Population, predator controls suggested for sage-grouse

SAN MIGUEL — The possibility of predator control was among the ideas that came out of a recent meeting to update the Gunnison Sage-Grouse conservation plan for the San Miguel Basin.

“We are willing to at least talk about the possibility of predator control, it may or may not happen,” said Leigh Robertson, coordinator for the San Miguel Basin Gunnison Sage-Grouse working group. She said wildlife researchers have noted a number of sage-grouse killed by mammals and birds in the past year.

In 2007, researchers counted a total of 66 males on courtship groups, called leks, in the San Miguel Basin. This spring, only 44 males were counted, according to the working group.

Part of the drop in this year’s number may be due to the harsh winter, which led to increased mortality probably because of heavy snows, a statement from the group noted. Some decline may also be attributed to the difficulty in reaching the leks for counting.

Local citizens and several staff members from the public and private sector compose the group, which met Tuesday to begin updating the local conservation plan. The current plan was written in 1998.

Suggestions also include trapping and transporting sage-grouse to the San Miguel Basin and updating the plan’s section on power lines.

“The whole issue with power lines is a lot of times raptors will perch on it, and it gives them a good place to sit and pick off sage-grouse,” said Robertson. Current designs for perch deterrents appear to be ineffective based on the latest research, she said. “We just want to make sure we’re incorporating the best research.”

Robertson said the roughly 10 to 12 participants were divided into committees that plan to meet in September and October. Future dates will be announced for interested parties. Committees include habitat protection, habitat improvement and information, education and publicity.

For further information, call Leigh Robertson at (970) 626-2272 or visit the Web site: www.freewebs.com/sanmiguelsagegrouse.