Final EIS Appendix E

APPENDIX E—FLUID MINERAL STIPULATIONS

Management Action #126 Alternative D Stipulation Type: Controlled 

Surface Use (CSU)

Density and disturbance inside Greater Sage-Grouse designated core areas

Management Action

Text

Inside Greater Sage-Grouse core habitat areas, the density and disturbance goals 

would include the following: 

1. The density of energy production (excluding coal and trona mining) and/or 

transmission structures (excluding buried pipelines or power lines) on the 

landscape would be managed. 

2. An average of three energy production locations and/or transmission structures per 

640 acres within the DDCT area would not be exceeded; and the combined value 

of existing and proposed disturbances within each DDCT would not exceed 9% 

loss of sagebrush habitat.

Protected Resource Greater Sage-Grouse designated core areas

Land Use Plan (LUP)

Acres

Affected (Approx.)

6,916,010 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse designated core areas. This area encompasses 

Greater Sage-Grouse designated core areas. Surface occupancy or use will be 

restricted to no more than an average of three energy production locations and/or 

transmission structures per 640 acres, and the cumulative value of all applicable 

surface disturbances, existing or future, must not result in greater than 9 percent

loss of the sagebrush habitat within designated core areas, as mapped on the Field 

Office Geographic Information System (GIS) database, as described in the 

Disturbance Density Calculation Tool (DDCT).

This lease does not guarantee the lessee the right to occupy the surface of the lease 

for the purpose of producing oil and natural gas within Greater Sage-Grouse 

designated core areas. The surface occupancy restriction criteria identified in this 

stipulation may preclude surface occupancy and may be beyond the ability of the 

lessee to meet due to existing surface disturbance on Federal, State, or private lands 

within designated core areas or surface disturbance created by other land users. The 

Bureau of Land Management (BLM) may require the lessee or operator to enter into 

a unit agreement or drilling easement to facilitate the equitable development of this 

and surrounding leases.

Purpose: To protect Greater Sage-Grouse designated core areas from habitat 

fragmentation and loss.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, 

or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. An exception to the 9% limit may be 

granted when additional mitigation is demonstrated to be capable of offsetting the 

resultant loss to Greater Sage-Grouse or their habitats. Energy production locations 

and transmission structures utilized for this computation are not limited to fluid minerals 

production and transmission. However, coal production, trona production, buried 

pipelines, and buried power lines are exempted from this computation. The BLM can 

and does grant exceptions if the BLM, in coordination with the Wyoming Game and Fish 

Department (WGFD), determines that granting an exception would not adversely impact 

the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or 

surface occupancy criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of 

the CSU area is nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring 

that the existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function 

or utility of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the

Greater Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime 

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-1
Appendix E Final EIS

loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land 

use plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core area, or Greater SageGrouse are no longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not listed or 

determined to be warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as 

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 

2820.)

Management Action #126 Proposed LUP Amendments Stipulation Type: CSU

Density and disturbance inside Priority Habitat Management Areas (PHMA) (core only) and Forest Service 

priority-core management areas

Management Action

Text

In PHMAs (core only), the density of disturbance of an activity (oil and gas or mining) 

would be limited to an average of one site per square mile (640 acres) within the 

DDCT, subject to valid existing rights. The one location and cumulative value of 

existing disturbances will not exceed 5 percent of suitable habitat of the DDCT area. 

Utilize the most current Greater Sage-Grouse density disturbance process (Appendix 

D) or other state and/or federal agreed-upon process for compliance evaluations.

Protected Resource Greater Sage-Grouse designated core habitat and Forest Service proposed sage-grouse 

core habitat

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 7,003,040 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse designated core areas. This area encompasses 

Greater Sage-Grouse designated core areas. Surface occupancy or use will be 

restricted to no more than an average of one disturbance location per 640 acres using 

the DDCT, and the cumulative value of all applicable surface disturbances, existing or 

future, must not exceed 5 percent of the DDCT area, as described in the Disturbance 

Density Calculation Tool (DDCT). 

This lease does not guarantee the lessee the right to occupy the surface of the lease 

for the purpose of producing oil and natural gas within Greater Sage-Grouse 

designated core areas. The surface occupancy restriction criteria identified in this 

stipulation may preclude surface occupancy and may be beyond the ability of the 

lessee to meet due to existing surface disturbance on Federal, State, or private lands 

within designated core areas or surface disturbance created by other land users. The 

BLM may require the lessee or operator to enter into a unit agreement or drilling 

easement to facilitate the equitable development of this and surrounding leases.

