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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

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Gray Wolf
Denver, CO

Wolf Reintroduction in Colorado Will Appear on 2020 Ballot

Colorado Secretary of State Jena Griswold announced today that Initiative 107, which would require Colorado Parks and Wildlife to develop a plan to reintroduce wolves
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Hawaiian Hawk
Washington, DC

Thanks to the Endangered Species Act, the Hawaiian Hawk is Fully Recovered

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today removed the Hawaiian hawk, the only hawk native to Hawai’i, from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened
Washington, DC

Defenders Announces Science Advisors

Defenders of Wildlife today announced its expanded group of Science Advisors as part of its continuing commitment to ensure science plays the leading role in wildlife conservation policy.
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Salmon
Seattle, WA

Report Releases Findings on Lower Snake River Stakeholder Process as Washington Looks to Save Orcas

Today marked the release of official findings from a stakeholder process regarding the removal of four dams from the lower Snake River.
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Desert-National-Wildlife-Refuge
Washington, DC

Proposed Legislation on Military Use of Desert National Wildlife Refuge Shortchanges Wildlife Protection

Today Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced legislation that would renew military use of the Nevada Test and Training Range and expand Air Force control over Desert National Wildlife Refuge.
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