Funding bill for the birds

The handful of Gunnison sage grouse in San Juan County are a part of the $1.1 trillion funding bill that is making its way through the federal government in Washington, D.C.
Wording in the bill includes a provision that withholds funding for a “final rule for the Gunnison sage grouse.” On November 12, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has signaled an intent to list the bird, including the miniscule San Juan County population, as a threatened species.
The designation would list thousands of acres of private land in San Juan County as habitat for the bird. Officials state that because the bird is listed as “threatened”, overall restrictions will be much less stringent than if the bird was listed as “endangered.”
The impact of the funding bill on the designation is uncertain at the current time.
An official for the Fish and Wildlife Service said on December 15 that the bill will not “void” or undo the designation. However, it may restrict any funding to implement the decision.