Purpose: To protect Greater Sage-Grouse designated core areas from habitat 

fragmentation and loss.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, 

or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. An exception to the stated limits may be 

granted when offsite mitigation is determined to provide an overall beneficial effect to 

Greater Sage-Grouse habitat and populations. The BLM can and does grant exceptions 

if the BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would 

not adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will 

be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or 

surface occupancy criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of 

the CSU area is nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring 

that the existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function 

or utility of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the 

E-2 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment
Final EIS Appendix E

Greater Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime 

loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land 

use plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core area, or Greater SageGrouse are no longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not listed or 

determined to be warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as 

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest

Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #127 Alternative B Stipulation Type: CSU

Density and disturbance inside Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas

Management Action

Text

Inside sage-grouse connectivity areas, the disturbance goals would include the following: 

1. The existing level of density of disturbance would be managed on the landscape.

2. Three percent habitat disturbance (up to 19.2 acres) per 640 acres would not be

exceeded using the DDCT process.

Protected Resource Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 76,680 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas. This area encompasses Greater 

Sage-Grouse connectivity areas. The cumulative value of all applicable surface 

disturbances (existing or future, and not limited to fluid mineral disturbances) must not 

exceed an average of 3% - or 19.2 acres (whichever represents the smaller 

disturbance) - of the sagebrush habitat mapped on the Field Office GIS database per 

640 acres, as described in the Disturbance Density Calculation Tool (DDCT). 

This lease does not guarantee the lessee the right to occupy the surface of the lease 

for the purpose of producing oil and natural gas within Greater Sage-Grouse 

designated connectivity areas. The surface occupancy restriction criteria identified in 

this stipulation may preclude surface occupancy and may be beyond the ability of the 

lessee to meet due to existing surface disturbance on Federal, State, or private lands 

within designated connectivity areas or surface disturbance created by other land

users. The BLM may require the lessee or operator to enter into a unit agreement or 

drilling easement to facilitate the equitable development of this and surrounding 

leases.

Purpose: To protect Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas from habitat 

fragmentation and loss.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, 

or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. The BLM can and does grant exceptions 

if the BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would 

not adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will 

be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or 

surface occupancy criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of 

the CSU area is nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring 

that the existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function 

or utility of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the 

Greater Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime 

loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-3 
Appendix E Final EIS

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land 

use plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated connectivity area, or Greater 

Sage-Grouse are no longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not listed 

or determined to be warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as 

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 

2820.)

Management Action #127 Alternative D Stipulation Type: CSU

Density and disturbance inside Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas

Management

Action

Text

Inside sage-grouse connectivity areas, the disturbance goals would include: 

1. The density of energy production (excluding coal and trona mining) and/or transmission 

structures (excluding buried pipelines or power lines) would be managed on the 

landscape. 

2. Nine percent habitat disturbance (up to 57.6 acres) per 640 acres would not be exceeded 

using the DDCT process.

Protected

Resource

Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas

LUP Acres

Affected

(Approx.)

 76,680 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas. This area encompasses Greater SageGrouse connectivity areas. The cumulative value of all applicable surface disturbances 

(existing or future) from energy production locations and/or transmission structures must not 

exceed an average of 9 percent - or 57.6 acres (whichever represents the smaller 

disturbance) - of the sagebrush habitat mapped on the Field Office GIS database per 640

acres, as described in the Disturbance Density Calculation Tool (DDCT). 

This lease does not guarantee the lessee the right to occupy the surface of the lease for the 

purpose of producing oil and natural gas within Greater Sage-Grouse designated 

connectivity areas. The surface occupancy restriction criteria identified in this stipulation 

may preclude surface occupancy and may be beyond the ability of the lessee to meet due to 

existing surface disturbance on Federal, State, or private lands within designated 

connectivity areas or surface disturbance created by other land users. The BLM may require 

the lessee or operator to enter into a unit agreement or drilling easement to facilitate the 

equitable development of this and surrounding leases.

Purpose: To protect Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas from habitat fragmentation and 

loss.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of review 

determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the function or utility of 

the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of 

Greater Sage-Grouse. An exception to the 9% limit may be granted when additional mitigation 

is demonstrated to be capable of offsetting the resultant loss to Greater Sage-Grouse or their 

habitats. Energy production locations and transmission structures utilized for this computation 

are not limited to fluid minerals production and transmission. However, coal production, trona 

production, buried pipelines, and buried power lines are exempted from this computation. The 

BLM can and does grant exceptions if the BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that 

granting an exception would not adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes 

to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land 

Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or surface 

occupancy criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of the CSU area is 

nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the existing criteria 

are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility of the site for the 

seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater Sage-Grouse, including (but 

not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes 

E-4 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment
Final EIS Appendix E

to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land 

Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the State 

wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land use plan to be 

within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated connectivity area, or Greater Sage-Grouse are no 

longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not listed or determined to be warranted 

for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened or endangered under the 

Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the 

land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of 

this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service 

Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #127 Proposed LUP Amendments Stipulation Type: CSU

Density and disturbance inside PHMAs (connectivity only) and Forest Service priority-connectivity 

management areas

Management Action

Text

Inside sage-grouse connectivity habitat and Forest Service proposed sage-grouse 

connectivity habitat, all suitable habitat disturbed (any program area) will not exceed 5% 

of suitable habitat within the DDCT area using the DDCT process described in Appendix

D.

