The Debate Over Timber Cutting and the Endangered Spotted Owl

Some background in the debate over timber and spotted owls:

The Problem: Scientists say continued logging of the Northwest’s national forests at recent levels could lead to extinction of the northern spotted owl, given protection under the Endangered Species Act in June, 1990.

The Deadlock: Federal agencies’ plans to protect the owl have fallen short of their responsibilities under environmental laws, says a federal judge in Seattle. He placed the forests under court injunction in 1990. As a result, logging in national forests in Oregon and Washington has fallen to 40% of its 1980s peak.

The Conference: President Clinton calls last month’s forest conference in Portland, Ore., a first step in forging a legislative solution balancing the owl’s survival against that of the timber industry. Topics included logging levels, new forestry techniques, worker retraining and economic aid to timber towns.

Options: Some environmentalists suggest halting all logging on federal lands to save the owl. Some timber interests suggest amending the Endangered Species Act to consider economic hardship. Middle-of-the-road proposals would parcel out varying amounts of old-growth forest for logging and owl protection.

Jobs: One owl-protection plan favored last year by the Bush Administration would have cost an estimated 32,400 timber jobs. But even that would not protect all the owls, as required by the Endangered Species Act.

Vanishing Forest: Scientists agree that 17 million to 19 million acres of old-growth forest existed when pioneers arrived in the Pacific Northwest. Various studies suggest 10% to 30% of that forest remains, with consensus leaning toward the lower numbers.

Beyond Spotted Owls: A Forest Service panel says more cuts may be needed to protect salmon, the marbled murrelet seabird and hundreds of other species dependent on old-growth forests.