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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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads to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.
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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.
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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

Oregon Officials Consider Reducing Protection for Wolves

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2015 Suzanne Stone: sstone@defenders.org; (208) 861-4655 Melanie Gade: mgade@defenders.org ; (202) 772-0288 Oregon Officials Consider Reducing Protection for Wolves BEND

Defenders of Wildlife Calls for New Shark Protections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 23, 2015 Contact: Melanie Gade: mgade@defenders.org (202) 772-0288 Defenders of Wildlife Calls for New Shark Protections WASHINGTON–Defenders of Wildlife has petitioned
Glendive, MT

Feds Proceed with Dam Construction on Yellowstone River, Putting Last Wild Population of Ancient “Dinosaur” Fish at Risk

The Bureau of Reclamation (Bureau) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) announced they will build a concrete dam across the lower Yellowstone River near Glendive, Montana. The dam will cause irreparable harm to the nation’s largest wild population of endangered pallid sturgeon, an ancient fish species with ancestors dating back to the time of dinosaurs, living in the upper Missouri and Yellowstone Rivers as well as several other fish species using the lower Yellowstone

Forest Service Moves to Permit Bulldozing for Dirty Coal in Colorado Roadless Forest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 6, 2015 Contacts Ted Zukoski, Earthjustice, 303-996-9622 Nathaniel Shoaff, Sierra Club, 415-977-5610 Jeremy Nichols, WildEarth Guardians, 303-437-7663 Taylor McKinnon, Center for

Fish and Wildlife Service Gives Free Pass on Failed Conservation Deadline

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 2015 Contact: Courtney Sexton, 202.772.0253, csexton@defenders.org Fish and Wildlife Service Gives Free Pass on Failed Conservation Deadline Western Association of
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