News Release

Federal Environment Minister Supports British Columbia Efforts to Protect the Endangered Northern Spotted Owl

OTTAWA, August 16, 2006 - The Honorable Rona Ambrose, Minister of the Environment, today acknowledged the recent efforts by British Columbia to protect and recover the endangered Northern Spotted Owl.

The Government of British Columbia has announced an action plan that includes halting timber harvesting activities in areas of the interior of the province currently occupied by the remaining Owls. The long-term population goal is to increase the number of owls to at least 250 adult owls. Recovery of this species is considered technically and biologically feasible since habitat is currently available and opportunities exist to improve future habitat conditions.

"I welcome the commitment from British Columbia to preserve and increase the population of Northern Spotted Owls," said Minister Ambrose. "It is my opinion that, given the measures they are taking, such as stopping logging in areas currently occupied by the owls, there is no imminent threat to the survival or recovery of the Northern Spotted Owl at this time."

The Northern Spotted Owl is among the most studied, high-profile owl species in the world because of its close association with old growth forests and the impact of urbanization, timber harvesting and mineral extraction in the Northwestern United States and in British Columbia. The global number of potential breeding pairs is estimated at between 3000 and 6000.

Canada is at the northern range of the Spotted Owl and the species is listed as "endangered" under the federal Species at Risk Act (SARA). A British Columbia survey in 2005 found 22 surviving owls, down from an estimated 200 in 1991. Habitat loss, competition from Barred Owls and other environmental factors have led to population declines. Environment Canada advises the Province on measures to protect habitat and the species, and will continue to cooperate with provincial officials while monitoring the progress of the recovery plan to ensure the Northern Spotted Owl population is effectively protected and afforded the best opportunity to recover.

The Species Recovery Strategy for the Northern Spotted Owl can be found at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca/plans/showDocument_e.cfm?id=918

Currently more than 190 recovery strategies for numerous plants, animals, and aquatic species are under development in support of SARA-listed species. Recovery strategies are posted for consultation on the SARA public registry at http://www.sararegistry.gc.ca.

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