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Portland, Ore. — In order to further protect imperiled northern spotted owls in Oregon, the Bureau of Land Management today issued a final decision to implement a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service strategy to responsibly manage barred owl populations on BLM-managed lands. The strategy is the first comprehensive proposal to address the significant threat posed by inter-species competition.

Northern spotted owl populations are rapidly declining, and the species is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act. Its two biggest threats are competition from invasive barred owls, as well as fire and drought-related habitat loss. The BLM already limits habitat loss through its 2016 Resource Management Plans for Western Oregon.

Although barred owls are native to eastern North America, they moved west due to human activity. Their population now surpasses northern spotted owls across most of Washington, Oregon, and California. Barred owls are bigger and more aggressive and frequently outcompete native spotted owls for nesting spots and prey.

“Northern spotted owls are at a tipping point, and both barred owls and habitat have to be managed to save them,” said Barry Bushue, BLM Oregon/Washington state director. “If we act now, future generations will still be able to see and hear northern spotted owls in our Pacific Northwest forests.”

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s barred owl management plan resulted from significant public involvement and thorough environmental analysis. More information is available on the agency’s barred owl management website, including the final Environmental Impact Statement and strategy, record of decision, and frequently asked questions. BLM’s decision to implement the barred owl control plan is available online at https://eplanning.blm.gov/eplanning-ui/project/2034778/510 and is posted in the Federal Register.