Protected Resource Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity habitat and Forest Service proposed sage-grouse 

connectivity habitat

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 13,990 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas. This area encompasses Greater 

Sage-Grouse connectivity areas. The cumulative value of all applicable surface 

disturbances (existing or future, and not limited to fluid mineral disturbances) must not 

exceed an average of 5 percent of the sagebrush habitat mapped on the Field Office 

GIS database per 640 acres, as described in the Disturbance Density Calculation Tool 

(DDCT). 

This lease does not guarantee the lessee the right to occupy the surface of the lease 

for the purpose of producing oil and natural gas within Greater Sage-Grouse 

designated connectivity areas. The surface occupancy restriction criteria identified in 

this stipulation may preclude surface occupancy and may be beyond the ability of the 

lessee to meet due to existing surface disturbance on Federal, State, or private lands 

within the designated connectivity areas or surface disturbance created by other land 

users. The BLM may require the lessee or operator to enter into a unit agreement or 

drilling easement to facilitate the equitable development of this and surrounding leases.

Purpose: To protect Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity areas from habitat 

fragmentation and loss.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, 

or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. An exception to the stated limits may be 

granted when offsite mitigation is determined to provide an overall beneficial effect to 

sage-grouse habitat and populations. The BLM can and does grant exceptions if the 

BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not 

adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be 

made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or 

surface occupancy criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of 

the CSU area is nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring 

that the existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function 

or utility of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the 

Greater Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime 

loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-5 
Appendix E Final EIS

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land use 

plan to be Greater Sage-Grouse connectivity habitat, or Greater Sage-Grouse are no 

longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not listed or determined to be 

warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as threatened or endangered 

under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #129 Alternative B Stipulation Type: NSO

Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside designated core areas and connectivity areas

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse leks inside sage-grouse priority and connectivity habitat areas:

Provide the following conservation measures as terms and conditions of the approved 

Resource Management Plan (RMP): New surface occupancy would not be allowed on 

federal leases within priority habitats. This would include winter concentration areas 

during any time of the year.

The following exceptions would be considered:

1. If the lease is entirely within priority habitats, a 4-mile No Surface Occupancy 

(NSO) would be applied around the lek, and permitted disturbances would be 

limited to 1 per section with no more than 3% surface disturbance in that section.

2. If the entire lease is within the 4-mile lek perimeter, permitted disturbances would 

be limited to 1 per section with no more than 3% surface disturbance in that 

section.

Protected Resource Occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside designated core areas and connectivity 

areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 6,992,690 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside designated core areas and 

connectivity areas. This area encompasses occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside 

designated core areas and connectivity areas. No surface occupancy or use is allowed 

within a four (4) mile radius of the perimeter of occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks

inside designated core areas and connectivity areas, as mapped on the Field Office 

GIS database.

Purpose: To protect occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks and associated seasonal 

habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse in proximity to leks, 

from habitat fragmentation and loss and Greater Sage-Grouse populations from 

disturbance inside designated core areas and connectivity areas.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, 

or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. The BLM can and does grant exceptions 

if the BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would 

not adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will 

be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 

2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or 

the NSO criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of the NSO 

area is nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater 

Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime 

loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land use 

E-6 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment
Final EIS Appendix E

plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core area or connectivity area, or 

Greater Sage-Grouse are no longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not 

listed or determined to be warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #129 Alternative D Stipulation Type: NSO

Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside designated core areas and connectivity areas

Management Action

Text

Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside core and connectivity habitat areas:

Surface occupancy or surface disturbing activities would be prohibited or restricted on or 

within one quarter (0.25) mile radius of the perimeter of occupied Greater Sage-Grouse 

leks (Map 2-2). 

Protected Resource Occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside designated core areas and connectivity 

areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 6,992,690 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside designated core areas and 

connectivity areas. This area encompasses occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside 

designated core areas and connectivity areas. No surface occupancy or use is allowed 

within a one-quarter (0.25) mile radius of the perimeter of occupied Greater SageGrouse leks inside designated core areas and connectivity areas, as mapped on the 

Field Office GIS database.

