Current and past experiences with the Endangered Species Act seem to have convinced the oil and gas industry to adapt activities to conserve wildlife and wildlife habitat.

Industry has joined the state in developing an action plan for the sage grouse, yet some also have questioned peer-reviewed scientific studies suggesting the need for more stringent stipulations on oil and gas development.

A sage grouse task force formed by the governor's office is expected to present its recommendations in September.

On Wednesday, Gov. Dave Freudenthal warned the industry not to lag behind the leadership of the state and the Bureau of Land Management on the sage grouse issue.

"We arrived at this decision based on our experience with the Preble's jumping mouse," Freudenthal said during the annual convention of the Petroleum Association of Wyoming in Casper.

He said the state spent a lot of money on genetic studies and mapping the mouse's habitat in southeast Wyoming. In the end, though, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service used its own studies and mapping.

At this point, it's uncertain whether the rodent will continue to receive federal protection.

"It is incredibly important that we deal with the sage grouse issue and deal with it aggressively," Freudenthal said.

The federal government so far has rejected petitions to put the sage grouse on the endangered species list, a move that could significantly disrupt energy activity in the West. A federal judge in Idaho is considering a lawsuit aimed at forcing the listing of the sage grouse.

Work force development, another issue pivotal to the state's future economy, also was a topic at the association's convention Wednesday.

Industry has contributed millions to work force development training in Wyoming. Sandra Caldwell of Western Wyoming Community College said industry has committed nearly $1.2 million for the Rocky Mountain Region Well-site Instruction Facility. Caldwell and Freudenthal both urged the industry to continue financial support, even though commodity prices are in a slump.

"You need to keep those things alive. We're going to need them," Freudenthal said.

Industry officials received good news from a recent poll on public opinion in Wyoming. Maintaining oil and gas development ranked high on voters' priority, right along with maintaining Wyoming's open, wild spaces.

The study was commissioned by the Ruckelshaus Institute, Wyoming Stock Growers Association and the Nature Conservancy. An executive summary of the results will be made available to the public within days, according to the groups.

Also among the findings were that the "vast majority" of all groups polled supported the Wyoming Wildlife and Natural Resources Trust Fund. Another major priority is to keep water in the state, according to the groups.

Energy reporter Dustin Bleizeffer can be reached at (307) 577-6069 or dustin.bleizeffer@casperstartribune.net.