Lakeview BLM offering sage grouse lek tours

The Bureau of Land Management’s Lakeview District said Wednesday it is offering a series of guided tours of sage brush steppe areas during the upcoming sage-grouse breeding season. Participants will have the opportunity to learn how the Greater Sage-grouse serves as a barometer for rangeland health while also witnessing their fascinating springtime courtship rituals.

The Bureau of Land Management is committed to keeping public landscapes healthy and productive, in part by managing the sage brush steppe for a variety of uses, including ranching, hunting, mining and energy development.

The sage-grouse breeding season, also known as lekking, takes place for only four to six weeks in early spring at gathering sites called leks. Sage-grouse come to approximately 100 lek sites across Lake County to perform their courtship dance before breeding.

Guided tours will be offered to the public on March 10 and April 7. Viewing is limited to 20 people per tour in order to minimize the potential for disturbance to the sage-grouse. Reservations are on a first-come, first-serve basis. To reserve a spot, contact Larisa Bogardus at 541)-947-6237 or lbogardus@blm.gov by noon on Friday, March 9, for the March 10 tour or by noon on Friday, April 6 for the April 7 outing.

Viewers will depart at 6 a.m. from the BLM Lakeview District Office, 1301 South G Street, in Lakeview. Carpooling is encouraged. Transportation may be provided depending on the number of participants, who should dress appropriately for field conditions.

Sturdy, broken-in boots/shoes are encouraged, as participants will encounter rocky, rugged terrain, with sagebrush and rocks. Additionally, tours will require a hike of up to a half mile. There are no amenities and no restrooms. Participants should also plan to bring plenty of water, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.