Image
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Memo Underscores Trump Administration’s All-Fronts War on Wildlife
Brian Nesvik, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, issued a memorandum explaining to FWS staff that the Endangered Species Act’s prohibition on unauthorized “take” applies only to affirmative acts intentionally and purposefully directed at a particular animal. This follows the Trump administration’s rescission of the regulatory definitions of “harm” under the ESA, which took effect this week.
Image
Court Rules Habitat Must Be Protected After FWS Attempts to Waive Protections for Less Than 40 Sierra Nevada Red Fox
Defenders of Wildlife earned a significant victory for the Endangered Species Act today when a federal district court found that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's decision to not designate critical habitat for the endangered Sierra Nevada red fox was a violation of the law.
Image
Construction on Gateway to Road through Izembek Continues
The Ninth Circuit today denied Defenders of Wildlife’s emergency motion to halt construction on King Cove Corp.’s 2.8-mile road segment leading to the doorstep of Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and Wilderness. Defenders’ request for immediate injunctive relief marks the latest stage in its larger effort to block a damaging and precedent-setting road from King Cove to Cold Bay, Alaska, that would plow through the heart of Izembek.
Press Releases
Image
Congress Passes Controversial Legislation to Privatize Public Lands
The federal public lands package also reauthorizes the Land and Water Conservation Fund.
Image
Four Endangered Mexican Wolves Caught in Traps on U.S. Forest Service Lands in New Mexico in Last Two Months
Defenders of Wildlife has learned that four more Mexican gray wolves were trapped in New Mexico on land managed by the U.S. Forest Service over the last two months. The four endangered wolves included a breeding-age female that died and a male that was taken into captivity only to have his injured leg amputated. These two wolves are from the Prieto Pack.
Image
Texas Judge Upholds Endangered Species Act Protections for Golden-cheeked Warbler
A federal judge in Austin yesterday ruled that the golden-cheeked warbler should remain protected under the Endangered Species Act. The Texas songbird is severely threatened by rampant urban sprawl.
Image
Statement from Jamie Rappaport Clark, CEO and president, Defenders of Wildlife on the passing of former Representative John Dingell
“A ferocious, tireless and skillful advocate for wildlife, John Dingell leaves an enduring legacy of groundbreaking protections for the nation’s endangered species, national wildlife refuges and many other aspects of our natural world."
Image
DHS Issues Second Waiver for San Diego Border Wall Construction
DHS announced a second waiver of 32 environmental, health and safety laws in order to build additional segments of border wall along the U.S.-Mexico border near San Diego.
jcovey@defenders.org
