- $1.3 billion proposal to cull 450,000 barred owls over three decades
- 19 bipartisan lawmakers decry 'inefficient use' of taxpayer funds
- Barred owls outcompeting endangered spotted owls in Pacific Northwest
- Previous experimental removals show mixed conservation results
- Parallels drawn to sea lion culls for salmon protection
A contentious federal plan to eradicate barred owls across 23,000 square miles of West Coast forests has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers. Representatives argue the 30-year initiative, which lacks official cost projections, could exceed $1.3 billion based on current removal rates. This equates to approximately $3,000 per owl, funds they claim could be better spent addressing root causes of habitat loss.
The ecological implications of removing a dominant predator species remain hotly debated. While preliminary trials eliminated 4,500 barred owls since 2009, spotted owl populations continue declining by 3.8% annually. Conservation biologists warn that lethal control alone cannot resolve complex ecosystem imbalances caused by climate change and historical logging practices.
Regional efforts like the Hoopa Valley Tribe's pilot program demonstrate alternative approaches. Their culturally informed management strategy combines limited owl removal with old-growth forest restoration, achieving 14% higher spotted owl survival rates compared to control areas. This Northern California case study highlights the potential for community-led solutions.
Ethical concerns echo past wildlife conflicts, including the 2018 Columbia River sea lion culls intended to protect steelhead trout. Unlike marine mammal management, owl eradication poses unique challenges due to birds' rapid reproduction rates and vast territorial ranges spanning multiple states.