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Show The controversy over Northwestern forests Logging interests claim the spotted owl is a legal device being used by environmentalists to stop logging. Current laws protecting endangered or threatened species would virtually stop logging in these forests. The Northern Spotted owl I y5iV ion9, 42"'ncn 1 l wingspan !; " Co,or,n9: Dark iferS? brown to chestnut ! brown and white Er33E BMarWngs: 1 Wy$& Whitish spots on &ffr head and neck, W non20ntal Dars on jf breast and ' abdomen; head has facial disk, no ear tufts Homes: Usually in natural cavities atop old evergreen trees Habits: Nocturnal and secretive, unconcerned by humans; usually monogamous and very territorial SOURCE: Chicago Tribune. "Birds of North America," "Birds of America. Wilderness Society, Sierra Club, Seattle Audubon Society, Encyclopaedia Bntannica. World Forestry Center (Portland, Ore.) Old growth forests Y Wash. I ) Calif. I Characteristics of an old growth forest Large, live trees: The most familiar feature of an old growth forest. Each tree is an individual, with its own irregular arrangement of branches and broken or bare tops. The canopy: Made up of various tree species and many layers. In some areas the canopy reaches from the tallest tree to the forest floor. In other areas, open spaces have been created by fallen trees. Snags: Large standing dead trees that change in both size and shape as they deteriorate over time Down woody material: Snags or live trees that have fallen to the ground, commonly called woody debris. |