Image
Black bears on rocks above Anan Creek Tongass NF
Raleigh, North Carolina

Defenders Celebrates North Carolina General Assembly’s Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings with Recurring Multi-million-dollar Appropriation

North Carolina's $10.2M recurring investment for wildlife crossings is a historic win, protecting both motorists and vulnerable species like black bears and red wolves. The victory is part of a years-long effort from the Safe Passage Coalition.
Image
Sea otter with head poking above the water near kelp
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Public Opposition to NOAA’s Planned Review That Could Weaken California’s Authority to Protect its Coastline

NOAA will review California's Coastal Management Program following a directive from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Defenders of Wildlife urges public participation in upcoming public meetings to protect California's coast, wildlife, and state authority.
Image
mountains in reflection of water at Schwabachers Landing in Grand Tetons National Park
WASHINGTON, D.C.

America the Beautiful Act Would Reauthorize Nearly $2 billion for National Parks and Public Lands

Defenders of Wildlife supports passage of the America the Beautiful Act, sponsored by Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Chair Bruce Westerman (R-AR).

Press Releases

Image
Panther with kittens
Washington, DC

House Passes Pro-Wildlife Infrastructure Bill

After months of negotiations, today, the U.S House of Representatives passed its bi-partisan infrastructure bill, INVEST in America Act, H.R.3684, that includes several pro-wildlife provisions, most notably investments to establish a national wildlife corridor protection program.
Image
Climate Strike DC Wide Shot Capitol Lawn
Washington, DC

Interior Appropriations Includes Wins, Losses for Biodiversity

The House Committee on Appropriations will consider spending for Interior and Environment for fiscal year 2022 this morning. The spending bill includes both wins and losses for biodiversity. In the face of losing 1 million species to extinction, Defenders continues to advocate for increased levels of funding to support threatened and endangered species, and we are particularly disappointed in the low levels of funding for the main U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service program responsible implementation of the Endangered Species Act. Nevertheless, the bill also includes some important wins for wildlife.
Image
Climate Strike DC Wide Shot Capitol Lawn
Washington, DC

Groups urge inclusion of Legacy Roads and Trails Program in Infrastructure Package

As Congress considers infrastructure packages to Build Back Better, conservationists urge legislators to include authorization and funding for the Legacy Roads and Trails program that will address the crumbling road infrastructure on national forest lands and ensure that the road network can sustain an increase in the recreating public as well as the effects of a changing climate. Groups are pleased to see authorization and funding of the program included in infrastructure proposals.
Image
Gray Wolf
Seattle, Washington

Female Wolf Illegally Killed in Washington State

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) confirmed that a female wolf was illegally killed in northeast Washington in May. According to WDFW biologists, the wolf is believed to be the breeding female from the Wedge Pack.
Image
Black bear in moss covered forest
Colville, Washington

New Food Storage Lockers Improve Safety, Visitor Experience in Grizzly Country

This summer, land managers and conservationists are installing a new tool to increase safety for visitors and wildlife in the 1.5million-acre Colville National Forest.
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