Purpose: To protect occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks and associated seasonal 

habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse in proximity to leks, 

from habitat fragmentation and loss and Greater Sage-Grouse populations from 

disturbance inside designated core areas and connectivity areas.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record 

of review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, 

or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. The BLM can and does grant exceptions 

if the BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception 

would not adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 

2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or 

the NSO criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of the NSO 

area is nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater 

Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime 

loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land use 

plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core area or connectivity area, or 

Greater Sage-Grouse are no longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not 

listed or determined to be warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as 

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #129 Proposed LUP Amendments Stipulation Type: NSO

Sage-grouse leks inside PHMAs and Forest Service priority management areas

Management Action Sage-grouse leks inside core and connectivity habitat areas and inside Forest Service 

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-7 
Appendix E Final EIS

Text proposed core and connectivity habitat areas:

Surface occupancy and surface disturbing activities would be prohibited on or within a 

0.6 mile radius of the perimeter of occupied sage-grouse leks (Map 2-3).

The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of review 

determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the function or 

utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral 

needs of Greater Sage-Grouse.

Protected Resource Sage-grouse leks inside core and connectivity habitat areas and inside Forest 

Service proposed core and connectivity habitat areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 7,142,940 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks inside designated core areas and 

connectivity habitat areas. This area encompasses occupied Greater Sage-Grouse 

leks inside designated core areas and connectivity areas. No surface occupancy or use 

is allowed within a six-tenths (0.6) mile radius of the perimeter of occupied Greater 

Sage-Grouse leks inside designated core areas and connectivity areas, as mapped on 

the Field Office GIS database.

Purpose: To protect occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks and associated seasonal 

habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse in proximity to leks, 

from habitat fragmentation and loss and Greater Sage-Grouse populations from 

disturbance inside designated core areas and connectivity areas.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record 

of review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, 

or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. The BLM can and does grant exceptions 

if the BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception 

would not adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 

2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or 

the NSO criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of the NSO 

area is nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater 

Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime 

loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 

1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land use 

plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core area or connectivity area, or 

Greater Sage-Grouse are no longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not 

listed or determined to be warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as 

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #130 Alternatives D Stipulation Type: NSO

Greater Sage-Grouse leks outside designated core areas and connectivity areas

Management Action

Text

Greater Sage-Grouse leks outside core and connectivity habitat areas:

Surface occupancy and surface disturbing activities would be prohibited or restricted on or 

within a one quarter (0.25) mile radius of the perimeter of occupied Greater Sage-Grouse 

leks (Map 2-3).

Protected Resource Occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks outside designated core areas and connectivity areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 10,334,040 acres

E-8 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment
Final EIS Appendix E

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks outside designated core areas and 

connectivity areas. This area encompasses occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks outside 

designated core areas and connectivity areas. No surface occupancy or use is allowed 

within a one-quarter (0.25) mile radius of the perimeter of occupied Greater Sage-Grouse 

leks outside designated core areas and connectivity areas, as mapped on the Field Office 

GIS database.

Purpose: To protect occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks, and associated seasonal

habitat, life- history, or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse in proximity to leks, from 

habitat fragmentation and loss, and Greater Sage-Grouse populations from disturbance 

outside designated core areas and connectivity areas.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, or 

behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. The BLM can and does grant exceptions if the 

BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not 

adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be 

made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or the 

NSO criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of the NSO area is 

nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the existing 

criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility of the site 

for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater Sage-Grouse, 

including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging activities, and 

nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan 

and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this 

stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service 

Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land use 

plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core area or connectivity area, or 

Greater Sage-Grouse are no longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not 

listed or determined to be warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as 

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #130 Proposed LUP Amendments Stipulation Type: NSO

Sage-grouse leks outside PHMAs and Forest Service priority management areas

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse leks outside core and connectivity habitat areas and outside Forest Service 

proposed core and connectivity habitat areas: 

Surface occupancy and surface disturbing activities would be prohibited on or within a 

0.25 mile radius of the perimeter of occupied sage-grouse leks (Map 2-3).

The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of review 

determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the function or 

utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral 

needs of Greater Sage-Grouse.

Protected Resource Sage-grouse leks outside core and connectivity habitat areas and outside Forest Service 

proposed core and connectivity habitat areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 10,193,790 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks outside designated core areas and 

connectivity areas. This area encompasses occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks outside 

designated core areas and connectivity areas. No surface occupancy or use is allowed 

within a one-quarter (0.25) mile radius of the perimeter of occupied Greater Sage-Grouse 

leks outside designated core areas and connectivity areas, as mapped on the Field Office 

GIS database.

