The IMPACT Wolf Conflicts and Owl Removals from November 12, 2025
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Nov 13, 2025 
Julia Smith, endangered species recovery manager at the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, dives deep into wildlife management challenges. She discusses the controversial strategy of removing barred owls to aid the struggling northern spotted owl population. Julia highlights evidence showing spotted owls rebound with rival removals. The conversation shifts to wolf recovery, revealing a current count of 230 wolves amid debates about livestock conflicts and coexistence strategies. With poaching and density dependence affecting populations, Julia offers an optimistic outlook for future wolf recovery.
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Spotted Owls Face Imminent Local Collapse
- Northern spotted owls in Washington are in steep decline and face likely functional extirpation within a decade without intervention.
- Julia Smith warns immediate action is necessary to maintain enough individuals for breeding and recovery.
Habitat Rules Alone Aren't Enough
- Habitat protections from the 1990s and the Northwest Forest Plan preserved complex mature forests critical to spotted owls.
- Despite habitat conservation, barred owl competition has undermined spotted owl recovery.
Barred Owl Plan Is Permit-Based, Not Quota-Driven
- The federal barred owl management strategy permits removal only via Migratory Bird Treaty Act permits for spotted owl protection.
- WDFW helped shape the plan and supports the strategy but it remains legally contested.