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A kit fox lays in the dirt on BLM land in Utah.
Washington, DC

BLM Moves to Undercut Its Planning Framework and Most Important Conservation Tool

BLM announced a proposed rule to dramatically weaken the framework around land use planning and erode one of the agency's primary tools for conservation.
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Florida Panther
WASHINGTON, D.C.

Following Historic Elections, Environmental & Conservation Groups Urge Senate to Reject Lame-Duck Permitting Deal

Ahead of Monday’s scheduled cloture vote on the motion to proceed to debate Bipartisan American Affordability and Jobs Act (S. 5653).
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Mother manatee and calf swimming
Washington, DC

Lawsuit Launched to Compel Critical Habitat for Florida, Antillean Manatees

Defenders of Wildlife and CBD notified the FWS on their intent to sue for failing to finalize critical habitat protections for Florida and Antillean manatees.

Press Releases

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Black-footed ferret sticking head out of burrow looking towards camera
Topeka, Kansas

Black-Footed Ferrets Secure Critical Win, Following Public Outcry

A transmission line in Kansas will be modified to avoid impact on the endangered black-footed ferret, a significant win driven by individuals across the Plains.
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Young Fisher kit, Martes pennanti,  peeks from log, Montana, USA
WASHINGTON, DC

Lawsuit Launched to Protect West Coast Fishers

Defenders of Wildlife alongside the Center of Biological Diversity and others today notified the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service of their intent to sue over
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prairie dog
Denver, CO

Prairie Dog Coalition Urges Colorado to End Recreational Prairie Dog Shooting on Public Lands

Defenders and partners at the Prairie Dog Coalition call on Colorado Parks and Wildlife to prohibit recreational shooting of prairie dogs on public lands.
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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.
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