endangered species Archives - Endangered Species Coalition

Trump Administration Declares a War on Wildlife with Nomination of Brian Nesvik

Endangered Species Coalition — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 17:01:01 +0000

Last week, the Senate confirmed Brian Nesvik as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. While his appointment was endorsed by some within the traditional wildlife community, the Endangered Species Coalition and numerous conservation partners strongly opposed his confirmation based on his track record of undermining federal protections for imperiled wildlife and prioritizing extractive interests over science-based recovery.

Brian Nesvik has long championed efforts that weaken the Endangered Species Act (ESA), including campaigns to prematurely delist gray wolves, eliminate habitat protections, and sideline federal oversight, all while serving the interests of politically powerful industries in the West. His approach reflects the same harmful ideology behind recent legislative attacks like the ESA Amendments Act (H.R. 1897), which aims to hollow out the Endangered Species Act.

The Endangered Species Act is one of our nation’s most successful and beloved environmental laws. It has prevented the extinction of more than 99% of listed species — from bald eagles to gray whales — and remains a beacon of bipartisan conservation. What imperiled wildlife need now is a science-driven leader committed to recovery, not one who pushes states to sidestep federal accountability and science.

We are not alone in our concerns. Organizations across the country, including Wyoming Wildlife Advocates, Western Watersheds Project, WildEarth Guardians, Center for Biological Diversity, Sierra Club, and GreenLatinos, stood firmly against this nomination. These are frontline groups who have seen the real impacts of policies that erode protections, fragment habitats, and put species on a collision course with extinction.

In the words of our Executive Director, Susan Holmes:

“The Endangered Species Act only works when science leads the way. Political appointees who disregard habitat science, suppress recovery recommendations, or champion premature delisting put our most vulnerable wildlife at grave risk. This confirmation is a setback — but our fight to defend endangered species is far from over.”

We remain committed to holding the Fish and Wildlife Service accountable and to protecting the integrity of the Endangered Species Act against political interference. We urge members of Congress and the public to stand with us and with the science to ensure the future of America’s most at-risk species.

What our partners are saying:

“Nesvik has a track record of favoring industries over wildlife. Ranching and agriculture and extracted industries get all the concessions here in Wyoming,” said Kristin Combs, Executive Director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates. “There’s no reason to think that it would be any different at the federal level.”

“Rather than ensuring the survival of America’s most at-risk wildlife, Nesvik’s history suggests he will do the opposite—greenlighting more destruction, more killing, and more habitat loss,” said Joanna Zhang, endangered species advocate at WildEarth Guardians. “WildEarth Guardians and our allies will fight every step of the way to hold this administration accountable and protect our nation’s wildlife from this disastrous leadership.”

“Nesvik’s lackadaisical response to the tormenting of that young Wyoming wolf speaks volumes about his lack of care for wildlife,” said Stephanie Kurose, Center for Biological Diversity Deputy Director of Government Affairs. “But his larger record truly underscores how deeply he despises the Fish and Wildlife Service’s fundamental mission. Most Americans want our imperiled wildlife protected, but we can’t count on Nesvik to lift a finger to prevent extinction.”

“Nesvik’s tenure as head of Wyoming Game and Fish prioritized trophy hunts and weakened protections for imperiled species over scientifically sound wildlife management,” said Bradley Williams, Sierra Club’s Deputy Legislative Director for Wildlife and Lands Protection. “One of the USFWS most important roles is upholding the Endangered Species Act, and given his experience, it’s not clear whether Nesvik will be able to fulfill that duty. Unfortunately, it appears that wildlife will pay the price.”

“California’s national wildlife refuges are a cornerstone of Latino communities’ access to nature and biodiversity,” said Pedro Hernandez, California State Program Manager for GreenLatinos. “Our refuge system and successful Endangered Species Act implementation have supported California as a global biodiversity hotspot. Yet, Brian Nesvik’s nomination risks years of progress and his track record threatens to roll back the clock to a time when our refuge system was even more under-resourced and dominated by extractive interests. Our communities can’t afford leadership that deprioritizes science, equity, species protections and ecological integrity.”

