Community-Based Research Commons^™

Participatory Research In Sage-Grouse Local Working Groups: Case Studies From Utah, Lorien R. Belton, S. Nicole Frey, David K. Dahlgren

Human–Wildlife Interactions

Across the range of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sage-grouse), collaborative groups focused on local-scale sage-grouse management, known as local working groups (LWGs), have been a core component of state-level efforts toward conservation of this species. In Utah, LWGs have been highly involved in designing and implementing the research which forms the body of knowledge upon which sage-grouse management decisions are made in the state. The LWG process encourages participatory research involving a wide array of interested stakeholders, including university scientists. Utah’s LWGs are facilitated by Utah State University Extension faculty and staff. These personnel provide support for securing …