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RAC approves DWR plan to translocate sage‑grouse into restored habitat; fall and spring releases planned
Summary
The council approved a plan to translocate sage‑grouse from Uinta source populations (Blue Diamond and Parker mountains) to Tabby Mountain (Strawberry SGMA) and other restoration sites, with VHF necklace transmitters and banding to monitor survival and distribution. DWR expects small pilot releases (10–20 birds) in the fall and spring and will
The Northern RAC approved DWR’s proposal to translocate greater sage‑grouse into restored habitat in the Strawberry sage‑grouse management area (SGMA) and other SGMA sites to increase distribution and population resilience.
Heather Talley (DWR) told the RAC the agency plans small pilot moves in August (10–15 mostly male birds) and next spring (15–20 birds, more females) from source populations on Blue Diamond and Parker mountains; release sites include Tabby Mountain and, as resources allow, Browns Park and Tidwell Slopes. Talley said the fall releases are intended to establish males and short‑term presence, with spring releases to follow to increase females and boost breeding opportunities.
DWR said every translocated bird will be fitted with a VHF necklace transmitter and banded; the agency expects to conduct ground tracking rather than rely on long‑range tower networks (MODIS) for these localized movements. Brian (division biologist on call) said translocations of other galliform species (e.g., sharp‑tailed and Gunnison sage‑grouse) have used fall releases successfully and that moving greater sage‑grouse in the fall is a pilot effort informed by those experiences. RAC members asked about risks and monitoring; DWR said the program will monitor survival and behavior and will not begin releases at Parker until monitoring and source‑site assessments are complete.
A public commenter from Sportsmen for Wildlife voiced support. The motion to approve the translocation plan passed unanimously.
