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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condemns the rule, which mirrors a 2020 regulation promulgated by the first Trump administration that was later withdrawn and replaced in 2024.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.
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Jake Li Testimony at EPW
WASHINGTON, D.C.

A Much-Needed Win for Wildlife: Senate Introduces Bill to Improve Endangered Species Act Implementation

Senators Adam Schiff (D-CA) and Pete Rickets (R-NE) today introduced the Improving Species Recovery Act, an important bipartisan bill that would improve implementation of the Endangered Species Act.

Press Releases

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Oregon Renewables
Washington, DC

New Report from Defenders of Wildlife and Partners Provides Guidelines for Responsibly Siting Renewable Energy Projects in Oregon

Defenders of Wildlife and partner organizations today released a new report offering guidelines for the responsible siting of renewable energy projects to minimize environmental impacts and urges greater community engagement and local benefits throughout the planning and development process.
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2023 Spirit of Defenders Award, InterTribal Buffalo Council
Washington, D.C.

Defenders of Wildlife Honors the InterTribal Buffalo Council with Award

Defenders of Wildlife today announced the recipient of the 2023 Spirit of Defenders Award for Conservation Partnerships. The award honors individuals and organizations for their extraordinary accomplishments and commitment to wildlife and land conservation. This year’s honoree in the category of Conservation Partnerships is the InterTribal Buffalo Council.
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Laura Sheehan
Washington, D.C.

Laura Sheehan Named Senior Vice President of External Affairs for Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife has welcomed Laura Sheehan as the Senior Vice President of External Affairs. She will be responsible for overseeing Defenders’ communications, marketing and government relations strategies.
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Southern_Resident_Orca
Portland, ORE.

Southern Resident Orcas Move Closer to Oregon Endangered Species Protections

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to advance a petition seeking to protect southern resident orcas under the state Endangered Species Act (ESA).
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Starship set up
BOCA CHICA, Texas

Explosion After Launch at SpaceX in Texas Serves as Powerful Reminder of Risks in Experimental Rocketry

On April 20, 2023 SpaceX launched its fully integrated Starship and Super Heavy rocket from their test facility in Boca Chica, Texas. This launch, Starship’s
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