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  • Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Gov. Gregoire�s statement on revised habitat for the spotted owl

For Immediate Release: February 28, 2012

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire today issued the following statement on the proposed revised habitat for the spotted owl:

�I want to commend the President and Secretary Salazar for the thoughtful approach they have taken with this critical habitat proposal. In responding to a federal court requirement, the rule proposes to exclude state and private lands in Washington that have already developed conservation plans for the spotted owl, and the administration has made it clear that an economic analysis must inform the final designation.

�This balance will allow management of timber resources and environmental needs. With this approach the final critical habitat designation will be scientifically sound and will also minimize economic impacts to our rural communities and our forest industry. �