For Immediate Release

Defenders of Wildlife and eight partner environmental organizations filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration’s agreement to trade away congressionally designated wilderness wetlands in Izembek National Wildlife Refuge to authorize construction of a destructive and unnecessary road through the heart of this vital preserve. The deal with King Cove Corporation was negotiated behind closed doors and signed by Secretary Zinke amidst the government shutdown.

Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife, issued this statement:

“The Trump administration’s illegal backroom deal to force a road through Izembek is unconscionable. President Trump and his administration plan to rip irreplaceable federal wildlands from public ownership to satisfy commercial interests. We will not wait for the bulldozers to destroy Izembek’s wilderness wetlands and threaten the species that depend on them for survival. Our lawsuit seeks to stop this boondoggle and uphold protections for Izembek National Wildlife Refuge.”

For over 75 years, Defenders of Wildlife has remained dedicated to protecting all native animals and plants in their natural communities. With a nationwide network of nearly 2.1 million members and supporters, Defenders of Wildlife is a leading advocate for innovative solutions to safeguard our wildlife for generations to come. To learn more, please visit https://defenders.org/newsroom or follow us on X @Defenders.

  

News

manta rays swimming in the shallow ocean with coral
Fort Myers, FL

Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for Tightening Protections for Listed Species

Defenders of Wildlife welcomes today’s action by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission to end open permitting for the capture of ESA-threatened marine species in Florida waters for public display and exhibition purposes.
NARW
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Legal Intervention Aims to Protect North Atlantic Right Whales From Deadly Ship Strikes

Conservation groups today filed a motion to intervene to help fight a lawsuit aimed at overturning a seasonal speed rule protecting North Atlantic right whales from deadly vessel strikes. The groups want to defend the rule against a lawsuit brought by a New York vessel owner fined for violating seasonal speed limits. The suit alleges that NOAA Fisheries lacked the statutory authority to issue the rule.
Visit the newsroom