“Brian Nesvik has repeatedly used state power to undermine the very laws he’s now charged with upholding. His confirmation as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a gift to extractive industries and a threat to imperiled species across the West,” said Josh Osher, Public Policy Director for Western Watersheds Project. “From sanctioning wolf slaughter to promoting unsustainable livestock grazing on public lands, Nesvik has consistently prioritized industry profits over ecological integrity. We need leadership rooted in science and recovery — not someone who treats the Endangered Species Act as an obstacle to be dismantled.”

“Nesvik has a track record of favoring industries over wildlife. Ranching and agriculture and extracted industries get all the concessions here in Wyoming,” said Kristin Combs, Executive Director of Wyoming Wildlife Advocates. “There’s no reason to think that it would be any different at the federal level.”

“Rather than ensuring the survival of America’s most at-risk wildlife, Nesvik’s history suggests he will do the opposite—greenlighting more destruction, more killing, and more habitat loss,” said Joanna Zhang, endangered species advocate at WildEarth Guardians.

“WildEarth Guardians and our allies will fight every step of the way to hold this administration accountable and protect our nation’s wildlife from this disastrous leadership.”

“Nesvik’s lackadaisical response to the tormenting of that young Wyoming wolf speaks volumes about his lack of care for wildlife,” said Stephanie Kurose, Center for Biological Diversity Deputy Director of Government Affairs. “But his larger record truly underscores how deeply he despises the Fish and Wildlife Service’s fundamental mission. Most Americans want our imperiled wildlife protected, but we can’t count on Nesvik to lift a finger to prevent extinction.”

“Nesvik’s tenure as head of Wyoming Game and Fish prioritized trophy hunts and weakened protections for imperiled species over scientifically sound wildlife management,” said Bradley Williams, Sierra Club’s Deputy Legislative Director for Wildlife and Lands Protection. “One of the USFWS most important roles is upholding the Endangered Species Act, and given his experience, it’s not clear whether Nesvik will be able to fulfill that duty. Unfortunately, it appears that wildlife will pay the price.”

“California’s national wildlife refuges are a cornerstone of Latino communities’ access to nature and biodiversity,” said Pedro Hernandez, California State Program Manager for GreenLatinos. “Our refuge system and successful Endangered Species Act implementation have supported California as a global biodiversity hotspot. Yet, Brian Nesvik’s nomination risks years of progress and his track record threatens to roll back the clock to a time when our refuge system was even more under-resourced and dominated by extractive interests. Our communities can’t afford leadership that deprioritizes science, equity, species protections and ecological integrity.”

“Brian Nesvik has repeatedly used state power to undermine the very laws he’s now charged with upholding. His confirmation as Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is a gift to extractive industries and a threat to imperiled species across the West,” said Josh Osher, Public Policy Director for Western Watersheds Project. “From sanctioning wolf slaughter to promoting unsustainable livestock grazing on public lands, Nesvik has consistently prioritized industry profits over ecological integrity. We need leadership rooted in science and recovery — not someone who treats the Endangered Species Act as an obstacle to be dismantled.”

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Over 150,000 Americans Oppose Trump Administration’s Unprecedented Effort to Eliminate Habitat Protections for Vulnerable Wildlife

Endangered Species Coalition — Mon, 19 May 2025 17:30:00 +0000

Scientists, legal experts, and environmental groups also urge Trump administration to drop proposed rule

WASHINGTON D.C. — Over 150,000 Americans have opposed a proposed rulemaking by the Trump administration to eliminate major habitat protections for endangered species in the U.S. after it was unveiled in April — and as the period for public input concludes today. The proposed rule would rescind the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s and National Marine Fisheries Service’s definitions of what counts as illegal “harm” to threatened and endangered wildlife under the Endangered Species Act (ESA).

“Harm” is currently defined to include significant habitat modification that kills or injures species by removing necessities such as food and shelter. The current definition of “harm” is an important tool for habitat conservation that has been in place for over 40 years and was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 1995.

