If you have density-dependent species like spotted owl, that's in direct conflict with density as far as growing healthy trees. Salvage logging is a reactive rather than a proactive measure. If you actively manage and tend stands and landscapes over time, salvage logging will not be needed. Dense stands invite forest health problems. Salvage logging is unnecessary if you thin appropriately.
Salvage is kind of like cleaning up after the war and the bodies are lying around.
What you want to do is something before the war starts to prevent the war. Well, nature didn't' do it in the past because all that area was open pine, and owls weren't in the open pine. When we took fire out of the system, the fir became dense and the owls moved in to an artificial situation. Then, when the trees all died from budworm and bark beetles instead of fire, the owls began moving out because of no more cover. But we've got ideas on how one could sustain them.