Out of concern for cheatgrass invasion and sagebrush habitat degradation, GSA was born in 2019 based in collaborative, cross-agency efforts to restore and conserve the sagebrush landscapes of the Gunnison Basin. GSA is now run by the Cheatgrass Subcommittee of the Gunnison Sage-Grouse Strategic Planning Committee, which hosts a diverse suite of stakeholders working together to manage the spread and infestation of cheatgrass. The Gunnison Sage-Grouse Strategic Planning Committee typically meets on the third Wednesday of the month at noon at the Blackstock Government Building. The Cheatgrass Subcommittee typically meets on the third Friday of the month at 11am at the Blackstock Government Building. Both meetings are open to the public and we encourage you to join us. Check the 'People and Happenings' each month in the Gunnison Times for details or contact us here.
The Gunnison Basin is a high-elevation valley located in South Central Colorado comprised of large tracts of sagebrush steppe and public land. Gunnison has a long, rich ranching history as well as multiple endemic plant and animal species. One of them being the threatened Gunnison Sage-grouse (GUSG). The GUSG is an obligate species of sagebrush landscapes and ~88% of its global population resides in the Gunnison Basin. Managing the spread of cheatgrass is essential to protecting critical habitat for the Gunnison Sage-grouse, preserving our cattle ranching heritage, and supporting outdoor recreation, which are essential economic drivers and livelihoods in Gunnison County
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