GREEN RIVER — The Southwest Sage-Grouse Local Working Group is seeking a new member to represent mining interests in southwest Wyoming. The group invites individuals with technical expertise in the mining industry to join a long-term, collaborative effort to conserve sage-grouse populations and the sagebrush habitats they depend on.

The successful applicant will join a diverse group of stakeholders working under a locally developed conservation plan that identifies goals and outlines implementation strategies. The working group aims to improve sage-grouse and prevent the need for federal listing under the Endangered Species Act.

“This is a unique opportunity for someone in the mining industry to bring their expertise to the table and participate in meaningful, science-based conservation in sagebrush country,” said Julie Lutz, chair of the Southwest Sage-Grouse Local Working Group. “We’re looking for a committed individual who can represent their sector with integrity and help foster productive discussions and project development.”

Local Working Groups operate under a statewide charter and are tasked with developing and implementing conservation strategies at the local level. In addition to sage-grouse, these efforts often benefit a wide range of wildlife species that rely on sagebrush ecosystems.

Members are expected to:

• Read and follow the local working group charter and ground rules.
• Attend meetings regularly and participate actively in discussions.
• Share technical expertise to inform conservation planning and project review.
• Help guide relevant project proposals through the application process.
• Coordinate with the local working group chair and Wyoming Game and Fish Department sage-grouse biologist as needed.
• Serve as an ambassador for mining interests in sage-grouse matters.

To learn more about the group’s conservation plans and the local working group process, visit the Wyoming Game and Fish Department’s Sage-Grouse Local Working Groups webpage.

Interested individuals should email a letter of interest to Nyssa Whitford, Game and Fish sage-grouse biologist, at nyssa.whitford@wyo.gov for more information about the application process.