Pombo Comments on Fish and Wildlife Service Decision Regarding the California Spotted Owl

February 10, 2003

Washington, D.C. - House Resources Committee Chairman Richard Pombo commented on the decision today by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that the California spotted owl does not warrant protection under the Endangered Species Act.

"Basing the decision on the best scientific information available, the Fish and Wildlife Service determined that the California spotted owl was neither endangered nor threatened," Chairman Pombo stated. This should be good news for everyone involved -- most especially the California spotted owl, a healthy species which exists in great numbers."

"We need to continue to work on a legislative solution with George Miller, Nick Rahall and others to guarantee that these decisions are made in the best interest of our nation's wildlife," he added.

The study, mandated by a Federal court order to be determined by today's date, consisted of a 12-month review of all scientific and commercial information available, as required by the Endangered Species Act.

The California spotted owl, one of three subspecies of spotted owls, is currently recognized as a sensitive species by U.S. Forest Service.

The California Department of Fish and Game lists the California spotted owl as a species of special concern.

Contact: Doug Heye - 202-225-1947

Tracey Shifflett - 202-226-9019

Resources.Committee@mail.house.gov