HOUSE BILL REPORT

SJM 8000

BYSenators Halsan, Benitz, Stratton, Newhouse, Owen, Deccio and Barr

Requesting Congress review United States Forest Service designation of spotted owl habitat.

House Committe on Natural Resources

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (12)

      Signed by Representatives Sutherland, Chair; Amondson, Beck, Basich, Bumgarner, Fuhrman, Hargrove, Haugen, Meyers, Sayan, Schmidt and S. Wilson.

Minority Report:  Do not pass.  (5)

      Signed by Representatives K. Wilson, Vice Chair; Belcher, Cole, R. King and Spanel.

House Staff:Bill Koss (786-7129)

AS PASSED HOUSE APRIL 15, 1987

BACKGROUND:

In July, 1986, the Forest Service (USFS) issued a supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) on the consequences of implementing guidelines for the management of northern spotted owl habitat.

The northern spotted owl is a medium-sized bird that lives in the mature and old-growth Douglas fir forests of the Pacific Northwest.  Studies indicate that the population of northern spotted owls is approximately 2,800 pairs on all lands in Washington, Oregon, and northern California.  Studies also show that these owls rely on mature and old-growth forests for food, cover, nest sites, and protection from predation.  It is estimated that each pair of owls utilize between 6,000 and 8,000 acres of forest land.

The federal regulations implementing the National Forest Management Act of 1976 require the Forest Service to maintain viable populations of such existing species of wildlife.  "Viable population" is defined as one which ensures a well-distributed population to continue existence.

The EIS indicates that total habitat available for the northern spotted owl will continue to decline as a result of timber harvesting.  The preferred alternative in the EIS recommends protecting 2,200 acres of habitat for each pair of spotted owls.

The Washington Department of Game classifies the northern spotted owl as a "threatened" species.  The USFS has identified the species as "sensitive" and thus, in need of special management.

SUMMARY:

In light of the economic and social effects of setting aside forest land, this memorial requests Congress to review the designation of spotted owl habitat by the U.S. Forest Service.  Congress is asked to assure that economic and employment needs of rural communities are evaluated before any land is withdrawn from consideration for timber harvest.  This memorial asks for a balanced look at Forest Service programs.

Fiscal Note:      Not Requested.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Jim O'Donnell, Northwest Forestry Association; Rich Bell, Fort Vancouver Plywood; Marla Marvin,Pacific Lumber & Shipping Company.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Pam Crocker-Davis, National Audubon Society.

House Committee - Testimony For:    The supply of timber from public lands continues to dwindle and setting aside 1.8 million acres for old-growth dependent-species worsens the problem.  Lumber mill operators need a continuous supply of timber in order to make investments in mills.  Could support setting aside old growth if an assurance was given that the remaining lands would be available for harvesting trees.  Spotted owls have been known to live in second growth timber.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      Wildlife, including spotted owls, attract tourism and benefits the economy of Washington.  The memorial should ask Congress to consider how rural economies will benefit.  The memorial polarizes the complex issue into owls and old growth versus jobs -- especially when remembering that the Forest Service manages its lands on a multiple use basis.  Of the 1.8 million acres recommended to be retained for spotted owl habitat, 1.1 million acres are currently removed from timber harvesting.