"Battle Over Imperiled Sage Grouse Draws To Climax in U.S. West"

"DENVER -- A long-simmering debate in the American West over an imperiled ground-dwelling bird was headed for climax on Tuesday with the Obama administration expected to unveil a conservation plan lacking Endangered Species Act protections.

U.S. Interior Secretary Sally Jewell was due to appear with four Western state governors at a wildlife refuge in Colorado to present a final strategy for saving the greater sage grouse while allowing energy development, mining and ranching to co-exist with the chicken-sized prairie fowl.

Whether the administration's approach finally quells the protracted dispute or prompts a new round of litigation will depend on the details."

Keith Coffman reports for Reuters September 22, 2015.