Dr. Patrick Magee
Wildlife Biologist
Western State College of Colorado

Michele Sewolt
Grouse Biologist
Coordinator, Bright Beginnings
Gunnison Country Partners

Janice Welborn-Downing
Director, Sponsored
Programs & Grants
Western State College

Chris Dickey
Editor and Owner
Gunnison Country Times

Doug Washburn
Rancher
Gunnison Stockgrowers Association

Welcome to Sisk-a-dee

Mission Statement:
Sisk-a-dee was founded in 2000 to promote the implementation of the Gunnison Sage-grouse Conservation Plan within the Gunnison Basin, Colorado.

Background:
Sisk-a-dee is the only organization completely dedicated to the conservation of the Gunnison Sage-grouse. The Gunnison Basin holds the largest remaining population of Gunnison Sage-grouse in the world. As the grouse have declined over the last half century, concerned land managers, environmentalists, and landowners developed a Conservation Plan (1995) to restore habitat and populations. Sisk-a-dee has worked cooperatively with the Gunnison Sage-grouse Working Group to identify the biological and cultural challenges facing the grouse. Sisk-a-dee has sought coordination and strategic planning in the implementation process. Sisk-a-dee works with county, state and federal agencies, including Western State College of Colorado, and other non-profit organizations, as well as landowners.  

Sisk-a-dee has coordinated the Watchable Wildlife Program for Gunnison Sage-grouse since 2001 in cooperation with the Colorado Division of Wildlife. The Conservation Plan recognizes recreational use of the Gunnison Sage-grouse during the spring lekking season as a viable human activity, but as a potential impact on grouse population status. Since 2000, when the Gunnison Sage-grouse gained species recognition, birders from many parts of the world have visited Gunnison in order to view the grouse. Sisk-a-dee has worked collaboratively with the Colorado Division of Wildlife, the Bureau of Land Management, Western State College, and the Gunnison Sage-grouse Working Group to develop protocols for viewing and for monitoring and managing the basin's Watchable Wildlife Program. Currently, Sisk-a-dee works closely with Western State College to provide a well monitored viewing site for the public and for commercial groups. Students and others are present on the site every morning during the spring viewing season. They also collect data on grouse numbers and behaviors and collect data on human numbers and behaviors. These dedicated individuals also enrich the experience of visitors.