Case Study: Owls or Trees?

A specific case illustrates many of the points of disagreement about the use of old-growth forests. Pacific Lumber owns 2,900 acres in the Headwaters Forest in northern California. Although the company owns the land, it must get approval from the California Forestry Department before harvesting any trees in the forest.

A group of northern California residents has asked the Forestry Department to deny Pacific Lumber permission to cut old-growth trees in the Headwaters. Among the issues they raise is the potential threat to certain animals living in the area, They point out that the Northern spotted owl, marbled murrelet, Northern goshawk, and four other species would probably become extinct in the area if lumbering were allowed.

The spotted owl has become something of a symbol in this battle. Only 1,600 pairs of the species are now known to exist, and 90 percent live in national parks and forests of the Northwest. Continued lumbering of old-growth forests would, some experts believe, result in extinction of the owl.

Supporters of the lumber company are appalled by this argument. One roadside billboard in Washington asks, "Isn't there something wrong with those who prefer owls over jobs?" A popular bumper sticker in the area recommends that people "Kill an owl. Save a logger." A country supervisor in northern California compares the spotted owl to pests such as the apple maggot and the Mediterranean fruit fly. And the owner of a logging truck company who works for Pacific Lumber argues that people should not worry about spotted owls because "There's a cycle of life, and some animals will become extinct."

The Buck Stops Here

Six members of the class should act as members of the California Forestry Department. Other class members should play the roles of citizens who support or oppose Pacific Lumbers petition to cut trees in the Headwaters Forest. Conduct a hearing in which both sides of the debate are presented, the issue is discussed, and a decision is reached on the petition

Additional Questions

  • 1. Are old-growth trees a renewable or nonrenewable resource? What practical significance, if any, is there to your answer?

    2. In what ways, if at all, is the ecology of ancient forests different from that of younger forests? How is your answer to this question relevant to the issue of cutting old-growth trees?

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    created by: Debbie Anholt
    updated: 5-5-2000
    contact me: anholt@lclark.edu