2025

After a quarter of a century since the spotted owl was listed as Threatened by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, the agency has completed and is prepared to implement their barred owl management strategy. Umpqua Watersheds stands behind the effort to remove barred owls in strategic areas of the range of the Northern Spotted Owl.

The Environmental Impact Statement Record of Decision can be found on the USFWS page.

It may be too late in some parts of the range, but in our area, we could still see recovery by the spotted owl if the management plan is implemented. Time is of the essence for the iconic species of the Pacific Northwest.

Lawsuits to stop the process have been filed in both Oregon and Washington states. Umpqua Watersheds has joined other organizations to intervene on behalf of the US Fish and Wildlife Service in Oregon and Washington.  The Declaration of standing by Conservation chair, Janice Reid, and is available to read here. The declaration outlines the impact of the barred owl on the spotted owl and the very ecosystem that the owl depends upon and why Umpqua Watersheds has joined to support the efforts of the US Fish and Wildlife Service.

A press release was issued on January 21, 2025

Frequently asked Questions document prepared by Conservation Northwest January 2025.