BLM considers grazing, drilling restrictions in N.E. Wyoming

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By The Associated Press

Story Published: May 20, 2008 at 8:01 AM MST

Story Updated: May 20, 2008 at 8:01 AM MST

CASPER, WYOMING - The U.S. Bureau of Land Management is considering restrictions on new grazing and energy development in the Powder River Basin of northeastern Wyoming to try to reduce damage to sage grouse breeding areas.

Recent scientific studies have found the grouse population in the Powder River Basin has dropped in recent years. The federal government is studying whether to protect the birds under the Endangered Species Act.

The BLM's field office in Buffalo sent notice on Monday to land users warning them that new grazing and drilling activities could be halted for a few years while the agency plans how to accommodate sage grouse.

The BLM says that restrictions could limit grazing and drilling on grouse breeding areas, migration corridors and other critical habitat. An agency official says those areas could amount to up to 19% of the area administered by the Buffalo field office.

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