Fidelity Exploration & Production Company is active in research, programs and practices to enhance and protect the sage grouse, which previously has been identified as a species to consider placing on the threatened and endangered list. Fidelity E&P has provided funding and organized an industry-funding effort for a research program on the effects of coalbed natural gas development on the sage grouse being conducted for the Bureau of Land Management by the University of Montana.

Fidelity also has allowed these researchers to access lands owned and managed by Fidelity E&P for the study. Fidelity E&P participates in the Southeastern Montana Sage Grouse Working Group, and Fidelity E&P's senior management is represented on the Cooperative Sagebrush Initiative, a partnership of government agencies and officials, conservation groups and industry dedicated to developing sound, science-based policy and practices for sage grouse protection and enhancement.

Fidelity E&P's coalbed natural gas asset team explores and has developed various best management practices for sage grouse protection. One such practice is the use of extensive on-the-ground surveys to identify active sage grouse mating and nesting areas.

The team applies Bureau of Land Management-mandated setbacks and seasonal access restrictions to active sage grouse areas, regardless of mineral ownership. This practice protects sage grouse mating and nesting areas whether they fall under the bureau's management or not. The coalbed natural gas team also uses transportation corridors, underground electricity and remote well monitoring to minimize surface disturbance and vehicle traffic in sensitive areas.

Fidelity's Sage Grouse Habitat Protection Program was nominated for the Bureau of Land Management's Best Management Practices Award Nomination in 2006.