Sage grouse are the polar bear of the west

Today's Jackson Hole Star Tribune (love that bucking bronco!) features a short article on the changes necessary in BLM's land management to protect the sage grouse.

Grazing, along with oil and gas development, could be affected most, Hanson said. Drilling plans not yet approved, grazing lease transfers and renewals, even "solid minerals" such as coal, could be deferred until a record of decision is finalized.

But don't worry. The BLM is doing everything it can to accommodate the industry.

[BLM Buffalo Field Office manager] Hanson said he and other BLM officials met privately with five coal-bed methane operators early this month regarding the process and mapping.

"We have routine meetings with PAW (Petroleum Association of Wyoming)," Hanson said.

He said the industry has no more and no less input on the matter than any other interested public land user.

Sure, we're all allowed to express our opinions. It's just that the oil and gas industry makes the decisions, right?