Gunnison Country Wildlife

Saving a Species

Gunnison County is home to the largest population of the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, a unique bird species listed as Threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Since 1995, High Country Conservation Advocates has participated in stakeholder activities and projects designed to keep the imperiled bird in our midst for perpetuity. We serve on the Gunnison Sage-Grouse Strategic Committee, which brings together a broad representation of our community to collaborate on its challenging mission.

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Along with providing input on decisions and planning, HCCA performs on-the-ground habitat restoration projects, notably using Zeedyk wet meadow methods. These projects help keep water on the landscape, allowing native plants and insects—food sources for the Gunnison Sage-Grouse—to thrive. Our stewardship projects allow us to involve many volunteers from our community, from youth to seniors. Our partnership with Western Colorado University affords students on-the-ground conservation experience as they choose their future paths.

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Sage-grouse populations fluctuate—currently only a few thousand birds exist. While we haven’t yet seen an upward trend, there hasn’t been a precipitous decline either, so from that perspective, our efforts might be considered somewhat successful. As the community grows, educating and involving diverse groups in our efforts is essential to helping conserve our iconic bird.

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Other participating entities on the Strategic Committee include the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, Gunnison County, Gunnison County Stockgrowers, Western Colorado University, and Gunnison Trails. It’s these partnerships that give our work integrity and strengthen our decisions. The US Fish & Wildlife Service is deeply involved in protecting this federally threatened species.

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HCCA also participates on Gunnison County’s Sustainable Tourism and Outdoor Recreation (STOR) Committee whose decisions can affect wildlife and wildlife corridors. Wherever wildlife needs intersect with people and policy, HCCA’s Advocacy Program will be a dependable voice for wildlife conservation.

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For more on the Gunnison Sage-Grouse, visit Colorado Parks and Wildlife https://cpw.state.co.us/species/gunnison-sage-grouse, Siskadee www.siskadee.org, and US Fish & Wildlife Service https://www.fws.gov/species/gunnison-sage-grouse-centrocercus-minimus.