It has been integral to the ESA’s role in saving more than 99 percent of species under its protection including the bald eagle, Florida manatee, gray wolf, and many other iconic American wildlife. Even with the incredible success of the ESA, over 90 percent of listed species remain threatened by human-caused habitat destruction. If anything, the case for habitat protection under the ESA has grown even stronger over the years, with mountains of scientific evidence linking habitat and species’ survival.

The ESA was passed by Congress in 1973 with virtually unanimous bipartisan support. The lawmakers behind the ESA knew that scientists — not politicians — should decide whether vulnerable animal and plant species should be protected. In their spirit, three U.S. senators have officially demanded that the Trump administration explain how it came to its determination to eliminate habitat protections for U.S. wildlife and to answer whether industry influence was involved.

Additionally, a group of the nation’s leading scientists and experts on wildlife sent a letter to the Trump administration urging it to abandon the proposed rule, which the scientists state “lacks any scientific basis and misinterprets the Endangered Species Act.” And 25 legal scholars expressed “vehement opposition” to the proposed rule in a letter to the administration. The outpouring of public opposition to the proposed rule change is no surprise. Over 80 percent of Americans support the ESA. Most Americans know how important conserving habitats, lands, and waters are to our everyday lives and that protecting them should be a national priority. The stakes aren’t limited to wildlife — when ecosystems degrade, people suffer from threats to clean water, food security, and public health.

In response to the tens of thousands of Americans who are calling on the Trump administration to abandon its effort to eliminate habitat protections for vulnerable wildlife, 131 environmental and animal welfare groups from across the country issued the following statements:

“Tens of thousands of Americans have rejected the Trump administration’s callous effort to steal habitat away from our endangered species,” said Earthjustice attorney Kristen Boyles. “Trump’s proposed rule recklessly ignores common sense and common science. We’ll do all that we can to ensure vulnerable wildlife continue to have a livable habitat and a chance at survival.”

“Wildlife cannot survive without habitat — that’s not opinion, that’s biology,” said Josh Osher, public policy director for Western Watersheds Project. “This proposed rule is an industry-crafted blueprint for extinction, designed to let corporations destroy the very ground endangered species stand on, while pretending no harm is being done.”

“Loving wildlife is baked into our national heritage. Americans are very proud that our nation has prioritized conserving birds, fish and other wildlife that make our country so special,” said Ramona McGee, leader of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s Wildlife Program. “Here in the South, the stakes are much higher because of our world-renowned biodiversity, which is increasingly at risk from human-made factors like habitat destruction from unchecked, harmful development. It is unconscionable that our leaders are unnecessarily attempting to remove vital wildlife and habitat protections to placate extractive industries.” 

“This nonstarter proposal ignores critical conservation provisions in a law that supports America’s most at-risk fish, wildlife, and plant populations, including over 600 species with habitat in our national parks,” said Christina Hazard, legislative director for the National Parks Conservation Association. “When food sources, nesting grounds or mating grounds are lost outside of national park boundaries, park wildlife will be lost as well.”

“Habitat integrity is among the most significant determinants of species’ survival; this rule change would jeopardize imperiled animals and entire ecosystems,” said Danielle Kessler, US Country Director at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW). “Effective, science-driven implementation of the Endangered Species Act–including habitat protection–benefits animals and people alike.”

“The Trump administration is attempting to dismantle and discredit one of America’s most popular and successful laws,” said Sierra Weaver, senior attorney at Defenders of Wildlife. “The current definition of ‘harm’ is a large part of what has made the ESA so effective at conserving imperiled species. This isn’t just redefining one word — it is gutting the heart of the Act. It will have cataclysmic consequences to the habitats, lands and waters that America’s wildlife relies upon, and goes against Congress’ intent for the law.”

“Extinction is forever,” says Katherine Miller, Country Director for FOUR PAWS USA. “If we allow the ESA to be weakened and species’ habitats to be destroyed for profit, the consequences of these decisions will reverberate for generations. Science has shown that protecting a listed species’ habitat is vital to their survival and recovery. This is why we urge FWS and NMFS to withdraw their proposed rule and uphold America’s commitment to save endangered species, ensuring a livable planet for all of us.”

