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<p> Hmmm,<br>
<br>
I have to admit to being "conflicted and confused" about this topic ...<br>
<br>
Perhaps we are being a little too much like Playing God when we call something<br>
"invasive"? Is anyone calling the changes in normal/usual habitat/locations due to<br>
a species moving to new territory "invasive"? Do we have the obligation or right to<br>
say one species is "sacred" and therefore needs to be preserved? Yes, the Barred<br>
Owls are pushing the Spotted Owls towards extinction. Is that "our" problem? Did<br>
we cause it? Knowingly? Aren't we Playing God when we have a program to<br>
Save the Salmon? What about way back before humans even were on the Earth<br>
and species moved into new territory - wasn't that "invasive"?<br>
<br>
Aren't there better ways to Play God? Such as simply preserving old growth?<br>
I can see from this chair multiple -large- areas on the mountains in Skagit<br>
County that have been logged recently ... using clear cut. (No, it wasn't old<br>
growth - does that really matter?) <br>
<br>
Isn't the root cause of all of this directly related to population growth? We used<br>
to hear about ZPG. Why has that thought/goal died? I see new land being <br>
converted from farm land or forest to housing - everywhere in Skagit County.<br>
And Skagit County is one of the last places in Western Washington to become<br>
over-populated.<br>
<br>
Do I want the Spotted Owl to survive? Yes. Definitely and Emphatically.<br>
Am I convinced that shooting Barred Owls in "Prime Spotted Owl Habitat" is<br>
the right solution? Not entirely. Is it the least expensive and easiest and<br>
most successful? Perhaps - but is it still "worth it"?<br>
- Confused ... Jim</p>
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