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Northern Spotted Owl in Tree
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders Expands Legal Challenge to Trump Administration’s Assault on Endangered Species Act

Defenders of Wildlife today filed an amended complaint challenging the Trump administration’s escalating effort to dismantle longstanding protections for threatened and endangered wildlife under the Endangered Species Act.
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Salt Marsh - Cumberland Island
ST. MARYS, GEORGIA

NPS Land Swaps and Visitor Plan Open the Door to Devastating Impacts at Cumberland Island

In advance of a public hearing on proposed land exchanges on Cumberland Island National Seashore, Defenders of Wildlife called on the National Park Service to remedy a host of management issues facing one of the largest undeveloped barrier islands on the East Coast.
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2019.08.07 - Florida Panther looking straight at camera - MS 45 - fStop Foundation
WASHINGTON, D.C.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Memo Underscores Trump Administration’s All-Fronts War on Wildlife

Brian Nesvik, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a memorandum explaining to FWS staff that the Endangered Species Act’s prohibition on unauthorized “take” applies only to affirmative acts intentionally and purposefully directed at a particular animal. This follows the Trump administration’s rescission of the regulatory definitions of “harm” under the ESA, which took effect this week.

Press Releases

Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Announces Director of the Center for Conservation Innovation

Defenders of Wildlife has promoted Jacob Malcom to be Director of the Center for Conservation Innovation (CCI). Dr. Malcom came to Defenders in January 2015

Defenders of Wildlife Reacts to Scott Pruitt Resignation

The following statement is from Jamie Rappaport Clark, Former president and CEO of Defenders of Wildlife on the announcement of Scott Pruitt’s resignation as Administrator

Landmark Bird Protection Law Turns 100 Today

Today marks the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA). The MBTA protects more than a thousand species of migratory
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Grizzly Bear feeds in the Russian River, Kenai Peninsula, Chugach National Forest, Alaska
Washington, DC

Proposed Rewrites to the Endangered Species Act Deny Science, Federal Oversight

Sen. John Barrasso (R-WY) wants to drastically rewrite the Endangered Species Act (ESA), our nation’s most effective law for protecting wildlife in danger of extinction. In newly proposed legislation, he would shift key authority for conserving threatened and endangered species to individual states, which lack the laws, resources and political will needed to protect imperiled wildlife and their habitat.

Senate Passes Farm Bill Free of House Environmental Poison Pills

The Senate passed the Agriculture Improvement Act (Farm Bill) today (y-n). In addition to addressing traditional agricultural and food policy, the Farm Bill has major
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