“Loss of habitat is the number one reason species become endangered,” said Susan Holmes, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “Trump’s draconian proposal to end habitat protection for our most vulnerable wildlife rips out the heart of the Endangered Species Act and would put countless species on the path to extinction.”

“The Services’ proposal shows they are not serious about protecting imperiled species,” said Rebecca Riley, managing director for Food & Agriculture at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council). “Habitat destruction is the number one threat to species’ survival, and yet they are coming up with weak excuses to claim Congress didn’t intend to address this existential threat.”

“Trump’s smash-and-grab habitat plan could welcome bulldozers and drilling rigs into the beautiful wild places that America’s most imperiled animals call home,” said Tara Zuardo, a senior campaigner at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The administration’s proposal seeks to rip a bloody hole in the Endangered Species Act, prioritizing industry profits over protecting habitat that’s crucial to preventing extinction. This is an illegal attempt to nullify a landmark wildlife law that’s supported by nearly every American who isn’t an oil executive, a timber baron or a Trump appointee.”

“Piping Plovers were set on a path to extinction due to millinery and hunting at the turn of the 19th century,” said Chris Allieri, founder and executive director, NYC Plover Project. “These are not the challenges the species is currently facing. The number one threat today is habitat loss, wherever they are found, including their wintering and breeding ranges. Without habitat protection, this species, and countless more, will go extinct.”

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Just days left to be a part of Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants: ESA at 50

Jeanne Dodds — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 18:59:08 +0000

In celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Endangered Species Act we’ve launched a new, collaborative call for youth artists grades K-12: Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants: ESA at 50.

To support your participation, we’ve been working on a set of helpful resources and ideas for media and lessons for groups of two or more K-12 youth. You can use these resources to develop projects celebrating the successes and importance of the Endangered Species Act for our irreplaceable wildlife and plant species.

You’ll find those resources at Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants: ESA at 50, along with suggestions for media to use for your artwork and creative, collaborative possibilities..

Please visit our webpage for complete eligibility guidelines, wildlife and plant lists, and image requirements for the submission of artworks. You can submit artwork using the linked form on that page!

The Call to Artist submission platform closes to entries on April 21st, 2023.

May 19th, 2023 Endangered Species Day launch of virtual gallery of multimedia works included in Collaborating for Wildlife and Plants: ESA at 50

We can’t wait to see the collaborative projects you create! Thank you for your participation in this important celebration of the Endangered Species Act 50th Anniversary.

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Deep Sea Mining Could Cause Irreversible Damage to Oceans and Endangered Species

Endangered Species Coalition — Wed, 22 Feb 2023 14:08:04 +0000

Article by: Jane Marsh, Editor-in-Chief of Environment.co

Metals and minerals are an essential part of manufacturing and industry across the board. Everything from agriculture to the latest technologies makes use of precious metals and other materials, which means they’re in constant high demand. Deep sea mining is the latest process for extracting these minerals.

However, mining the deep seafloor presents new risks to the environment and wildlife. As this industry takes off, it may be causing irreparable harm to ocean habitats before we fully understand the repercussions.

What Is Deep Sea Mining?

Deep sea mining involves extracting materials from the deep seafloor, which is any part of the ocean below 200m. There are precious metals embedded in the deep seabed, such as cobalt, nickel, manganese, copper, other rare-earth elements and phosphates. These materials are fundamental to several industrial and commercial products, from fertilizers for farming to microchips for computers.

Extracting the necessary materials is a demanding process. Much like strip-mining on land, the method involves using large machines or robots to excavate the seafloor and pumping the collected materials to a ship. The useful mineral slurry is then taken to onshore processing facilities. However, wastewater and other debris are dumped back into the ocean.

The Recent Rise in Deep Sea Mining

This form of underwater mining has taken off in recent decades — and the industry is just getting started. Over 1.5 million km of deep seabed has been reserved for mineral exploration and extraction in the coming years. There are several reasons for this expansion into ocean mining.

