Logging limited to protect spotted owls

OLYMPIA — Washington forest regulators are extending a statewide moratorium on additional logging in spotted owl habitat.

The moratorium, through Dec. 31, will allow the state Forest Practices Board to review logging rules that protect the owls.

Spotted owl populations have declined over the years. They’ve faced threats by competition from barred owls, timber harvests and habitat loss from wildfire.

While state and private lands contribute to spotted owl conservation, the majority of owl habitats and owls are on federal lands.