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Transmission Corridors

Most existing utility corridors (pipelines, roads, major overhead electrical transmission lines) are well-defined at the present time, and this threat is seen as minimal. With respect to major transmission lines, research completed to date has not shown immediate impacts from existing power lines on nest or brood success. As a result, management stipulations and conditions should focus on mitigating direct disturbance during construction. Should new research demonstrate indirect impacts to greater sage-grouse production, additional mitigation measures may be required (see Appendix 1 for a discussion of the current research). .

1 Apply mitigation standards based on habitat type as discussed in the Management Protocol, and best management practices accepted by industry and state and federal agencies. .

2 For electrical transmission lines, and where feasible and consistent with federally required electrical separation standards, site new linear transmission features in existing corridors, or at a minimum, in concert with existing linear features in greater sage-grouse habitat. Siting linear features accordingly shall be deemed to be mitigation for the siting of that linear feature. Mitigation for the direct effects of construction is still required. .

3 Engage in reclamation efforts as projects are completed.

Renewable Energy Development

Development of renewable energy is a high priority for the State of Utah, and should employ the same Management Protocol recommended for extractive mineral development. Preliminary results from scientific research have indicated that wind energy development near greater sagegrouse nesting and brood-rearing habitat may have a negative impact on nest success, brood success, and populations. However, research completed to date has not shown an immediate impact from transmission lines on nest or brood success, so necessary stipulations and conditions related to transmission lines associated with renewable energy projects should focus on disturbance during construction (see Appendix 1 for a discussion of the current research).

Engage in reclamation efforts as projects are completed.

Recognize that stipulations for other species (e.g. raptors) may impede the ability to effectively reclaim areas of impact and remove those barriers to achieve immediate and effective reclamation, if otherwise allowable by law. .3 Prioritize areas for habitat improvement.

Apply mitigation standards based on habitat type as discussed in the Management Protocol in Section

New permanent tall structures should not be located within one mile of the lek, if visible by the birds within the lek.

Recreation and OHV Use

Recreational activities, particularly motorized off-highway uses, may conflict with greater sagegrouse, most often in nesting and winter habitats where and when birds are unable to move freely. In SGMAs, limit or ameliorate impacts through the use of the Management Protocol discussed in Section 6.0 below. .

1 Restrict OHV use to identified trails and roads in nesting and winter habitat. Develop an educational process to advise OHV users of the potential for conflict with greater sage-grouse. .

2 Counties should adopt and enforce travel management plans that include consideration for greater sage-grouse.

Improper Livestock Grazing

Livestock grazing is a major resource use in most SGMAs, and can be an effective tool to improve habitat quality and seasonal nutrition, and thereby enhance local populations. Existing grazing operations which utilize recognized rangeland best management practices increase the necessary vegetation, and thereby increase the potential for nesting success and population recruitment. Should concerns be raised about the effect of grazing on sage-grouse, and such effects are documented over a sufficiently long time-frame, corrective management actions should be addressed through the best management practices identified by the Department of Agriculture and Food’s Grazing Improvement Program. (UDAF GIP). More detail on grazing practices and greater sage-grouse conservation are found in Appendix 2. .9.1 Rangeland habitat treatments to improve grazing should fully consider the impact on sage grouse seasonal habitat during planning and implementation. 17 .

Address incompatible grazing strategies through established rangeland management practices consistent with the maintenance or enhancement of habitat. .

Allocate funds and effort to the development of grazing strategies that will enhance or improve habitat for the preservation of greater sage-grouse. .

Locate livestock fences away from leks and employ the NRCS fence standards.(See NRCS/CEAP Conservation Insight Publication “Applying the Sage Grouse Fence Collision Risk Tool to Reduce Bird Strikes.”) 4