One of the first reasons mineral extraction companies are moving to the ocean is because they’ve depleted land deposits. As mentioned above, deep sea mining is similar to strip-mining on land — which has destroyed mountains, devastated natural environments, endangered the health and safety of workers and nearby communities, and polluted the air, land and water.

As companies run out of land to mine, they’re turning to new landscapes, like the ocean. Additionally, since deep sea mining is a relatively new industry, there are few regulations in place. Companies can operate with little oversight or public scrutiny.

Better technology is another reason for the recent underwater mining boom. The latest advancements in deep sea robotics, such as remote-operated vehicles (ROVs), allow governments and companies to cover more ground in mineral exploration. More accurate detection software may allow for more efficient metal retrieval and processing.

Deep sea lizard fish Photo credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration

Threats to the Environment

Unfortunately, deep sea mining is already proving hazardous for the environment. The extraction process itself can devastate sensitive underwater ecosystems. Stripping the seafloor obliterates natural features, leaving wildlife without a place to live. The resulting sediment plumes further harm fragile habitats, wiping away entire sections of rich underwater life.

Pollution is another major concern when it comes to ocean mining. Everyone is familiar with the disastrous oil spills from offshore drilling and fossil fuel extraction — when deep sea mining vessels and equipment take to the ocean, they also present a risk of further polluting our oceans.

Water scarcity is a real issue, affecting about 785 million people around the world. Further contaminating an already limited water supply with unregulated and unsupervised strip mining underwater may put more communities at risk.

Endangered Species Face New Dangers

Habitats aren’t the only victim of irresponsible ocean mining operations — so are the animals that live under the sea. Ocean creatures are already struggling to cope with the effects of climate change, such as ocean warming and excess marine debris or trash polluting their home.

As deep sea mineral exploration and extraction companies take over even more of the ocean floor, they further impede on animals’ natural habitats. Mining is a noisy process, even underwater. Imagine a neighbor performing nonstop construction for months at a time — that’s how underwater mining is threatening the health and safety of intelligent creatures like whales and dolphins.

Protecting the Underwater Frontier From Harmful Mining

While the precious metals and minerals found deep in the ocean are essential to many of our modern products and services, private companies and governments should proceed with caution before diving into deep sea mining. The risks are high and research into the potential negative effects of these operations is just beginning.

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Make your New Year’s Resolution to Save Endangered Species

ESC — Fri, 30 Dec 2022 13:45:19 +0000

New Year’s Eve is often a time we reflect and set our intentions and make resolutions for the upcoming year. At the Endangered Species Coalition, we are embracing this tradition for 2023.

Making a donation before the end of 2022 will help us uphold our 2023 resolutions, and by donating before midnight on 12/31, your donation will be doubled!

Strengthen our 400+ member organizations to advance the conservation of endangered plants and wildlife
Push to enact a national wolf recovery plan for Gray wolves.
Get support from Oregon and Washington Delegations to support the removal of the lower Snake River dams
Ensure the long-term protection of native pollinators
As Co-chair of the wildlife subcommittee for the America the Beautiful Initiative, provide policy guidance to the Biden Administration regarding wildlife connectivity
Advance biodiversity for all, ensuring that the benefits of biodiversity are equitably distributed
Expand training opportunities for people who want to learn how to make an impact through grassroots organizing and advocacy
Create a social movement of compassion for all living creatures by weaving art and culture throughout all of our campaigns
Celebrate the Endangered Species Act’s 50 year anniversary to highlight all of the Act’s successes
Express gratitude to our partners, donors and activists who work to protect endangered species every day

Please help us uphold our important 2023 resolutions and double your donation by making a contribution before midnight on 12/31.

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The Road to Bigfoot Kick

Endangered Species Coalition — Tue, 02 Nov 2021 20:15:09 +0000

This is a guest post from Daniel Bliley, the founder of Bigfoot Kick. They design clothing that blends video game, hip hop, and outdoor cultures together to make unique styles to wear. And, they’re a 1% for the Planet business. That means that your purchase supports the Endangered Species Coalition’s work to save wolves and other endangered species.

