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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condemns the rule, which mirrors a 2020 regulation promulgated by the first Trump administration that was later withdrawn and replaced in 2024.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

Western Governors Split on Legislating on the Endangered Species Act

WASHINGTON (June 28, 2017) – The Western Governors’ Association today issued recommendations to change the Endangered Species Act (ESA) at their annual meeting in Whitefish

Izembek Bill Threatens Wildlife and Public Lands Protections

WASHINGTON (June 27, 2017) – Today the House Natural Resources Committee voted to advance H.R. 218, the “King Cove Road Land Exchange Act,” a bill

Yellowstone Grizzly Bears ‘Delisted’ from Endangered Species List

WASHINGTON (June 22, 2017) – Today, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced the formal removal of Endangered Species Act (ESA) protections for grizzly bears

New Study Provides Framework to Maintain and Protect Military Mission and Environment in California Desert

Media contact: Catalina Tresky: ctresky@defenders.org or (202) 772-0253 WASHINGTON (June 12, 2017) – Today, The Sonoran Institute released “ Evaluating Encroachment Pressures on the Military

Secretary Zinke’s Recommendations on Bears Ears a Monumental Mistake

WASHINGTON (June 12, 2017) – Today, Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke submitted a preliminary report on Bears Ears National Monument to President Trump. Secretary
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