By Pepper Fisher
OLYMPIA – Northern spotted owls are probably doomed in Washington in the next decade unless barred owls are sacrificed, according to a new report by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
Wildlife officials are now seeking public input on a draft periodic status review for northern spotted owls that includes a recommendation to keep the owl on the state’s endangered species list, and to come up with ways to eradicate non-native barred owls, who are outcompeting them for food and territory. The public comment period is open from Aug. 1 through Oct. 29.
When the spotted owl was federally listed in 1990, the primary factor contributing to its status under the Endangered Species Act was the loss of habitat. Despite huge set-asides of habitat being carved out in western Washington that restricted logging on federal and state lands, spotted owl populations continue to decline, and the likelihood of northern spotted owls becoming extinct in Washington has only increased.
In 2015, an experiment to remove barred owls from spotted owl territories at four study areas was implemented. Results of the experiment indicated a positive response by spotted owls to the removal of barred owls.
The draft periodic status review for northern spotted owl is now available on WDFW’s website at wdfw.wa.gov. The public can submit written comments on the document via email.
Following the public comment period, a commission on the subject is tentatively scheduled to consider the topic in November 2023.