U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to Conduct Review of the Northern Spotted Owl and Marbled Murrelet

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced today it is conducting a 5-year review of two threatened birds, the northern spotted owl and the marbled murrelet.

The 5-year review, as required for all listed species under the Endangered Species Act, will assess the best available information on how the birds have fared since they were listed for protection in the early 1990s, including analyses of population data and threats to the species. The Service is soliciting information from all sources. Comments must be received by June 20, 2003.

"The purpose of the review is to ensure that the species have the appropriate level of protection under the ESA," said Dave Wesley, Acting Regional Director of the Service