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.