In order to keep sage grouse from going on the endangered species list, Gov. Butch Otter appointed a task force to examine the issue and give recommendations on what the state can do. According to the Idaho Statesman, those recommendations include new grouse-management zones, new measures for ranchers in grouse country and a new focus for fighting wildfires in grouse habitat.

The recommendations including splitting Idaho into grouse habitat zones, each of which would have individual requirements.

If sage grouse were to be listed as an endangered species, energy development could be significantly disrupted, according to the story.