Our planet's incredible array of wildlife occupies an equally diverse variety of habitats, from the frozen tundra to the sizzling desert.

When these habitats are threatened, so too are the plants and animals that call these places home. For decades, Defenders of Wildlife has served a leading role in shaping smart policies to conserve, protect and restore wildlife and habitats on lands and waters across the country.

A large portion of our habitat work focuses on our national wildlife refuges, national forests, national monuments, and other public lands and waters, as these areas represent some of the last, best places for wildlife to thrive. We also work extensively on private lands in partnership with private landowners and state and tribal agencies to encourage people to protect and restore key habitats on private, tribal and state lands.

Federal Lands Conservation

We work to protect public wildlands and waters, including  national wildlife refuges, national forests and grasslands, national monuments and national marine sanctuaries. 

Image
Mule's Ear flowers, Bridger Teton National Forest, Wyoming
Diana LeVasseur

Roadless Rule

The Roadless Area Conservation Rule is one of our nation's most important conservation policies, protecting the last remaining wild and remote areas in our national forests from industrial logging, road construction and other large-scale development. Established 25 years ago, the Roadless Rule safeguards wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation opportunities and clean watersheds - while also saving taxpayers money. Defenders' work in protecting habitat supports the continued protection of roadless areas that ensure healthy wildlife populations and resilient ecosystems. 

Learn More

News

Image
Snowy Plover
Washington, D.C.

President Trump Rescinds Long Standing Executive Orders Designed to Conserve Wildlife and Federal Lands from Unmanaged Motorized Recreation

President Trump last Friday issued an Executive Order rescinding EOs 11644 and 11989 which guide the management of ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, jet skis and other off-road motorized vehicles on federal lands. President Trump also ordered federal agencies to rescind or revise regulations that implement the prior EOs.