PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Trump administration has removed millions of acres of habitat protection for the northern spotted owl in Oregon, Washington and northern California.
Environmentalists on Wednesday called the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service action “a parting shot” at protections designed to help restore the species in favor of the timber industry.
Timber groups have applauded the decision saying more logging in forests is necessary to prevent wildfires.
The spotted owl is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act and has lost nearly 4% of its population each year.