In June 1990, after years of controversial negotiation between the US government, environmentalists, and the timber industry, the northern spotted owl was officially recognized as a federal threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Protection of the owl under federal law became necessary due to the reduction of its critical habitat of old-growth conifer forests, including redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). These old-growth forests located along the North American Pacific coast historically have high value to the local timber industry. However, over the last one-hundred fifty years, as a result of heavy logging, these ancient forests have dwindled. Today, less than ten percent of the original old-growth forests remain. Under the 1990 provision, timber companies are required to leave at least 40% of the old-growth forests intact within a 1.3 mile radius of any spotted owl nest or activity site.
Regions:
Day:
0
Month:
6
Year:
1990