A federal court banned the logging of public lands in 1991 to protect ancient forests and the spotted owl, among other species. Despite heavy criticism, President Clinton crafted a compromise in 1993 that preserved much of the forest protection. Meanwhile, studies sponsored by the U.S. Forest Service show the adult female owl population declining by an annual average of 4.5 percent during the past decade, and the rate is accelerating. Eric Forsman, a forest service biologist, says that some young owls are successfully migrating out of the area. There, fledglings are picked off by goshawks, red-tailed hawks, great horned owls, and even bobcats.
Environmentalists are busy with new battles.
Last year, congressional Republicans opened some national forests so companies could salvage dead timber. Although this also threatens the owl's habitat, conservation groups such as the Sierra Club and Defenders of Wildlife have instead focused on the endangerment of other species, most notably salmon whose spawning streams have been decimated. Everyone thinks you put a stick in the water and eat salmon for dinner every night. All letters to the editor are for publication and may be edited for length and clarity.