Peer Reviewed Research Documents Impacts of Energy Development on Sage Grouse

Research accepted for publication in peer reviewed journals describes the negative effects of energy development on greater sage-grouse. Significantly more sage-grouse leks in coalbed methane (CBM) development fields became inactive compared to leks outside CBM development fields. From 2001-2005, lek count indices in CBM development fields declined by 82%, at a rate of 35% per year, whereas leks outside CBM development fields declined by 12%, at a rate of 3% per year. * Remaining leks in CBM development fields also had 46% fewer males per active lek than leks outside development fields. * Sage-grouse avoid areas affected by energy development in otherwise suitable (and increasingly rare) winter habitat.** * Walker, B. L., D. E. Naugle, K. E. Doherty. Greater sage-grouse population response to energy development and loss. J. Wildl. Manage. (in press). ** Doherty, K. E., D. E. Naugle, B. L. Walker, J. M. Graham. Greater sage-grouse winter habitat selection and energy development. J. Wildl. Manage. (in press). These studies indicate that habitat loss and degradation and disturbance from CBM development and associated infrastructure (roads, powerlines, pipelines, compressor stations, etc.) negatively affect sage-grouse throughout their life cycle and in a variety of habitats.The studies confirm previous research indicating that CBM development is contributing to local (and possibly regional) population declines in sage-grouse. The natural gas industry contributed to this research—and has now contracted with a different researcher to critique the findings.

Billings Gazette Researcher pins blame for grouse on drought (8/28/07)
Gillette News-Record CBM industry paid for part of sage grouse study (7/22/07)
Casper Star-Tribune Studies: Drilling imperils grouse (7/4/07)