Watch: Short film focuses on Washington’s Sagebrush Sea

The shrubsteppe of central Washington’s Columbia Basin is a land of rich biodiversity. Here, at the northern extent of the great “Sagebrush Sea” that once sprawled across much of the American West, growing collaboration between agencies, Native American tribes, conservation organizations, local landowners, and other partners seeks to preserve and restore shrubsteppe ecosystems while supporting cultural and economic values.

Despite impacts from severe wildfires and habitat fragmentation, recovery programs are under way for species such as the greater sage-grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), pygmy rabbits (Brachylagus idahoensis), sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus) and pronghorn antelope (Antilocapra americana).

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, in partnership with Conservation Northwest, produced the 12-minute film “This Land is Part of Us” to bring attention to the region.

Watch the film below.