Ponderosa

According to the USFWS, the Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) population has declined 52% since 1992. At its current rate of decline, another 25% will be lost in the next 20 years even though the amount of suitable habitat is expected to increase significantly.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) states that it is unlawful to “take” any endangered species of fish or wildlife. 50 CFR Part 17.31 expands the prohibition to take endangered species to wildlife species listed as threatened.

A rational mind would think that a native species of fauna would thrive in a setting composed of native levels of flora. In other words, if the “natural” condition of forested stands in southwest Oregon is one of lower forest canopy density, shouldn’t those species of wildlife dependent on them thrive under such conditions?

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) prohibits the “take” of any species listed as “endangered” but provides more latitude to species listed as “threatened”. The Northern Spotted Owl (NSO) is listed as a threatened species and therefore should not be subject to the take prohibition. The USFWS, however, has arbitrarily decided to extend the prohibition of take to all threatened species.