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The federal government will dole out $211 million over the next four years to protect the sage grouse, a chicken-like bird native to western North America. This comes on top of the nearly $300 million pumped into conservation efforts for the bird since 2010, and thanks to some matching funds from private partners, more than $750 million will be spent by the end of 2018.

Though this seems like an ungodly sum to spend on safeguarding the sage grouse, Department of Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack was quick to point out related benefits of the expenditure. One measure taken, he noted, includes steps to reduce the threat of wildfire and the spread of invasive grasses, which also benefits cattle ranchers since it ensures livestock have higher quality forage.

“I applaud America’s ranchers for their initiative in improving habitats and outcomes for sage grouse and other wildlife, and for their recognition that these efforts are also good for cattle, good for ranching operations, and good for America’s rural economy,” said Vilsack in a statement.

Some on the right are actually looking at this as a positive move, since investment in protection now might save them money down the line. One study reported that the sage grouse being added to the endangered species list — a move this so-called Sage Grouse Initiative 2.0 is designed to prevent — would cost area energy companies, mining operations, and ranchers some $5.6 million. “A listing would be devastating to our operations,” Paul Ulrich, who works for Jonah Energy, told NPR.

Only about 400,000 sage grouse remain throughout 11 states in the U.S. West. Drought, wildfire, hunting, and natural predators have all led to the species’ population decline, but a Pew study found human development to be the leading factor that cut the number of sage grouse by more than half from 2007 to 2013.

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