Purpose: To protect occupied Greater Sage-Grouse leks, and associated seasonal

habitat, life- history, or behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse in proximity to leks, from 

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-9 
Appendix E Final EIS

habitat fragmentation and loss, and Greater Sage-Grouse populations from disturbance 

outside designated core areas and connectivity areas.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, would not impair the 

function or utility of the site for the current or subsequent seasonal habitat, life-history, or 

behavioral needs of Greater Sage-Grouse. The BLM can and does grant exceptions if the 

BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not 

adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be 

made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the area subject to the stipulation or the 

NSO criteria if an environmental record of review finds that a portion of the NSO area is 

nonessential, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the existing 

criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility of the site 

for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater Sage-Grouse, 

including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging activities, and 

nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan 

and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this 

stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service 

Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the site is no longer considered in the land use 

plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core area or connectivity area, or 

Greater Sage-Grouse are no longer a BLM sensitive or special status species or are not 

listed or determined to be warranted for listing by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as 

threatened or endangered under the Endangered Species Act. Any changes to this 

stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #131 Alternative D Stipulation Type: TLS

Greater Sage-Grouse nesting/early brood-rearing habitat in designated core areas

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat inside core habitat areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities would be prohibited or restricted from 

March 15-June 30. This restriction would be applied to all identified nesting and early 

brood-rearing habitats inside core habitat areas within 2 miles of the lek within sagegrouse core habitat areas.

Protected Resource

Nesting and early brood-rearing habitats inside designated core areas, within two miles 

from an occupied lek

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 6,916,010 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Nesting and early brood-rearing habitats. This area encompasses Greater 

Sage-Grouse nesting and early brood-rearing habitats inside designated core areas, within 

two miles from an occupied lek. No surface disturbing or disruptive activities are allowed 

during March 15 – June 30. 

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse nesting and early brood-rearing 

habitats inside designated core areas, within two miles from an occupied lek, from surface 

disturbing or disruptive activities.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not affect reproductive 

displays, nest attendance, egg or chick survival, or early brood-rearing success. Actions 

designed to enhance the long-term utility or availability of suitable Greater Sage-Grouse 

habitat may be exempted from this timing limitation. The BLM can and does grant 

exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines 

that granting an exception would not adversely impact the population being protected. Any 

changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the 

regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see 

Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 

and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area 

E-10 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment
Final EIS Appendix E

or the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat 

suitability for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the 

stipulated area, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or 

utility of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the 

Greater Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime 

loafing/staging activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in 

accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. 

(For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with 

the State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are no longer 

considered in the land use plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core 

area, or are incapable of serving the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse 

nesting habitat and that these ranges no longer warrant consideration as components 

of Greater Sage-Grouse nesting habitat. Any changes to this stipulation will be made 

in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land 

Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #131 Proposed LUP Amendments Stipulation Type: TLS

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat inside PHMAs (core only) and Forest 

Service priority-core management areas

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat inside PHMAs (core only)

and Forest Service proposed core habitat areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities would be prohibited from March 15-–June 

30 to protect sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood rearing habitat. This timing 

limitation would be applied throughout the sage-grouse core and Forest Service 

proposed core area habitats. Activities in unsuitable habitats would be evaluated under 

the exception, waiver, and modification criteria and could be allowed on a case by case 

basis.

Where credible data support different timeframes for this seasonal restriction, dates 

could be shifted by up to 14 days prior to or subsequent to the above dates.

Protected Resource

Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting and early brood-rearing habitat inside 

designated core areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 7,142,940 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitats 

inside designated core areas. This area encompasses Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, 

nesting, and early brood-rearing habitats inside designated core areas. No surface use is 

allowed during March 1 – June 30 inside designated core areas.

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early 

brood-rearing habitats from disruptive activities inside designated core areas.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not affect 

reproductive displays, nest attendance, egg or chick survival, or early brood-rearing 

success. Actions designed to enhance the long-term utility or availability of suitable 

Greater Sage-Grouse habitat may be exempted from this timing limitation. The BLM can 

and does grant exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the BLM, in coordination with the

WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not adversely impact the 

population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance 

with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance 

on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 

or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area or

the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat suitability 

for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the stipulated area, or 

it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the existing criteria are 

inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility of the site for the 

seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater Sage-Grouse, including 

(but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging activities, and nesting. 

