FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 20, 2016
Contact: Catalina Tresky; ctresky@defenders.org, (202) 772-0253
Defenders hails newly proposed national wildlife refuge in the Northeast
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continues its wildlife refuge work despite Malheur standoff
WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed the creation of a new national wildlife refuge – the Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge.
The proposed refuge would protect the imperiled New England cottontail rabbit and up to 65 other species in Northeastern states, such as Maine, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, issued the following statement:
“We always welcome news on proposals for new national wildlife refuges. National wildlife refuges have been established since Teddy Roosevelt for the benefit, use and enjoyment of the American people. We are encouraged to see the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service continuing to do its work day in and day out to serve the public and protect our nation’s wildlife, despite the precarious situation in the Malheur National Wildlife Refuge.
“While we recognize there are many steps to take before the official establishment of Great Thicket National Wildlife Refuge, we look forward to its official designation for the support it will provide to the recovery of the New England cottontail and for all the wildlife viewing and recreational opportunities it will bring for generations of Americans today, tomorrow and beyond.”
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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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