Sage Grouse

A federal judge in Idaho blocked the Trump administration plans last year over concerns that they could harm greater sage grouse, a ground-dwelling bird.

The ranchers sued in 2018, aiming for more grazing rights.

Local officials recently denied the project.

Idaho and Wyoming back the Trump administration plan that eases restrictions on energy companies and other industries.

U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill did not say in his order when he will make a final decision in the case.

Grouse numbers in Idaho have dropped more than 50 percent since 2015.

The executive order reflects many of the public comments collected earlier this year.

Western Watersheds Project said the plan guts protections for sage grouse created under the Obama administration in 2015.

Wyoming is among just a handful of states with large populations of sage grouse.

Don’t let the cold and windy weather keep you indoors; April is a good time to spy sage grouse on their leks in Wyoming