For Immediate Release

 

WASHINGTON ­– Today the Conservation Coalition, a group of conservation and sustainable agriculture organizations, released recommendations for the 2018 Farm Bill that will ensure that authorized programs support the long-term conservation of wildlife, lands and waters across the country.

Mark Salvo, vice president of landscape conservation for Defenders of Wildlife, said:

“Private lands are key to wildlife conservation. Our recommendations build on lessons learned and advances made in the last Farm Bill, ensuring that wildlife, landowners and taxpayers all benefit from conservation programs.

“A thoughtfully crafted Farm Bill can provide for both sustainable agriculture and healthy habitat for migratory birds, pollinators like monarch butterflies and the incredible diversity of fish, mussels, salamanders and other species that depend on waterways across the nation. We look forward to working with the Conservation Coalition, stakeholders and decisionmakers to incorporate these recommendations into Farm Bill legislation.

 

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.  

 

News

Image
Single manatee under water  swimming in the hot springs sanctuary in Florida
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Rescinds ‘Harm’ Definition, Defenders Prepares for Court

In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to death or injury of protected species is illegal.
Image
Black bears on rocks above Anan Creek Tongass NF
Raleigh, North Carolina

Defenders Celebrates North Carolina General Assembly’s Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings with Recurring Multi-million-dollar Appropriation

North Carolina's $10.2M recurring investment for wildlife crossings is a historic win, protecting both motorists and vulnerable species like black bears and red wolves. The victory is part of a years-long effort from the Safe Passage Coalition.