LANDSCAPE CHANGES WITHIN THE HISTORICAL DISTRIBUTION OF COLUMBIAN SHARP-TAILED GROUSE IN EASTERN WASHINGTON - IS THERE HOPE

Landscape changes within the historical distribution of Columbian shar p-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) in eastern Wash ington were assessed and analyzed to predict the most suitable areas f or habitat improvement. The most significant changes involved the decl ine and fragmentation of grassland and sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) cove r types, and the emergence of the cropland/hay/pasture cover type. Gra sslands decreased from 25% to 1% of the landscape, while mean patch si ze declined from 3,765 ha to 299 ha. Sagebrush decreased from 44% to 1 6% of the landscape and has become extremely fragmented. Grasslands an d sagebrush are two of the habitats most frequently used by Columbian sharp-tailed grouse. Conversion of most grassland and sagebrush to cro pland is responsible for the decline of sharp-tailed grouse, and has r esulted in disjunct populations. Future efforts to expand the range an d number of birds should be centered around the Dyer Hill and Colville populations due to current landscape characteristics and population s izes.