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2024.05.15 - Stream running through forest in Pisgah National Forest - NC - WS - Ben Prater-Defenders of Wildlife.JPG

USDA Moves to Repeal Roadless Rule, Reigniting Fight for Public Lands

The U.S. Department of Agriculture today announced its formal repeal of the Roadless Area Conservation Rule, a rule that for 25 years has protected millions
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gray wolf
Denver, CO

Colorado Senator Attempts to Block Wolf Reintroduction in Special Session

Colorado State Senator Dylan Roberts introduced legislation today in an attempt to halt the state’s historic gray wolf reintroduction program, which has already seen remarkable
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Miles Ritter
Salem, OR

Oregon Approves Conservation Plans for Orcas

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission voted today to approve three Endangered Species Management Plans for Southern Resident Orcas, completing the listing process initiated by

Press Releases

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Polar Bear
Anchorage, AK

Trump administration Moves Forward with Massive Oil and Gas Project During Pandemic

Despite the pandemic, the Trump administration is moving ahead with public hearings on the Willow project – a massive oil and gas development being pushed by ConocoPhillips – in the National Petroleum Reserve–Alaska.
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Right Whale
New York

New York Offshore Wind Alliance: Public Service Commission Gives NY An Earth Week to Celebrate

New York Offshore Wind Alliance: Public Service Commission Gives NY An Earth Week to Celebrate Authorizes NYSERDA To Solicit Nation’s Largest Offshore Wind Bids Following
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Northern Long-eared Bat
Washington, D.C.

Lawmakers, Conservation Groups Seek to Address Wildlife Trade as Source of Coronavirus Pandemic

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread across the U.S., China reopening its wet wildlife markets. These markets, which sell animals in crowded conditions that are unsafe for both wildlife and humans, have been pegged as the most likely place the disease originally spread from wildlife species.
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Hellbender Kat Diersen
Washington, DC

Trump Administration Finalizes Irresponsible, Dangerous Waters of the U.S. Rule

Today, the Trump administration finalized a rollback to the waters of the U.S. rule. Previously, this rule protected streams, wetlands and freshwater bays and the wildlife that call them home. In New Mexico, the replacement rule could leave 90% of our waters unprotected and impact at least 20% of vertebrate wildlife.
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Gray wolf yellowstone Lamar valley
Seattle, Wash.

Annual Count Shows Washington Wolf Population is On the Rise

The wolf population in Washington has increased despite multiple lethal removals due to wolf-livestock conflict, according to the Washington Gray Wolf Conservation and Management Plan 2019 Annual Report, released by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.
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