Federal funding of 3.5 million will help improve sage grouse habitat

A $3. 5 million federal grant awarded to the Crook County Soil and Water Conservation District will significantly enhance sagebrush ecosystems in Oregon, providing critical support for sage grouse and other wildlife species. This funding is part of a larger $122. 4 million initiative from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, designed to bolster conservation projects across the United States. The restoration efforts will occur across thousands of acres of habitat located 70 miles east of Bend, effectively covering both Crook and Deschutes counties.

Key strategies will include the removal of invasive juniper trees, which hinder the growth of sagebrush and other vital vegetation. Additionally, funds will be allocated for applying herbicides to combat invasive grasses and planting native seeds to promote biodiversity. Crook County officials stress the importance of improving grazing management to alleviate its negative impacts on wildlife. This project represents a significant step forward in safeguarding the sage grouse population and restoring the High Desert ecosystem. With expert collaboration from multiple state and federal agencies, the initiative is poised to deliver lasting ecological benefits.