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In a devastating blow to wildlife, the Trump administration today formally rescinded the regulatory definition of “harm” under the Endangered Species Act, eliminating the long-standing legal interpretation that habitat destruction that leads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

Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission Revisits Marbled Murrelet Protections

The Oregon Fish and Wildlife Commission today voted to revisit their decision to deny greater protections for the marbled murrelet.
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Organ-pipe-cactus-national-monument
Tucson, Ariz.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Defenders of Wildlife Expert Available to Discuss Wildlife Impacts During Arizona Rally to Stop Border Wall Construction and Funding

Defenders of Wildlife Expert Available to Discuss Wildlife Impacts During Arizona Rally to Stop Border Wall Construction and Funding
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Capitol Building
Washington, DC

The ‘Recovering America’s Wildlife Act’ Fails to Adequately Respond to the Extinction Crisis

The House Natural Resources Committee today approved the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA), H.R. 3742, introduced by Reps. Debbie Dingell (D-MI) and Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE).
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Red wolves playing
Raleigh, NC

Governor Cooper Demands U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Recommit to Red Wolf Recovery Efforts

Today, Governor Roy Cooper and the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) sent letters to Interior Secretary David Bernhardt and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), urging the USFWS to work harder to save critically-endangered Red Wolves from extinction.
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Bay-Delta
SACRAMENTO

Conservation, Fishing Organizations Prepare to sue Bureau of Reclamation for Endangered Species Act Violations in San Francisco Bay-Delta

Conservation, Fishing Organizations Prepare to sue Bureau of Reclamation for Endangered Species Act Violations in San Francisco Bay-Delta
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