WDFW seeks public comment on status review for sharp-tailed grouse

OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on a draft periodic status review for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse, which includes a recommendation to keep the species on the state endangered species list due to critically low populations. The public comment period is open until Jan. 28, 2025. 

“Since their listing and even before, multiple partners and organizations have made great efforts toward Columbian sharp-tailed grouse recovery, including but not limited to translocations to augment populations and habitat restoration work,” said Michael Atamian, WDFW’s sharp-tailed grouse species lead. “However, after multiple impactful wildfires between 2018 and 2021, the estimated population of this once-abundant species has dropped to its lowest point ever. Due to the state of the species, we recommend keeping the Columbian sharp-tailed grouse on the Washington endangered species list.” 

The draft periodic status review for Columbian sharp-tailed grouse is now available on WDFW’s website. The public can submit written comments via email or by mailing Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife ATTN: Taylor Cotten, P.O. Box 43141, Olympia, WA 98504. 

All members of the public are invited to share their perspectives and participate in WDFW public feedback opportunities regardless of race, color, sex, age, national origin, language proficiency, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, status as a veteran, or basis of disability. 

“Following the public comment period, we will finalize the periodic status review and brief the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on the recommendation,” said Taylor Cotten, WDFW conservation assessment section manager.  

The Commission is tentatively scheduled to consider this topic in spring 2025. 

The Columbian Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) is a bird of grasslands and shrublands and the rarest of the six current subspecies of sharp-tailed grouse. The spring breeding activities of male sharp-tailed grouse provide one of the most interesting wildlife spectacles in North America. Males gather at traditional lek sites (dancing grounds) where they engage in specialized behavioral displays to attract females for mating.  

The conversion of most of the grassland and shrubsteppe habitats has caused a long decline, and the statewide population has dwindled to less than 500 birds. They were last hunted in parts of Washington in 1987, were added to the state list of threatened species in 1998, and uplisted to endangered in 2018. 

WDFW regularly analyzes and reviews information to inform status and classification recommendations for species listed as endangered, threatened, or sensitive in Washington. More information is available on WDFW’s at-risk species webpage. 

WDFW works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.