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-11
Appendix E Final EIS

Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or 

the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, 

see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 

1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are no longer considered 

in the land use plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated core area, or are 

incapable of serving the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, 

nesting, or early brood-rearing habitat and that these ranges no longer warrant 

consideration as components of Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, or early broodrearing habitat. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land 

use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of 

this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest 

Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #132 Alternative D Stipulation Type: TLS

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat inside connectivity habitat areas

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat inside connectivity 

habitat areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities would be prohibited or restricted from 

March 15-June 30. This restriction would be applied to all identified nesting and early 

brood-rearing habitats inside core habitat areas within 2 miles of the lek.

Protected Resource Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting and early brood-rearing habitat within 

connectivity areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 76,680 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse nesting and early brood-rearing habitat within 

connectivity areas. This area encompasses Greater Sage-Grouse nesting and early 

brood-rearing habitat within connectivity areas. No surface use is allowed during March 

15 – June 30 in breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitats inside connectivity 

areas, within two miles of an occupied lek.

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early 

brood-rearing habitat from disruptive activities within connectivity areas.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not affect 

reproductive displays, nest attendance, egg or chick survival, or early brood-rearing 

success. Actions designed to enhance the long-term utility or availability of suitable 

Greater Sage-Grouse habitat may be exempted from this timing limitation. The BLM can 

and does grant exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the BLM, in coordination with the 

WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not adversely impact the 

population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance 

with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance 

on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 

or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area or 

the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat suitability 

for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the stipulated area, or 

it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the existing criteria are 

inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility of the site for the 

seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater Sage-Grouse, including 

(but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging activities, and nesting. 

Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or 

the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, 

see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 

1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are no longer considered 

in the land use plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated connectivity area, or 

are incapable of serving the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, 

nesting, or early brood-rearing habitat and that these ranges no longer warrant 

consideration as components of Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, or early broodE-12 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment
Final EIS Appendix E

rearing habitat. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land 

use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of 

this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest 

Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #132 Proposed LUP Amendments Stipulation Type: TLS

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat inside PHMAs (connectivity only) and Forest 

Service priority-connectivity management areas

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat inside PHMAs 

(connectivity only) and inside Forest Service proposed connectivity habitat areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities would be prohibited within PHMAs 

(connectivity only) and Forest Service proposed connectivity habitat from March 15–June 

30 to protect breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitats within 4 miles of the lek 

or lek perimeter of any occupied sage-grouse lek within identified connectivity areas and 

Forest Service proposed connectivity areas. This timing limitation would be applied 

throughout the PHMAs (connectivity only) and Forest Service proposed core area 

habitats. Activities in unsuitable habitats would be evaluated under the exception, waiver, 

and modification criteria and may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

Where credible data support different timeframes for this seasonal restriction, dates 

could be shifted by 14 days prior or subsequent to the above dates.

Protected Resource Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting and early brood-rearing habitat within 

connectivity areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 76,680 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat

within connectivity habitat areas and inside Forest Service proposed connectivity habitat 

areas. This area encompasses Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early broodrearing habitat within connectivity areas. No surface use is allowed during March 1 – 

June 30 in breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitats (independent of habitat 

suitability) inside connectivity areas, within four miles of an occupied lek.

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early 

brood-rearing habitats (independent of habitat suitability) inside connectivity areas 

from disruptive activities, within four miles of an occupied lek.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not affect 

reproductive displays, nest attendance, egg or chick survival, or early brood-rearing 

success. Actions designed to enhance the long-term utility or availability of suitable 

Greater Sage-Grouse habitat may be exempted from this timing limitation. The BLM can 

and does grant exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the BLM, in coordination with the 

WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not adversely impact the 

population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance 

with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance 

on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 

or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area or 

the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat 

suitability for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the 

stipulated area, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater SageGrouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging 

activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with 

the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on 

the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or 

Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are no longer considered 

in the land use plan to be within a Greater Sage-Grouse designated connectivity area, 

or are incapable of serving the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse 

breeding, nesting, or early brood-rearing habitat and that these ranges no longer 

warrant consideration as components of Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, or 

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-13
Appendix E Final EIS

early brood-rearing habitat. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance 

with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance 

on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 

or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #133 Alternative D Stipulation Type: TLS

Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting and early brood-rearing habitat outside designated core areas 

and connectivity areas

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat outside sage-grouse 

core and connectivity habitat areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities would be prohibited or restricted from 

March 15–June 30. This restriction would be applied to all identified nesting and 

early brood-rearing habitats outside core habitat areas within 2 miles of the lek.

