None The Nature Conservancy in Colorado Press Releases Search All Press Releases Liz Hatzenbuehler Phone: (970) 728-5291 Email: lhatzenbuehler@tnc.org

Invitation to Gunnison Sage-grouse Summit

Norwood and Telluride, CO. - 6, August, 2003 - The San Miguel County Open Space Commission, The Nature Conservancy, and the Colorado Division of Wildlife have joined forces to organize the first ever statewide Gunnison Sage-grouse (GSG) Summit to be held September 24th and 25th. The first day of the summit will be held at the Norwood Community Center, and will include a tour of nearby GSG habitat near Miramonte Reservoir. The Telluride Conference Center in Mountain Village will host the second day.

The purpose of the summit is to bring landowners and land management agencies together on common ground to learn more about the GSG. It provides a unique opportunity to address multiple topics, ranging from why the GSG is a unique species and it's latest status relative to the Endangered Species Act, to sharing experiences and lessons learned by local conservation planning groups, as well as learning about funding opportunities to protect and improve GSG habitat. The dialogue exchanged between landowners and agencies will serve as a catalyst towards charting a course of action for protection of the species.

All those interested in learning more about the GSG are welcome to attend. Until August 15th, the price is $25 per person and includes: breakfast, lunch and snacks on both days, a social hour on the 24th, and all conference materials. After August 15th, the price increases to $50 per person. For landowners owning GSG habitat, a limited amount of scholarships are available to cover costs including gas, meals, and lodging. For more information, please click here or call Liz Hatzenbuehler at (970) 728-5291.