Protecting Endangered and Threatened
Bird Species
Three bird species have been a top priority for Washington forest landowners for many years. These birds are the Northern Spotted Owl, Bald Eagle, and Marbled Murrelet. Foresters are conducting scientific research, practicing responsible forestry, creating needed legislation, and protecting valuable habitat to provide added protection for these endangered and threatened bird species.
Bald Eagle Population Increases and Is Removed from Threatened & Endangered Species List
Nearly on the brink of extinction, the bald eagle population is again flourishing in Washington State. In 2007, there is an estimated 848 nesting pairs in Washington-up from 105 pairs in 1980. Bald eagles usually make their nests in mature trees near water since fish make up a majority of their diet. In June 2007, the bald eagle was removed from the list of threatened and endangered species. The cooperation of landowners was especially important to the bird’s recovery.
Marbled Murrelet a Threatened Species in our
Coastal Forests
The marbled murrelet is a small seabird that nests in the tall trees of our coastal forests. The marbled murrelet is infrequently observed, and in fact, there have been only just over a dozen recorded sightings of occupied nests in the Pacific Rim countries where the bird is found. In 1992 it was designated a 'threatened' species under the Endangered Species Act in California, Oregon and Washington State. Its habitat and behavior place it in jeopardy from three major factors, including oil spills, gill netting, and loss of nesting habitat in coastal old-growth forests.
A recovery plan was published by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS) in 1997 which outlined recovery strategies. The USFWS is charged with developing baseline data on marbled murrelet populations, and tracking population trends. It is also responsible for making sure that the Northwest Forest Plan is maintaining marbled murrelet nesting habitat.