Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Nevada Department of Wildlife is interested in understanding Greater sage-grouse (hereafter referred to as “sage-grouse”) population dynamics within the Desert Creek and Mount Grant Population Management Units of the Bi-State Sage-grouse Distinct Population Segment. We are proposing to conduct radio-marking and follow-up work to more clearly understand habitat use and demographic parameters within these study areas. In addition, vegetative measurements will also be collected at used and random sites during various life stages. This information will also be used to further refine the resource selection function model for the Bi-State DPS. We propose to conduct this monitoring over a three-year period from 2021 through 2024. The information collected will also help assess the effects of various habitat improvement projects, as identified within the Bi-State Action Plan, that have taken place within this portion of the Bi-State DPS and will continue to occur. Initial objectives include the following: 1) Capture at least 10 female sage-grouse and place GPS/Satellite transmitters to determine seasonal movement patterns and determine home range. In addition, capture 20-30 female sage-grouse and place VHF radio transmitters to augment the GPS/Satellite marked samples. Maintain approximately 20-30 VHF radio-marked females for two subsequent years after year 1 of the study through year 3. 2) Quantify vital rates for each life stage (e.g., juvenile, adult, nest survival, brood survival, etc.). 3) Develop spatial use and habitat associations at various life stages. 4) Develop habitat selection and demographic models for these two populations of sagegrouse. This work will assist with determining the following: a) adult survival rates (monthly and annual) b) identification of nest sites and nest success c) examination of nest-site vegetative characteristics and if differences exist between successful and unsuccessful nest sites d) determination of nest survival rates e) brood rearing habitat selection f) vital rate associations with habitat co-variates g) overall distribution and seasonal movement patterns.
