The Political Economy of the Spotted Owl
1987
Dixon, Kenneth R. | Juelson, Thomas C.
The economic, social, and political aspects of the Spotted Owl—old—growth issue are based on the conflict between conservation and cutting of old trees. Old—growth harvesting is made profitable by subsidies to the timber industry; without the subsidy, less old growth would be cut. Spotted Owls are undervalued in the economic debate because they are a collective good, the value of which is not being "aggregated" either in the present or in the future. There is an imbalance in the political system that favors the profit—oriented timber industry. An economic case can be made for preserving old growth, but ethical conduct requires some preservation. Dislocations of timber workers can be minimized by redirection of subsidies from industry to workers. Regulations designed to protect the Spotted Owl have not been followed. Many old—growth logs are exported to the Orient. Conservationists and the general public need to become more active in the decision—making process concerning National Forests.
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