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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.
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Jake Li Testimony at EPW
WASHINGTON, D.C.

A Much-Needed Win for Wildlife: Senate Introduces Bill to Improve Endangered Species Act Implementation

Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Pete Rickets (R-NE) today introduced the Improving Species Recovery Act, an important bipartisan bill that would improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act.
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Porcupine caribou making its way through deep snow on the East Fork of the Chandalar River
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Enough is Enough: Senate Blocks Yet Another Attempt to Prioritize Drilling in the Arctic

The Senate today blocked an attempt to pass S. 5438, introduced by Senator Dan Sullivan (R-AK). The bill would have ratified and approved all authorizations, permits, verifications, extensions, biological opinions, incidental take statements and any other approvals or orders issued pursuant to federal law necessary for the establishment and administration of the Coastal Plain oil and gas leasing program, among other purposes.

Press Releases

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Panther with kittens

M-CORES Task Force Meetings End as Questions Loom for Wildlife

Last week, three Florida task forces established to consider the environmental and economic impacts of three massive new highway proposals —known as the Multi-use Corridors of Regional Economic Significance (M-CORES)—completed their final meetings. These proposed projects represent the largest highway expansion in Florida since the 1950s.
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A bald eagle perched in a tree above Fish Creek in Hyder, Alaska
Juneau, AK

U.S. Forest Service Takes an Ax to Roadless Rule Protections in Alaska

The U.S. Forest Service has released the record of decision for a regulation that will eliminate the national Roadless Area Conservation Rule on the Tongass
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Gray Wolf

Why Wolves Won’t Reintroduce Themselves in Colorado

In just a few days, Coloradans will choose whether or not to return gray wolves to Colorado. A simple yes or no answer by 4.1 million registered voters will determine the fate of Proposition 114 and if gray wolves will get a fresh start.
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Rainforest Wolf Tongass Sam Catron
Craig, AK

Hunting and Trapping Season Proposed Despite Precarious Alexander Archipelago Wolf Status

Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG) and the U.S. Forest Service announced their intention today that the 2020-2021 hunting and trapping season for the Alexander Archipelago wolf be reduced but still proceed, despite the uncertain future of the wolf.
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Members of Latino Outdoors

Latino Outdoors Supports Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado

The Colorado chapter of Latino Outdoors just officially endorsed Proposition 114, which appears on Colorado’s general election ballot this year. If passed, the ballot measure would require the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Department to develop and implement a plan to reintroduce wolves to lands west of the continental divide by the end of 2023.
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