U.S. Fish and Wildlife Strips 3 Million Acres from Northern Spotted Owl Critical Habitat

Today the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service cut back the critical habitat for the northern spotted owl throughout Washington and California. This decision, released in a final rule, opens up more than 3 million acres of protected old-growth forest for logging, permanently eliminating habitat for this threatened bird, which has been sliding toward extinction for decades.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:

“At every turn, the Trump administration is undercutting the northern spotted owl’s chances of survival. Despite scientific evidence showing that this owl is endangered, the agency refuses to increase protections for the beleaguered bird. Today, the administration finalized a proposal to eliminate nearly 3.5 million acres of the owl’s critical habitat increasing the likelihood of logging in the old growth forests they call home. Time and again, the Trump administration exacerbates the threats that will only increase the likelihood of extinction for this beleaguered bird.”