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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condemns the rule, which mirrors a 2020 regulation promulgated by the first Trump administration that was later withdrawn and replaced in 2024.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

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Single Joshua Tree at end of rainbow
Sacramento, CA

Feds say the Mohave ground squirrel may face extinction

The Mohave ground squirrel's survival is most threatened by loss of habitat due to urban and suburban sprawl, rural development, agriculture, military activities, livestock grazing and off-highway vehicle use.
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Peregrine falcon
Washington, DC

FWS unveils new vision for wind-energy siting and wildlife

“Wind energy is an important part of our clean energy future, but for it to be truly successful, we need thoughtful long-term planning that takes wildlife and habitat conservation into consideration. These draft guidelines will go a long way toward ensuring that future wind energy development is compatible with birds, bats and other wildlife."
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Arctic fox
Anchorage, AK

Win for Scientifically Sound Wildlife Management as Alaska Legislature Rejects Al Barrette for Board of Game

The following statement was released in response to the Alaska State Legislature's rejection of Board of Game nominee, Al Barrette
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Archie Carr NWR at sunrise
Washington, DC

Offshore Drilling Plan Threatens Coastal Communities, Ocean Wildlife

The Obama Administration’s broad offshore drilling plan, released today, threatens coastal waters along the mid- and south-Atlantic coastline from Delaware to Florida.
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Onahu Creek Trail - Rocky Mountain National Park
Washington, DC

Speak up for national forests

As the Obama administration sets out to determine the future for the 193-million-acre National Forest System, a coalition of conservation organizations is calling on people to make their voices heard.
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