In 1994, when Judge William Dwyer declared the Northwest Forest Plan to be lawful, he said that, to remain lawful, it must be implemented in its entirety. Hopefully the courts will provide new protection for northwest ancient forests that harbor diverse species, provide clean water, and offer solace to the soul. Until recently lynx were thought to be extinct in Oregon, or merely occasional visitors. The last confirmed lynx in Oregon was taken 25 years ago. It was recently learned that lynx are still in the Oregon Cascades in the Mt. Hood, Willamette, and Deschutes National Forests.
Lynx are highly sensitive to disturbance.
After years of delay, the US Fish and Wildlife Service proposed in June 1998 to list the lynx under the Endangered Species Act and a final ruling is expected within a year of that date. The lynx is a medium-sized cat that has impressive adaptations for maneuvering through deep snow, with long legs and big feet. The lynx is rare, especially in the southern part of its range in Oregon, and is threatened by human disturbance and competition from bobcats and coyotes in its high elevation habitat. Lynx are harmed by timber harvest that eliminates old-growth denning habitat, reduces tree density in cover areas and dispersal corridors, or degrades habitat for snowshoe hares, the lynx's primary prey species. Roads and snowmobiles are also a problem for lynx because they compact the snow, allowing competitors into lynx's snowy domain.