Date: 10/2/26 12:58 pm From: Denis DeSilvis via Tweeters <tweeters...> Subject: [Tweeters] Fw: WDFW seeks public comments on recommendation to list burrowing owl as endangered
In case you haven't seen this request from the WDFW....
May all your birds be identified,
Denis DeSilvis
avnacrs 4 birds at outlook dot com
________________________________
From: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife <WDFW...>
Sent: Friday, October 2, 2026 11:08
To: <royhome...> <royhome...>
Subject: WDFW seeks public comments on recommendation to list burrowing owl as endangered
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
October 2, 2026
Media contact: <Communications...><mailto:<Communications...>
WDFW seeks public comments on recommendation to list burrowing owl as endangered
OLYMPIA – The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is seeking public input on a draft status report for the burrowing owl, which includes a recommendation to classify the owl as a state endangered species. The public comment period is open through Dec. 31, 2026.
“While burrowing owls used to be present across much of Washington, they’ve since been eradicated from most of the state outside of the Yakima Valley and Columbia Basin,” said Gerald Hayes, WDFW burrowing owl specialist and lead author on the recent status report. “Today, we estimate that fewer than 100 breeding pairs can be found in Washington. Habitat loss and degradation are major contributors to the burrowing owl’s population decline in Washington.”
Following the public comment period, WDFW staff will brief the Washington Fish and Wildlife Commission on the status report and recommendation. The Commission has the authority to approve or decline the Department’s request to list the species as endangered. The Commission is currently scheduled to consider this topic in February 2027.
The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife works to preserve, protect, and perpetuate fish, wildlife, and ecosystems while providing sustainable fish and wildlife recreational and commercial opportunities.
This email was sent to <royhome...> using Granicus Communications Cloud on behalf of: Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife · 1111 Washington St. SE · Olympia, WA 98501
