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
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Message posted by Steve Holzman USFWS, Portland, Oregon, USA. steve_holzman at mail.fws.gov


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