Oregon Public Broadcasting

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar Friday said the sage grouse warrants listing as an endangered species, but won't get it. 

He explained that other critters closer to the brink of extinction take priority. 

So, the sage grouse will instead be monitored as a "candidate species." Tom Banse reports on what this means for Western ranchers, energy developers and conservationists.

Perhaps you heard the sighs of relief after the midmorning announcement from Interior Secretary Salazar.

Ken Salazar: "Energy production, recreational access, other uses of federal lands including ranching and grazing will continue in ways that limit impacts on the bird."

During a conference call with reporters, the Interior Secretary conceded the long term prognosis for the sage grouse "is not good."  But he says the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is stretched too thin. 

The administration hopes stepped up conservation efforts by western states and private landowners might keep the bird off the endangered list. 

The feds specifically complimented Idaho for a voluntary plan reached recently to protect sage brush habitat near Weiser.

Green groups had mixed reactions.  Some argue the sage grouse should have received maximum protection years ago, while others say landowners and industry should take this decision as a "wake up call."