By Daniel Bliley

We all grow up dreaming of being something, usually an actor or sports star. Some have more noble aspirations. Doctors. Firefighters. Maybe president.

For me, it was a zoologist. Yup, I loved animals. Tigers, lions, birds, and sharks. I was fascinated by the interconnectedness of ecosystems. I marveled at the biodiversity of Mt. Kilimanjaro. I even made a replica of it for a social science project.

I also found myself captivated by Unsolved Mysteries episodes of Bigfoot and the Loch Ness Monster. I watched every Discovery and Nat Geo documentary I could. I researched. I fantasized. I was determined to save up my chore money, travel to Scotland, camp on the shores of the loch, and discover Nessie.

Welp. None of that happened. I never became a zoologist but I never lost my passion for the animal kingdom. I didn’t lose my interest in cryptozoology, either.

Fast forward a few decades (give or take – let’s not count too closely) to launching my own business—born out of a yearning to rediscover my passion for creativity and the desire to work alongside talented and diverse people. I had lost that fire after years of toiling in the corporate world, building brands and businesses, all to feel like I was still searching for something. I then launched Bigfoot Kick, bringing together all the things I loved as a kid—zoology, mythical creatures, and sprinkling in my love of video games, fashion, and 80s and 90s pop culture along the way. Mashing all these together created a vibrant, quirky, bold, and expressive brand that works closely with like-minded artists to create fun and fashionable gear that gives back.

For the fall collection, we tapped several amazing artists to help fill out the line. One artist I had the pleasure of working with was Lisa Marie, a renowned illustrator from Chicago who had experience working with sustainably-minded businesses such as Patagonia. She was undoubtedly the right choice to help us create products that matched our love for the natural world and one of my favorite animals of all time—the wolf. She’s also quite the outdoor enthusiast and animal lover herself. In talking about her favorites, she notes, “I love Olympic National Park. It’s so odd and feels like you’re walking through a Dr. Seuss book. I spent a night camping at La Push second beach, and it was unforgettable. The rock formations coming out of the water have trees and moss growing on them, and every time the tide goes out, the beach is filled with crabs and all sorts of creatures and seaweed. I’ve never been anywhere else quite like it. I also love that it’s the only rainforest in North America. I’m a huge animal person so it’s hard to pick a favorite, but I really love bears. I don’t have one favorite outdoor cause in particular, but I would say everything that works towards cleaning up the lands and saving animals is always close to my heart.”

For me, I’ve always been fascinated by the wolf—their ferocious yet familiar qualities. Man’s best friend, only wilder. Their penetrating eyes. The intelligence. The air piercing howl.

I had recently read American Wolf, the gripping tale of the rise of O-Six, Yellowstone’s celebrated wolf. Her story of natural survival reads like a warrior goddess tale…enthralling, suspenseful, and triumphant. Only to meet challenges beyond her will and strength—hunter-humans fighting to reduce protections that keep wolves safe. It was in this backdrop that led to the Wolfpack Tee and hat – a special mini-collection to celebrate and help protect American wolves. As a member of 1 % for the Planet, I found the Endangered Species Coalition—a perfect partner to donate proceeds from Bigfoot Kick sales to so that they can continue their mission of stopping the human-caused extinction of at-risk species.

I am so excited about the fall collection, our wolf shirt and hats, and the opportunity to work with the Endangered Species Coalition to help protect wolves. 1% of every sale from this collection will support their work defending at-risk species across the country.

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You can see more of Bigfoot Kick’s Fall/Winter collection here. Your purchase supports the Endangered Species Coalition through 1% for the Planet.

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The Northwest’s opportunity to bring salmon back to abundance through the largest river restoration in history

Chris Connolly — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 14:17:06 +0000

A phoenix is a long-lived bird from ancient Greek folklore that is born from the ashes of its predecessor. Similar to a phoenix, the Pacific Northwest has an opportunity to be reborn from the metaphorical ashes of the Snake River dams more vibrant and vivacious than ever before.