Protected Resource

Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting and early brood-rearing habitat outside

designated core areas and connectivity areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 10,334,040 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat

outside designated core areas and connectivity areas. This area encompasses Greater 

Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat outside designated core 

areas and connectivity areas. No surface use is allowed during March 15 – June 30 in 

breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitats outside designated core areas and 

connectivity areas, within two miles of an occupied lek.

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early 

brood-rearing habitats from disruptive activities outside designated core areas and 

connectivity areas, within two miles of an occupied lek.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not affect

reproductive displays, nest attendance, egg or chick survival, or early brood-rearing 

success. Actions designed to enhance the long-term utility or availability of suitable 

Greater Sage-Grouse habitat may be exempted from this timing limitation. The BLM can 

and does grant exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the BLM, in coordination with the

WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not adversely impact the 

population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance 

with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance 

on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 

or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area or 

the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat 

suitability for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the 

stipulated area or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater SageGrouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging 

activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with

the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on 

the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or 

Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are incapable of serving 

the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, or early broodrearing habitat, and that these ranges no longer warrant consideration as components 

of Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, or early brood-rearing habitat. Any changes 

to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the 

regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see 

Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 

and 2820.) 

Management Action #133 Proposed LUP Amendments Stipulation Type: TLS

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat outside PHMAs and Forest Service 

priority management areas

Management Action Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat outside PHMAs and 

E-14 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment
Final EIS Appendix E

Text outside Forest Service proposed core and connectivity habitat areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities would be prohibited from March 15–June 

30 to protect sage-grouse nesting and early brood rearing habitats within 2 miles of 

the lek or lek perimeter of any occupied lek located outside core or connectivity areas 

and outside Forest Service proposed core and connectivity areas. 

Where credible data support different timeframes for this restriction, dates could 

be shifted by 14 days prior or subsequent to the above dates.

Protected Resource

Sage-grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat outside sage-grouse core 

and connectivity habitat areas and outside Forest Service proposed core and 

connectivity habitat areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 10,193,790 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat

outside designated core areas and connectivity areas. This area encompasses Greater 

Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitat outside designated core 

areas and connectivity areas. No surface use is allowed during March 15 – June 30 in 

Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early brood-rearing habitats outside 

designated core areas and connectivity areas, within two miles of an occupied lek.

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, and early 

brood-rearing habitats from disruptive activities outside designated core areas and 

connectivity areas, within two miles of an occupied lek.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not affect 

reproductive displays, nest attendance, egg or chick survival, or early brood-rearing 

success. Actions designed to enhance the long-term utility or availability of suitable 

Greater Sage-Grouse habitat may be exempted from this timing limitation. The BLM can 

and does grant exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the BLM, in coordination with the

WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not adversely impact the 

population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance 

with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance 

on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 

or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area or 

the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat 

suitability for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the 

stipulated area, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater 

Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging 

activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with 

the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on 

the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or 

Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are incapable of serving 

the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, or early broodrearing habitat, and that these ranges no longer warrant consideration as components of 

Greater Sage-Grouse breeding, nesting, or early brood-rearing habitat. Any changes to 

this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory 

provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of 

Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #134 Alternative D Stipulation Type: TLS

Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas inside designated core areas

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse winter concentration areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities in mapped sage-grouse winter 

concentration areas within sage-grouse core and connectivity habitat areas would be 

prohibited from November 15-March 14.

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities in mapped sage-grouse winter 

concentration areas supporting connectivity populations would be prohibited from 

November 15-March 14.

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-15
Appendix E Final EIS

Protected Resource Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas within designated core areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 6,916,010 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas within designated core 

areas. This area encompasses Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas within 

designated core areas. No surface use is allowed during November 15 – March 14 in 

Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas within designated core areas.

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas from 

disruptive activities within designated core areas.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not impair the 

function and suitability of the winter concentration area, or it is determined that the 

winter concentration area is not occupied by concentrated populations of Greater SageGrouse during the period of concern. Actions designed to enhance the long-term utility 

or availability of suitable Greater Sage-Grouse habitat may be exempted from this 

timing limitation. The BLM can and does grant exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the 

BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not 

adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be 

made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area or 

the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat 

suitability for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the 

stipulated area, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater 

Sage-Grouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging 

activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with 

the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on 

the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or 

Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are incapable of serving 

the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse winter habitat, and that these 

ranges no longer warrant consideration as components of Greater Sage-Grouse winter 

habitat. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use 

plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this 

stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service 

Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #134 Alternative D Stipulation Type: TLS

Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas supporting connectivity populations

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse winter concentration areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities in mapped sage-grouse winter 

concentration areas within sage-grouse core and connectivity habitat areas would be 

prohibited from November 15-March 14.

