Barred Owls, Spotted Owls, and Ethics in Wildlife Management
About the Panel
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has finalized a plan where it would kill up to half a million federally-protected barred owls in the Pacific Northwest over the next thirty years. The government says that this action is necessary to help ESA-listed northern spotted owls and soon-to-be-listed California spotted owls. But is this justice for spotted owls? Animal activists and attorneys, including members of the panel, believe the government is unfairly scapegoating barred owls for the human-caused factors that have imperiled spotted owls, namely logging, other habitat destruction, and climate change. Animal advocate groups have filed two lawsuits in an effort to prevent the killing of barred owls. Those lawsuits claim the plan is illegal under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Wilderness Act.
Advocates, ethicists, and members of the public are also worried about what the government's barred owl plan may mean for other species who adapt their habitats and range because of human development and climate change. Yet a number of environmental organizations and spotted owl advocates, including one of the panelists, support the plan. That panelists organization (along with some others) have moved to intervene in the lawsuits to defend the plan. The barred owl plan raises a number of difficult questions for which there are no easy answers, but the questions presented will be recurring ones that environmental advocates need to come to grips with. Panelists will address a number of topics: previous experiments with killing barred owls and litigation over those experiments; the details of the current barred owl management plan; why some environmental advocates support the plan and believe it will help spotted owls; the lawsuits challenging the plan; the ethical dilemmas presented by killing one owl species to help another; and the implications for other species going forward.
NOTE: In-Person registrations submitted after 12:00 pm on Thursday, September 18 cannot be guaranteed a lunch for this session.
This event has been approved for Continuing Legal Education for the following states:
Missouri, 1.5 hours, program ID 777556
On this Page:
Click the buttons below to be directed to the appropriate section of this page.
Featured Panelists
Thursday, September 25, 2025
12:45 PM to 02:00 PM
Jessica L. Blome
Stephen Hernick
Tom Wheeler
Avram Hiller
Accessibility Needs
Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend all University of Iowa-sponsored events. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact Blake Rupe in advance at 319-335-5121.
Registration options
Frequently Asked Questions about HELI Events
Where is this panel event located?
The panel event will be hosted in person in Iowa City on the University of Iowa campus, while being live-streamed simultaneously to engage students, faculty, practitioners, and community members nationwide.
For Iowa City event, they will be held at the University of Iowa College of Law, which is located at 130 Byington Road, Iowa City, IA 52242. Attendance is available in person at the Boyd Law Building as well as virtually via Zoom.
Who should I contact if I have questions about this event?
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to Blake-Rupe@uiowa.edu.
Is this event in person or virtual?
This event is hybrid for attendees, which means attendees can choose between attending the session in-person or virtually on Zoom.
Both in person and virtual registration forms are above.
Is this event recorded or available for later viewing?
Yes, this event will be recorded and posted on the HELI Youtube page after the event concludes.
Please contact Blake Rupe if you have questions about recordings.
Is there parking available for event attendees?
Organizers highly recommend planning your arrival plans ahead of the event, as space by the Boyd Law Building is in short supply. The Boyd Law Building (BLB) has limited metered parking in front of the building. The meters can be paid using change or credit card via ParkMobile, a free mobile app. Learn more about the app here. For general information about parking and transportation at the College, the University, and in Iowa City, please see: Parking and Transportation.
Public parking for this event is readily available at the following lots
- Field House Lot (make sure to go in the Field House ramp entrance – NOT UIHC Parking Ramp 4)
- Parking Lot 14
For those parking in the lots, it is a short walk (1-3 blocks) to the BLB.
There are also UI Cambus buses and Iowa City Transit buses that run frequently to areas close and within walking distance of BLB. You can review that option by reviewing the UI Cambus schedules, the Iowa City Transit schedules, or by looking through the Transit app, which compiles that information into one location (the app).
We do have ADA reserved parking spots for those who require accessible parking. If you need accessible parking, please email Blake Rupe at blake-rupe@uiowa.edu as soon as possible to arrange accomodations for you.
Are food or beverages available for this event?
Food and beverages will be provided for those who register in advance for the in person attendance option in Iowa City at the Boyd Law Building. Please list any dietary limitations or considerations you would like organizers to have when you register for the event.
What should I bring for this event?
We welcome attendees bring a notebook and writing utensils for any reflection or note taking during the event. We also encourage you to bring a reusable water bottle and/or mug to use.
Is there a dress code for this event?
There is no special or specific dress code for this event, but it would be beneficial to dress in layers.
What are the guidelines for respectful participation by all parties?
The University of Iowa is strongly committed to an equitable and inclusive campus. Some of the views expressed through free speech can be offensive to members of our community. We encourage students, faculty, and staff to value diversity, engage in civil discourse, and be respectful of everyone that uses our shared space.
We expect all attendees to participate in this event respectfully. If you have questions or concerns about these policies, please contact HELI at lawmail-HELI@uiowa.edu to learn more.
Is there an agenda or program available for this event?
Event organizers will have updated the program for the day available at the sign in table and on this website.
What is the UI Policy for COVID-19 and Mask Use?
The University will continue to monitor local and national developments and rely on guidance from the Board of Regents, State of Iowa; the Iowa and Johnson County departments of public health (IDPH, JCPH); the Big Ten Conference; and the CDC.
Face masks are not required in most UI buildings, but welcome. Please note that UIHC and other health facilities have separate face covering guidelines. You should feel comfortable wearing a mask if you choose. Please be respectful of one another and do not pressure a student, visitor, or employee to wear, or not wear, a mask. Masks are available at the entrance to the Boyd Law Building and all UI buildings.
Please consider staying home or attending this event virtually if you have any symptoms of COVID-19 and/or if you test positive for COVID-19. The most up to date UI policy for COVID-19 is here.
Can I suggest speakers for future events?
Yes! HELI hosts 3-6 events each semester and we always welcome speakers who can speak knowledgeably about environmental issues. Contact lawmail-heli@uiowa.edu with your suggestions.
Are accomodations available for individuals with disabilities?
Yes! Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to attend. If you are a person with a disability who requires a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in this program, please contact the organizer in advance at lawmail-heli@uiowa.edu, or indicate your needs below and we will reach out to you.