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Stefan Ekernas
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Welcomes Stefan Ekernas as New Vice President of Species Conservation & Coexistence

Defenders of Wildlife is proud to announce Stephan Ekernas as its new Vice President of Species Conservation and Coexistence, where he will oversee Defenders’ field conservation programs.
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brown bear
ANCHORAGE, ALASKA

Trump Administration Opens Door to Bear Baiting, Den Hunting in Alaska Preserves

The National Park Service finalized a regulation that abdicates the agency's responsibility to manage wildlife in Alaska's national preserves, deferring instead to state regulations. Defenders of Wildlife condemns the rule, which mirrors a 2020 regulation promulgated by the first Trump administration that was later withdrawn and replaced in 2024.
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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.

Press Releases

Oregon Wolf Census Overshadowed by Recent Lethal Actions

The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (ODFW) released the 2017 Oregon wolf count today. The total number of wolves was 124, up just 11
Washington, DC

Legislative Riders Poison House Farm Bill

Rep. Mike Conaway (R- TX) introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives today reauthorizing the farm bill. In addition to addressing traditional agricultural and

Defenders Speaks Out Against Proposed National Monument Plans

An initial comment period ends today for the Department of the Interior’s proposal to develop management plans for the illegally redrawn Bears Ears National Monument

Endangered Bird Fully Recovered, Thanks to the Endangered Species Act

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will propose delisting the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler , a gray and yellow songbird that ranges from the Great Lakes
Washington, DC

Interior’s Transfers of Senior Executives Reckless, Disruptive

Today the Office of the Inspector General of the Department of Interior released its findings of the Reassignment of Senior Executives at the U.S. Department
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