This raptor has an intimate relationship with the forest and there is more and more evidence the forest also is affected by the raptor. I don't know if one can call it mutualism yet, but, we need to find out.
It has a large 'range' to it's territorial needs. It has 'done better' on public lands where there is no disruption to the forest. It has 'done worse' on lands forested within it's habitat range.
This owl species is unique as it is an 'indicator species' which tells scientists attuned to the degree of health of the forest whether the forest itself is well and thriving dependant upon how well this species of owl is doing. If the forest is not doing well, this owl is not doing well. The current status of The Northern Spotted Owl is that it is seeing some growth on protected lands.
If the timber industry were allowed into those protected lands there is a good chance the entire system of Old Growth Forest would collapse as the owl would definately fail to thrive and there would be way to 'monitor' the forest's well being without it.
I don't see an option for the people of the USA except to continue to support the Endangered Species Act, especially when it comes to indicator species such as this. It is my long held belief, the lands of the USA don't belong to it's citizens, they belong to generations past and future in trust and stewardship to the current citizens of the country. After all, someone left those lands and species to us, it is our obligation to do the same and support the scientists most loyal to the patriotic nature of the laws that seek the highest of morals from the people of the USA.
