CHEYENNE, Wyo. (AP) — Interior Secretary Ken Salazar plans to meet in Cheyenne on Friday with representatives from 10 western states to discuss development of a comprehensive strategy to protect sage grouse while maintaining a strong economy.

Salazar spokesman Adam Fetcher says the secretary will meet with Wyoming Gov. Matt Mead and representatives from other western states.

Fetcher says Salazar hopes to identify a path forward to develop and implement "a comprehensive landscape level conservation strategy," for the birds.

The federal government announced last year that sage grouse deserve protection under the federal Endangered Species Act but held off listing the bird immediately because other species were of more immediate concern.

Wyoming and other western states are anxious to avoid federal protections for the birds to avoid reductions in energy production.

More From K2 Radio