A new report released today finds that USDA’s Sage Grouse Initiative has helped to restore 4.4 million acres of habitat for sage-grouse since 2010 while still maintaining working landscapes across the West.

“We’re working with ranchers who are taking proactive steps to improve habitat for sage-grouse while improving the sustainability of their agricultural operations,” Under Secretary for Natural Resources and Environment Robert Bonnie said. “Thanks to the interest from ranchers and support of our conservation partners, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is working to secure this species’ future while maintaining our vibrant western economies. Since 2010, we’ve worked with ranchers to conserve, restore, or maintain more than 4 million acres of habitat on private lands – an area twice the size of Yellowstone National Park.”

USDA also announced additional investments in new sage-grouse conservation work over the next four years through the 2014 Farm Bill.