Participatory research in sage-grouse local working groups: case studies from Utah

Across the range of greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus; sagegrouse), collaborative groups focused on local-scale sage-grouse management, known as local working groups (LWGs), have been a core component of state-level efforts toward conservation of this species. In Utah, LWGs have been highly involved in designing and implementing the research that forms the body of knowledge upon which sage-grouse management decisions are made in the state. The LWG process encourages participatory research involving a wide array of interested stakeholders, including university scientists. Utah's LWGs are facilitated by Utah State University Extension faculty and staff. These personnel provide support for securing research funding, implementation, and analysis, as well as fostering communication among numerous partners around the state. We highlight 4 case studies to demonstrate how the LWGs facilitate both participatory research and resource management informed by science. The research completed through the LWGs has influenced-and been influenced by-on-the-ground management needs of the species, has fostered community support for sage-grouse conservation management actions, and has helped shape Utah's state-level sage-grouse management policy.