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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... Emergency services, Oct. 16 ... Since You Asked: Park resurfacing delayed during winter ... SOU training gives tips on what to do if there's an active shooter ... OTHER VIEWS Other Views: Sage grouse listing would be unfortunate Comment By The Baker City Herald MailTribune.com By The Baker City Herald Posted Mar. 30, 2015 at 12:01 AM By The Baker City Herald Posted Mar. 30, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News The potential effects on Baker County's economy if the federal government lists the sage grouse as a threatened or endangered species can hardly be underestimated. Most directly, most of beef cattle that produce about $53 million annual sales for local ranchers also spend part of the year grazing on public land that that feds might deem critical habitat for sage grouse. Although it doesn't seem likely that a sage grouse listing would end public land grazing, even a moderate reduction in grazing could cause considerable problems for ranchers and, inevitably, create a ripple effect throughout the local economy. All of which goes to explain why we support efforts to prove to federal officials that the sage grouse, at least in Oregon, doesn't need federal protection. The latest example is House Bill 3334, sponsored by Baker County's legislator, Rep. Cliff Bentz, R-Ontario. Bentz's bill would require the state to spend $2 million per in year in Lottery revenue to protect and restore sage grouse habitat. That's a relatively modest amount by Lottery standards — the state doled out more than $46 million in the most recent two-year budget cycle. But it can only bolster the state's case against federal protection for sage grouse if it can point to a $2 million state investment — and not involving tax dollars — in helping the bird. As for the bill, we're optimistic about its prospects in Salem. Legislators certainly should not ignore the testimony from Baker County business owners who addressed the House Committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources via video link. Business owners said they fear a sage grouse listing would ravage the local economy. If the state can help to avoid that disaster by spending a relative pittance, then lawmakers should do so. By The Baker City Herald MailTribune.com By The Baker City Herald Posted Mar. 30, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501