Image
Northern Spotted Owl in Tree
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders Expands Legal Challenge to Trump Administration’s Assault on Endangered Species Act

Defenders of Wildlife today filed an amended complaint challenging the Trump administration’s escalating effort to dismantle longstanding protections for threatened and endangered wildlife under the Endangered Species Act.
Image
Salt Marsh - Cumberland Island
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

NPS Land Swaps and Visitor Plan Open the Door to Devastating Impacts at Cumberland Island

In advance of a public hearing on proposed land exchanges on Cumberland Island National Seashore, Defenders of Wildlife called on the National Park Service to remedy a host of management issues facing one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands on the East Coast.
Image
2019.08.07 - Florida Panther looking straight at camera - MS 45 - fStop Foundation
WASHINGTON, D.C.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Memo Underscores Trump Administration’s All-Fronts War on Wildlife

Brian Nesvik, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a memorandum explaining to FWS staff that the Endangered Species Act’s prohibition on unauthorized “take” applies only to affirmative acts intentionally and purposefully directed at a particular animal. This follows the Trump administration’s rescission of the regulatory definitions of “harm” under the ESA, which took effect this week.

Press Releases

Image
Brant fly in front of Mount Dutton Izembek National Wildlife Refuge
Washington, D.C.

Burgum Signs Orders That Will Destroy Wildlife, Protected Places

Interior Secretary Doug Burgum yesterday issued a series of secretarial orders that are an attack on the Endangered Species Act, migratory bird protections and federal
Image
Mosquito first nation bison transfer release Chamois Andersen
Mosquito First Nation, Sask.

Historic Transfer Brings Yellowstone Bison to First Nations in Canada

A family group of Plains bison were moved across the U.S.-Canadian border this week as a gift from the Fort Peck Tribes in Montana to
Image
2014.06.25 - Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - California - Steve martarano - USFWS.jpg
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA

Defenders Disappointed in Newsom Order

California Gov. Gavin Newsom today issued a state of emergency executive order that directed state agencies to waive essential flood protections to divert and store
Image
2023.01.05- Right Whale Swimming with Calf-FWC-CC BY NC ND 2.0
Boston, MA

First Circuit Decision Reinstates Rule Protecting Right Whales

Conservation groups applaud a First Circuit Court of Appeals decision reinstating a 2024 National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) rule that protects critically endangered North Atlantic
Image
2014.06.25 - Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta - California - Steve martarano - USFWS.jpg
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Slams Expected Bay-Delta Executive Order

Defenders of Wildlife Ashley Overhouse, Water Policy Advisor, today issued the following statement in response to President Trump’s planned tour of the fire ravaged areas
Senior Vice President, External Affairs
lsheehan@defenders.org
(202) 772-3244
Communications Director
mdewane@defenders.org
(202) 772-0217
Communications Specialist
jcovey@defenders.org
Communications Specialist
kirby@defenders.org
(202) 772-3268
Communications Specialist
estern@defenders.org
202-772-0243