Helena, Montana - With today's release of Governor Bullock's Executive Order, Montana is moving forward in a significant way in its efforts to conserve Greater Sage-Grouse and sagebrush habitat. Janet Ellis, Program Director for Montana Audubon, served on the 2013 Governor's Greater Sage-grouse Habitat Conservation Advisory Council to advise the current administration. Ellis states, "We are proud to be in a state where our Governor has exhibited such forward- thinking leadership. Science shows that business-as-usual will have devastating effects on sage-grouse. This is an critical step, and we all need to work together to conserve a species that is so tied to our western landscapes."

Audubon recognizes the value of conserving this iconic species that once numbered in the millions across the western U.S. and now faces innumerable threats, from energy development to climate change to poor land management practices. "Montana is one of the few remaining stronghold states for sage-grouse. This is our time to make sure we have the right protections in place to keep grouse as a state-managed bird while recognizing the other uses on the landscape," Ellis continued. "Our collective knowledge of the sagebrush landscape and sage-grouse have really improved in the past ten years. We have the scientific basis to make good conservation plans," states Brian Rutledge, Vice President at National Audubon Society/Audubon Rockies.

Janet Ellis noted the broader benefits associated with sage-grouse conservation, which supports a recent poll that found 79% of Montana voters recognizing the importance of protecting sage-grouse habitat. Ellis noted, "Montanan's love our outdoors and these birds are helping us keep our landscapes wild. They are so closely tied to healthy sagebrush habitat that as we improve management of this ecosystem, it will benefit other species like elk, mule deer and a large number of bird species that make their home only in healthy sagebrush lands-including Golden Eagles and declining songbirds such as Sage Thrasher and Brewer's Sparrow."

"It's so exciting to see another great western governor step up to the plate for the sagebrush ecosystem. Responsible management means understanding and protecting the ecosystems in each of our states. Governor Bullock has recognized and acted upon his responsibility to his constituents. The door remains open for other western governors to do their share," states Brian Rutledge, Vice-President at National Audubon Society.

Montana Audubon and Audubon Rockies will continue to advocate for the use of the best available science to guide proactive management actions, long-term habitat protections, and funding mechanisms that will bolster Greater sage- grouse populations.

Montana Audubon is a statewide non-governmental organization based in Helena Montana. Our mission is to promote appreciation, knowledge and conservation of native birds, other wildlife, and natural ecosystems to safeguard biological diversity for current and future generations. Founded in 1976, Montana Audubon has built effective programs in public policy, education, and bird conservation to serve its members and Montana's nine community-based Audubon Chapters. More at mtaudubon.org.

Audubon Rockies is a regional office of The National Audubon Society, whose mission is to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. Our staff are involved in a variety of activities, including education, habitat conservation and public policy advocacy in Wyoming and Colorado. Audubon Rockies has a long history of being engaged in grouse conservation efforts, most notably in Wyoming where Brian Rutledge serves on the State's Sage-grouse Implementation Team.