Federal Grants Help Grouse Habitat In Colorado, Washington

DENVER (AP) — The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced about $828,000 in grants to preserve habitat for dwindling species including the greater sage grouse and Gunnison sage grouse in Washington state and Colorado.

The grants announced Thursday were among $37.2 million for 44 projects to help endangered or threatened species in 20 states.

A program in Douglas County, Washington, will get $597,000 to conserve 33 square miles of shrub-steppe habitat for the greater sage grouse and other species.

A program in San Juan County, Colorado, will get $231,000 to protect habitat for the Gunnison sage grouse and other species.

The Gunnison grouse was designated a threatened species last year. A decision is due by September on whether to protect the greater sage grouse.

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