Image
Single manatee under water  swimming in the hot springs sanctuary in Florida
Washington, D.C.

Trump Administration Rescinds ‘Harm’ Definition, Defenders Prepares for Court

In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to death or injury of protected species is illegal.
Image
Black bears on rocks above Anan Creek Tongass NF
Raleigh, North Carolina

Defenders Celebrates North Carolina General Assembly’s Historic Investment in Wildlife Crossings with Recurring Multi-million-dollar Appropriation

North Carolina's $10.2M recurring investment for wildlife crossings is a historic win, protecting both motorists and vulnerable species like black bears and red wolves. The victory is part of a years-long effort from the Safe Passage Coalition.
Image
Sea otter with head poking above the water near kelp
Washington, DC

Defenders of Wildlife Urges Public Opposition to NOAA’s Planned Review That Could Weaken California’s Authority to Protect its Coastline

NOAA will review California's Coastal Management Program following a directive from Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. Defenders of Wildlife urges public participation in upcoming public meetings to protect California's coast, wildlife, and state authority.

Press Releases

Court Throws Out Industry Challenge to 2012 Forestry Rules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 30, 2015 Contacts: Joseph Vaile, Klamath-Siskiyou Wildlands Center, 541-488-5789, joseph@kswild.org Susan Jane Brown, Western Environmental Law Center, 541-525-5087, brown@westernlaw.org Trent W

First Washington Wolf Goes West

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: April 30, 2015 Contact: Melanie Gade: mgade@defenders.org ; (202) 772-0288 First Washington Wolf Goes West SEATTLE – The first gray wolf

House Armed Forces Committee Passes Anti-Sage-Grouse Language in Defense Bill

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 29, 2015 Contact: Courtney Sexton, csexton@defenders.org, 202.772.0253 House Armed Forces Committee Passes Anti-Sage-Grouse Language in Defense Bill Rep. Tsongas’ laudable attempt

House Proposal Could Wipe Out Sage-Grouse Across Much of the West

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 27, 2015 Contact: Courtney Sexton, csexton@defenders.org, 202.772.0253 Virginia Cramer, Virginia.cramer@sierraclub.org, 804.519.8449 Elizabeth Heyd, eheyd@nrdc.org , 202.289.2424 House Proposal Could Wipe Out

New Study Documents Continued Sage-Grouse Population Declines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2015 Contact: Courtney Sexton, csexton@defenders.org, 202.772.0253 New Study Documents Continued Sage-Grouse Population Declines Bird on the brink remains imperiled in
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