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities in mapped sage-grouse winter 

concentration areas supporting connectivity populations would be prohibited from 

November 15-March 14.

Protected Resource Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas supporting connectivity populations

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) Unknown

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas supporting connectivity 

populations. This area encompasses Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas 

supporting connectivity populations. No surface use is allowed during November 15 –

March 14 in Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas supporting connectivity 

populations.

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas 

supporting connectivity populations from disruptive activities.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

E-16 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment
Final EIS Appendix E

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not impair the 

function and suitability of the winter concentration area, or it is determined that the 

winter concentration area is not occupied by concentrated populations of Greater SageGrouse during the period of concern. Actions designed to enhance the long-term utility 

or availability of suitable Greater Sage-Grouse habitat may be exempted from this 

timing limitation. The BLM can and does grant exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the 

BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not 

adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be 

made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area or 

the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat 

suitability for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the 

stipulated area, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater SageGrouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive displays, daytime loafing/staging

activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with 

the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on 

the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or 

Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are incapable of serving 

the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse winter habitat, and that these 

ranges no longer warrant consideration as components of Greater Sage-Grouse winter 

habitat. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use 

plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this 

stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service

Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Management Action #134 Proposed LUP Amendments Stipulation Type: TLS

Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas within PHMAs (core only), and outside PHMAs (core 

only) when supporting wintering Greater Sage-Grouse that nest within PHMAs (core only)

Management Action

Text

Sage-grouse winter concentration areas: 

Surface disturbing and/or disruptive activities in mapped sage-grouse winter 

concentration areas would be prohibited from December 1–March 14 to protect PHMA 

(core only) populations of sage-grouse that use these winter concentration habitats. This 

timing limitation would be applied to all winter concentration areas within PHMAs. 

Activities in unsuitable habitats within PHMAs would be evaluated under the exception, 

waiver, and modification criteria and could be allowed on a case-by-case basis.

Protection of additional mapped winter concentration areas in GHMAs would be 

implemented where winter concentration areas are identified as supporting populations 

of sage-grouse that attend leks within PHMAs (core only). Appropriate seasonal timing 

restrictions and habitat protection measures would be considered and evaluated in all 

identified winter concentration areas.

Protected Resource

Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas within designated core areas, and 

outside designated core areas when supporting wintering Greater Sage-Grouse that nest 

within designated core areas

LUP Acres

Affected (Approx.) 6,916,010 acres

Stipulation

Description

Stipulation: Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas. This area encompasses 

Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas. No surface use is allowed during 

December 1 – March 14 within Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas in 

designated core areas, and outside designated core areas when supporting wintering 

Greater Sage-Grouse that attend leks within designated core areas.

Purpose: To seasonally protect Greater Sage-Grouse winter concentration areas from 

disruptive activities.

Exception: The authorized officer may grant an exception if an environmental record of 

review determines that the action, as proposed or conditioned, will not impair the 

Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment E-17
Appendix E Final EIS

function and suitability of the winter concentration area, or it is determined that the 

winter concentration area is not occupied by concentrated populations of Greater SageGrouse during the period of concern. Actions designed to enhance the long-term utility 

or availability of suitable Greater Sage-Grouse habitat may be exempted from this 

timing limitation. The BLM can and does grant exceptions to seasonal restrictions if the 

BLM, in coordination with the WGFD, determines that granting an exception would not 

adversely impact the population being protected. Any changes to this stipulation will be 

made in accordance with the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such 

changes. (For guidance on the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management 

Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Modification: The authorized officer may modify the size and shape of the TLS area or 

the TLS criteria if an environmental record of review indicates the actual habitat 

suitability for seasonal Greater Sage-Grouse activities is greater or less than the 

stipulated area, or it is identified through scientific research or monitoring that the 

existing criteria are inadequate or overly protective for maintaining the function or utility 

of the site for the seasonal habitat, life-history, or behavioral needs of the Greater SageGrouse, including (but not limited to) reproductive display, daytime loafing/staging 

activities, and nesting. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with 

the land use plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on 

the use of this stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or 

Forest Service Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

Waiver: This stipulation may be waived over the entire lease if, in coordination with the 

State wildlife agency, it is determined that the described lands are incapable of serving 

the long-term requirements of Greater Sage-Grouse winter habitat and that these 

ranges no longer warrant consideration as components of Greater Sage-Grouse winter 

habitat. Any changes to this stipulation will be made in accordance with the land use 

plan and/or the regulatory provisions for such changes. (For guidance on the use of this 

stipulation, see Bureau of Land Management Manuals 1624 and 3101 or Forest Service

Manuals 1950 and 2820.)

E-18 Wyoming Greater Sage-Grouse Land Use Plan Amendment