How are the Northern Spotted Owls Protected?
Tribal Forestland
In Washington State, there are 27 federally recognized tribes that manage forestland or retain rights to resources on federal lands within the range of the spotted owl. The federal government recognizes that tribal practices are compatible with maintaining Northern Spotted Owl populations. Indian tribes are treated as sovereign nations by the U.S. government, and implementation of the Northwest Forest Plan has occurred through a cooperative relationship developed between the federal government and tribes. While each tribe develops their own management plan for spotted owls, the federal government expects that all landowners will comply with the Endangered Species Act and will contribute to the conservation of the Northern Spotted Owl.
Legend
- Total Forestland
- Tribal Forestland
Owl Sites
Facts & Figures
0.5 million acres
Forestlands managed by Native American tribes in the range of the spotted owl.
Government-to-Government Relationship
Native American tribes develop their own management plans and consult with the federal government for owl conservation.