Re-introduction of Sage-grouse to Lincoln County, Washington: 2008 Progress Report

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, in cooperation with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, proposes to reintroduce greater sage-grouse in Lincoln County, Washington. The project will establish a third population in the state in an area with large blocks of shrub-steppe and grassland on public lands. The combined ownership of WDFW and BLM totals over 50,000 ac. There have been several sage-grouse sightings in the area, and these may have been birds dispersing from the closest population in Douglas County. We released 17 birds in spring, and 24 birds in fall 2008. All the birds were equipped with radio transmitters and the movements and survival of released birds were monitored. We hope to release up to 40 birds in each of 3 subsequent years, assuming grouse can be obtained from cooperating states. The release location may be adjusted based on the movements and pattern of mortality of birds during 2008.