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okee
Washington, D.C.

Fish and Wildlife Review Misses the Mark, Historic Opportunity to Strengthen Refuge System

In response to the FWS review of the National Wildlife Refuge System, Defenders released its own report detailing a crisis downplayed by the FWS.
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Bald eagle at sunset
Washington, D.C.

Wave of Change in Midterm Results Brings Lifeline to Wildlife

A dramatic shift in the majority control of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and in five gubernatorial elections sparks hope for America’s wildlife.
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Canada lynx family
Washington, D.C.

New Defenders Report Analyzes Strengths and Gaps in Section 4(d) Protections for Threatened Species

Defenders of Wildlife today released a report assessing how federal wildlife agencies have applied section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act over the past decade.

Press Releases

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Mexican Gray Wolves
ARIZONA

Mexican Gray Wolf Program Cuts Worsen as Arizona Puts Up New Barriers 

Arizona's legislature passed a bill that would end Mexican gray wolf puppy transfers, undermining cross-fostering efforts critical to the species' recovery.
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Regan smyth
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Welcomes Regan Smyth as Vice President of the Center for Conservation Innovation

Defenders of Wildlife is pleased to announce Regan Smyth as its new Vice President and Director of the Center for Conservation Innovation. Regan brings more than two decades of experience advancing conservation through the integration of science, technology and partnerships.
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Caribou migrating through Arctic National Wildlife Refuge
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Defenders Slams Lease Sale in Arctic Refuge

The Bureau of Land Management today opened nine bids on five tracts regarding an oil and gas lease sale on the Coastal Plain of the
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Snowy Plover
Washington, D.C.

President Trump Rescinds Long Standing Executive Orders Designed to Conserve Wildlife and Federal Lands from Unmanaged Motorized Recreation

President Trump last Friday issued an Executive Order rescinding EOs 11644 and 11989 which guide the management of ATVs, dirt bikes, snowmobiles, jet skis and other off-road motorized vehicles on federal lands. President Trump also ordered federal agencies to rescind or revise regulations that implement the prior EOs.
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wolverine
Washington, D.C.

House Interior Bill Attacks Crucial Protections for Imperiled Wildlife and Public Lands

Defenders of Wildlife today slammed the House Appropriations Committee’s proposed Interior and Environment spending bill for Fiscal Year 2027, which includes numerous damaging policy riders intended to weaken the Endangered Species Act and undermine protections for individual species.
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