During the1990's in the Pacific Northwest, a controversy raged between the timber concerns and environmentalists hoping to preserve "old growth" forests, and all that these provide. The "Spotted Owl" had to be "En Garde" not only against the timber industry, local residents who make their living from logging practices, the invasion of, and some subsequent cross breeding with, the similar Barred Owl, but also--and perhaps most importantly--fire.
One area of habitat for these birds, particularly at risk, is the older forest in the dry eastern end of the Klamath-Siskiyou province. The U.S. Forest Service, the City of Ashland, The Nature Conservancy, and Lomakatsi Restoration Project have joined to provide protection and management of this important forested area. |
