Defenders hails newly proposed national wildlife refuge in the Northeast

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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