History
Greater Sage Grouse by Joel Sartore.
In August 1999, thirteen concerned wildlife professionals formed The North American Grouse Partnership (NAGP), a new national and international advocacy group for grouse, in response to the clear conservation needs of several species. NAGP is a 501(C)3, not-for-profit organization created to address the various challenges facing grouse species.
North American grouse species, especially those occupying prairie and sage communities, have experienced serious population declines during the last 50 years. Most recently, petitions have been filed with the U. S. Fish & Wildlife Service requesting that sage grouse and Columbian sharp-tailed grouse be placed on the threatened and endangered species list. Some data suggest that within 10 years most prairie grouse could be endangered.
Grouse habitat encompasses millions of acres of private and public land. These magnificent birds function as primary indicator species for the health of their particular habitats, and they are held in especially high esteem by sportspersons, birders, biologists and land managers.
NAGP works to bring the plight of declining grouse species and their habitats to the attention of the public, provides oversight for the health of grouse populations, implements solutions to the problems causing grouse declines and encourages public policies and management decisions that will enhance important habitats and grouse populations.