Image
2024.05.15 - Stream running through forest in Pisgah National Forest - NC - WS - Ben Prater-Defenders of Wildlife.JPG

USDA Moves to Repeal Roadless Rule, Reigniting Fight for Public Lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced its formal repeal of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a rule that for 25 years has protected millions
Image
gray wolf
Denver, CO

Colorado Senator Attempts to Block Wolf Reintroduction in Special Session

Colorado State Senator Dylan Roberts introduced legislation today in an attempt to halt the state’s historic gray wolf reintroduction program, which has already seen remarkable
Image
Miles Ritter
Salem, OR

Oregon Approves Conservation Plans for Orcas

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to approve three Endangered Species Management Plans for Southern Resident Orcas, completing the listing process initiated by

Press Releases

Image
Martha Williams
Washington, D.C.

Martha Williams Confirmed as U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director

Martha Williams was confirmed as director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Jamie Rappaport Clark, former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife and former director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (1997-2001), issued a statement.
Image
North atlantic right whale and calf
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Applauds Proposed Bill to Assist Endangered North Atlantic Right Whale

Today, Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) introduced the Right Whale Coexistence Act of 2022, which seeks to reduce human impacts on critically endangered North Atlantic right whales. Representative Seth Moulton (D-MA) will introduce a companion bill in the House this Friday.
Image
Florida black bear
Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

New Sentinel Landscape Designated Across Florida Panhandle

The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership, comprised of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the Department of Defense (DoD), and the Department of Interior (DOI), announced the designation of the Northwest Florida Sentinel Landscape (NWFSL), encompassing approximately 7.7 million acres of the Florida Panhandle around Eglin Airforce Base.
Image
Gray Wolf - Denali National Park - Alaska
Oakland, Calif.

Judge Restores Federal Protections for Gray Wolves

A federal district court today struck down a 2020 decision by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that removed federal protections from gray wolves across much of the U.S.
Image
Sunset over the Elk Mountains in the distance from a desert landscape
Washington, DC

New Study Shows Areas Important for Wildlife Adaptation to Climate Need More Protections

A new study, published in Environmental Research Letters, shows that conservation – particularly efforts to protect 30 percent of lands and waters by 2030 – should also focus on areas that can help wildlife better adapt in the face of climate change.
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
jpetrequin@defenders.org
(202) 772-0243