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Stefan Ekernas
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Welcomes Stefan Ekernas as New Vice President of Species Conservation & Coexistence

Defenders of Wildlife is proud to announce Stephan Ekernas as its new Vice President of Species Conservation and Coexistence, where he will oversee Defenders’ field conservation programs.
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brown bear
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Trump Administration Opens Door to Bear Baiting, Den Hunting in Alaska Preserves

The National Park Service finalized a regulation that abdicates the agency's responsibility to manage wildlife in Alaska's national preserves, deferring instead to state regulations. Defenders of Wildlife condemns the rule, which mirrors a 2020 regulation promulgated by the first Trump administration that was later withdrawn and replaced in 2024.
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Washington, DC

BLM Prepares Illegal Move to Open Ouray National Wildlife Refuge to Oil & Gas, a Dangerous Precedent for Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife is calling on BLM to withdrawal an unprecedented proposal to open Ouray National Wildlife Refuge in Utah to new oil and gas leasing.

Press Releases

Obama administration to ramp up drilling in Arctic Ocean

Interior Department released its 5-year offshore drilling plan WASHINGTON (June 29, 2012)— The following is a statement from Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO

Ship Speed Limits Sought off Atlantic Coast to Protect Endangered Right Whales

WASHINGTON (June 28, 2012) — Wildlife conservation and animal protection groups filed a legal petition seeking additional ship speed limits in North Atlantic right whale

Senate farm bill debate produces surprising reform

Key conservation amendment passes, but steep cuts loom Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, the Senate passed an amendment to the Farm Bill that requires farmers who

House Interior Department appropriations bill takes an axe to conservation programs

Washington, D.C. — Crucial programs that protect wildlife and habitat were slashed today in a bill approved by the House Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies

House passes anti-wildlife, anti-public lands bill

Measure was opposed by scores of conservation, human rights, humane and tribal organizations Washington, D.C. — Yesterday the House passed a bill that strips environmental
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