FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 6, 2016
Contact: Catalina Tresky: ctresky@defenders.org, (202) 772-0253
Defenders Condemns Illegal Takeover of Malheur National Wildlife Refuge
WASHINGTON – On Saturday, an armed group of anti-government extremists began a hostile takeover of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge in Oregon.
Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, has issued the following statement:
“As a former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service who was responsible for the conservation and stewardship of the entire National Wildlife Refuge System, I am horrified by the illegal armed occupation of the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
“The National Wildlife Refuge System was established for the benefit, use and enjoyment of the American people – not just an angry few with guns and a hatred of government. National wildlife refuges are special places dedicated to the conservation of this country’s rich fish and wildlife legacy. They provide opportunities for environmental education, wildlife viewing and recreation for all. They are called “national” wildlife refuges for a reason.
“My heart goes out to the dedicated men and women of the National Wildlife Refuge System who work tirelessly for the benefit of the American public and the wildlife resources of this country. They deserve better than this latest example of the present toxic discourse in our political system today.
“The armed extremists who have now occupied Malheur are telling the rest of the American public to keep out –blatantly stealing this public resource for themselves – signaling that the rest of the American public doesn’t matter. This is not about a redress of grievances, but rather the utter disregard for the rule of law.”
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Defenders of Wildlife is dedicated to the protection of all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With more than 1.2 million members and activists, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife heritage for generations to come. For more information, visit
For nearly 80 years, Defenders of Wildlife has worked to protect and restore America’s wildlife at risk of extinction, advancing a vision of a future in which wildlife thrives, sustained by broad public support and a resilient network of healthy lands and waters. With a network of more than 2 million supporters, Defenders is an advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on Instagram @defendersofwildlife.
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