The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announces the release of
"An Environmental Alternatives Analysis for a 4(d) Rule for the
Northern Spotted Owl"

This rule would relieve incidental take prohibitions for northern
spotted owls in portions of Washington and California. The proposed
rule would ease restrictions currently imposed on private, Tribal,
and other non-Federal forest lands in these two states. Oregon is
not included because the State requested that they be dropped from
the current proposed rule in order to have time to research and
prepare an alternative conservation strategy for the owl in Oregon.
The Environmental Alternatives Analysis provides the Fish and
Wildlife Service's analysis of six alternatives for a 4(d) rule,
including the proposed rule (published February 1995) discussed as
Alternative 3. The public comment period for this document and the
proposed rule will be open through April 7, 1996.

It can be read on the WWW at www.r1.fws.gov/4deaa/welcome.html.

The Web Site also lists local (Pacific NW) libraries where the
document will be available. The document can also be requested by
contacting the USFWS office in Washington, Oregon or California. In
Washington, call 360-753-9440, in Oregon call 503-231-6179 and in
California call 916-979-2727 ext 360 or 326.

At this time, comments cannot be accepted via email.
Comments and material concerning this draft EAA should be sent to

Mr. Michael Spear
Regional Director, Region 1
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
911 NE 11th Ave
Portland, OR 97232-4181