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.
This committee is associated with WAFWA’s Sagebrush Conservation Initiative.
Members List
Shawn Espinosa, Chair
Nevada Department of Wildlife
Ashley Green, Leadership Sponsor
Utah Division of Wildlife Resources