Government Proposes Expanding Habitat of Mexican Spotted Owl

The Fish and Wildlife Service on Friday proposed designating more than 21,000 square miles of federal land in the West as critical habitat for the Mexican spotted owl.

The proposed designation, which does not become final until public comment is taken into consideration, would not preclude people from hiking or camping on the land.

But it does mean federal agencies must consult with the Fish and Wildlife Service before doing something that might disturb the steep canyons and old growth forests the owls favor. It also may affect private landowners who need federal permits for activity on their land.

The protected area, which covers parts of Arizona, New Mexico, Utah and Colorado, is substantially larger than the 7,500 square miles designated as critical habitat for the Mexican spotted owl in 1995. More nesting and roosting locations have been identified since then, agency spokeswoman Vicki Fox said.

The original critical habitat designation was revoked in 1997 by a judge who found that the Fish and Wildlife Service failed to comply with provisions of the National Environmental Policy Act. The agency was ordered to come up with a new plan.