Oregon Began Killing Barred Owls in State Forest
The state has initiated an owl removal program to protect the threatened northern spotted owl from extinction.
Updated on Oct. 1, 2026 in Bird Watching
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Oregon has begun shooting barred owls within the 83,000-acre Elliott State Research Forest to curb competition for food and nesting sites. The initiative aims to support northern spotted owl populations, which have struggled against the invasive species.
Why it matters
Northern spotted owl populations are nearing extinction, largely because barred owls outcompete them for essential resources. Federal authorities have authorized the removal of nearly 500,000 barred owls across Oregon, Washington, and California to stabilize the ecosystem.
The removal project will cost $15,000 per month for the first 16 months, dropping to $6,000 monthly thereafter. Only three spotted owls were detected in a recent survey of the 83,000-acre Elliott State Research Forest.
The players
Oregon Department of State Lands
This state agency manages the Elliott State Research Forest and is responsible for implementing the current barred owl removal initiative.
The details
The Oregon Department of State Lands has employed professional marksmen and firearm safety instructors to conduct the removal of barred owls from the forest. This intervention is part of a broader, multi-state effort to prevent the collapse of northern spotted owl populations that have been listed as threatened since 1990.
Timeline
1990: Northern spotted owl listed as threatened.
1994: Northwest Forest Plan created.
August 2026: Study published on spotted owl decline.
October 1, 2026: Oregon begins shooting barred owls.
Culture Shift
This program reflects a significant shift toward active population management as a conservation tool for species protected under the Endangered Species Act. It highlights the growing conflict between invasive predators and native biodiversity within protected state forest lands.
The Elliott State Research Forest is currently subject to these removal operations, which may influence access or activity in the area for hikers and birders. Residents should be aware that the state is actively utilizing marksmen to perform these removals within the forest boundaries.
The takeaway
Wildlife managers now prioritize the removal of invasive species as a core tactic to prevent the total extinction of native bird populations. This approach signals a more aggressive era of ecosystem management intended to restore the competitive balance between owls.
Further reading
Learn more about local avian conservation efforts in the Bird Watching section.
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Do you support killing invasive bird species to save endangered native populations from extinction?
