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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.
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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.
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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
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Judge Rejects Federal Project Threatening California’s Desert Tortoises
A judge has rejected federal agencies’ approval of activities in the California Desert Conservation Area, including a vast network of off-road vehicle routes in the
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Defenders Supports New Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2024
Defenders of Wildlife applauds Rep. Jared Huffman (D-CA) and Rep. Fitzpatrick (R-PA) for introducing the Migratory Bird Protection Act of 2024, which strengthens our nation’s ability to protect and coexist with our myriad species of migratory birds.
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Defenders Responds to Court Decision Dismissing Claims Seeking to Delay Future Gray Wolf Reintroductions
Defenders of Wildlife today received welcome news that the U.S. District Court – District of Colorado issued an order dismissing three claims filed by the
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California Burrowing Owls One Step Closer to Permanent State Protections
The California Fish and Game Commission unanimously voted today to protect western burrowing owls throughout California as a “candidate” species under the California Endangered Species
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Rio Reforestation Community Planting Event Returns for its 30th Year
The public is invited to help plant native thornforest seedlings during the 30th annual Rio Reforestation community planting event on Saturday, Oct. 19. The event
jcovey@defenders.org
