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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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Gray Wolf in Yellowstone

Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Releases Annual Wolf Report

“Defenders of Wildlife is encouraged by another year of steady and modest growth in Oregon’s wolf population. But wolves in Oregon are still very much in recovery."
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mexican wolf pup and mom
Tucson, AZUCSON, Ariz.

Annual Mexican Wolf Count Emphasizes Need for Continued Recovery Efforts

USFWS released the official Mexican gray wolf population count for November 2018 through January 2019.
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gray wolf resting in the snow

Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife Releases Annual Wolf Report

The annual wolf count showed an increase of four individual wolves, five recognized packs, and one breeding pair from the previous year in Washington.
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Giant Manta Ray
Washington, DC

Conservation Groups Announce Intent to Sue to Protect Atlantic Sharks, Giant Manta Rays from Lethal Longlines, Gillnets

Defenders joined others to file notice of intent to sue the Trump administration for failing to protect oceanic whitetip sharks and giant manta rays from being killed by longlines and huge nets used by U.S. fishermen in Atlantic fisheries.
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vernal pools on Otay Mesa in San Diego County
Sacramento, CA

State Water Board Votes to Implement Comprehensive Wetlands Policy

Today the State Board voted unanimously to adopt a final State Wetland Definition and Procedures for Discharges of Dredged or Fill Material to Waters of the State (“wetlands policy”).
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