana Hi-Line Habitat Restoration and Enhancement Projects – Region