Sage & Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Technical Committee

This committee, known as the Rangewide Interagency Sage-grouse Conservation Team (RISCT) from 2009 to 2023, has existed within WAFWA since the 1950s. It returned to its original name under a restructuring effort lead by the WAFWA President and members in December 2023.

Vision and Purpose:
“Provide technical assistance to the SIC and assist in implementation of sagebrush ecosystem conservation priorities throughout the western U.S.”

The goals of this committee are to:

  • Assist Sagebrush Initiative Committee partners in advancing our understanding of the sagebrush ecosystem through identifying and addressing priority research needs and filling data gaps.  
  • Provide technical assistance in implementing the tools and strategies developed under the Sagebrush Conservation Initiative. 
  • Provide a conduit for increased communication and collaboration, and technology transfer to resolve issues and challenges that relate to the management and conservation of the sagebrush ecosystem. 
  • Continue to facilitate and host the Sage and Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop. 
  • Facilitate collaboration and coordination between available technical resources (this Committee) and the SIC to integrate policy and technical solutions.  
  • Coordination and exchange of sagebrush conservation efforts and sage-grouse data. 

View Related Publications

This committee is associated with WAFWA’s Sagebrush Conservation Initiative.

Related Events

Event Type Date Location
34th Biennial Sage & Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse Workshop Workshop August 5, 2024 - August 8, 2024 Wenatchee, Washington

Members List

Shawn Espinosa, Chair
Nevada Department of Wildlife
Ashley Green, Leadership Sponsor
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources