CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) - A Nevada legislative committee has endorsed a plan to preserve habitat for a declining sage grouse population.
The Legislative Committee on Public Lands approved the recommendations of a study group appointed by Gov. Brian Sandoval.
The Las Vegas Sun reports millions of acres of public lands would continue to be open to grazing, mining and energy development.
Sandoval's committee has recommended that areas of northern and central Nevada be set aside as sage grouse management areas.
Study group Vice Chairman Allen Biaggi says Sandoval is reviewing the recommendations and meeting with federal officials.
The Interior Department is giving western states the option of developing a plan to preserve sage grouse habitat in an effort to avoid an endangered species listing that could result in restrictions on public lands.
Copyright 2013 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
