Spatiotemporal Review of Montana’s Sage Grouse Habitat Mitigation Framework

Abstract

In 2015, Montana established the Sage Grouse Conservation Strategy in a range‐wide effort to avoid listing of greater sage‐grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus) under the Endangered Species Act. As part of this effort, Montana implemented a compensatory mitigation system for sage grouse habitat in 2019. Since then, Montana has experienced an almost 6% statewide human population growth rate, likely increasing the wildland‐urban interface within sage‐grouse habitat. This ever‐increasing complexity across the landscape poses unique challenges for the Sage Grouse Habitat Conservation Program (Program) charged with conserving sage grouse habitat to maintain sage‐grouse populations. The development and application of the Habitat Quantification Tool (HQT) provides a non‐biased, science‐based, and stakeholder‐supported process to quantify sage‐grouse functional habitat within the compensatory mitigation framework. The HQT is an integrated deterministic, state‐based, geospatial model. Using biophysical sage‐grouse habitat attributes, the HQT establishes a statewide baseline of existing functional habitat represented by the HQT Base map. Over time, the HQT Base map is updated with new data, including impacts from new projects (both development and conservation) implemented across the landscape. By reviewing changes in functional habitat estimated with various iterations of the HQT Base map, the Program can use this assessment in conjunction with other metrics to determine whether Montana is meeting its goal of no net loss (net gain preferred) of sage‐grouse habitat. Using adaptive management, the Program can assess the HQT’s accuracy and revise the HQT and associated Base map through time based on new available science and provide additional recommendations for improving the effectiveness of the sage‐grouse mitigation system.