The four dams on the lower Snake River were once a necessary compromise to the then healthy river, supplying Washington state with a small amount of clean energy and allowing agricultural interests to ship their goods to port. However since their construction, the dams have harmed the cultural, spiritual, and economic strength of Pacific Northwest tribes by inundating their lands and decimating salmon populations. The dams contribute to the demise of Chinook salmon by blocking critical spawning habitat, and also impact the Southern Resident orca population that almost exclusively relies on them for nutrition. The dams disrupt an entire ecosystem and now it is time for the Snake River to rise like a phoenix from their ashes, a symbol of a bright and abundant future for the Pacific Northwest.

We currently have an opportunity to create a new phoenix for the Northwest by breaching the lower Snake River dams and from those “ashes” to reinvigorate salmon, orca, and the communities that rely on them. Currently, the Washington’s congressional delegation members of Congress are in positions of power, Congress has demonstrated a willingness to invest in solving large, systemic problems, and a Republican member of Congress has recently come out in support of dam breaching. This new political landscape opens up possibilities for orca and salmon.

On February 6th, Congressman Simpson (R-ID) introduced a new proposal. It addresses some pieces of orca and salmon restoration that we desperately need—such as dam breaching. But we must ensure that any final legislation does not undermine the very tools that we depend on to protect key species that define the Northwest.

Congressman Simpson’s proposal is not yet legislation; it is a framework that acknowledges that these dams are outdated and need to crumble in order to rebuild a 21st century Pacific Northwest with a free-flowing Snake River and updated, clean infrastructure. It is a recognition that Northwest salmon and Southern Resident orcas that are part of our regional culture, economy, and ecology will be unable to return from the brink of extinction if the four Lower Snake River dams remain in place.

Dam removal is only a small fraction of the proposal. This framework will restore salmon habitat and create water quality projects from Montana to the west coast, remove four concrete impediments to salmon’s migration, and provide funding to remove other obsolete dams. This plan invests in Northwest transportation infrastructure and clean energy, ensuring a just transition and creating jobs. Funding for tourism, recreation and economic development in the Tri-Cities and Lewiston-Clarkston areas can bring new opportunities to the regions impacted by dam removal. Perhaps most importantly, the framework proposes Indigenous co-management of Northwest fisheries and provides funding for several projects of tribal importance.

Reactions from Columbia River tribes include this statement from Shannon Wheeler, Chairman of the Nez Perce Tribal Executive Committee, “we view restoring the lower Snake River—a living being to us, and one that is injured—as urgent and overdue… Restoring salmon and the lower Snake River can also reunite and strengthen regional communities and economies.”

This proposal is a historic step towards protecting salmon, orca, and Northwest communities, but it is just one step. There are aspects of the framework from Rep. Simpson that are concerning. Exemptions to our bedrock environmental protections, such as the Clean Water Act and the Endangered Species Act—the very laws that allow us to fight for the recovery of salmon and orcas—are unacceptable. The framework also extends the licenses of other dams in the Columbia Basin for up to 50 years and places a 35 year moratorium on litigation relating to these dams and anadromous fish. Litigation is an important tool used to hold our government and regional interests accountable to our nation’s laws, so we cannot allow a 35-year freeze on an important tool. Finally, the timeline for dam removal is ten years. We know that orca and salmon are on the brink of extinction; we need to begin their recovery process as soon as possible. We know that negotiation is necessary, so we are committed to continuing the conversation and having difficult discussions with regional leaders and stakeholders.

Decades of regional roundtables and stakeholder discussions have set the stage—let’s flip the light and get this show going. Our Northwest congressional delegation is at its most powerful in a generation. Salmon are in crisis, the Southern Resident orca population has “only a few potentially reproductive females for the future,” and our nation has broken promises to tribes for too long.

We have a choice to create a new future or to remain in a cycle of poor salmon returns and uncertainty. The most important step we can take now is to secure the leadership of Washington and Oregon Congressional Representatives, especially Senators Patty Murray, Maria Cantwell, Jeff Merkley and Ron Wyden, in proposing a stronger solution that works for Orca, salmon and communities while ensuring that there are no impediments to the full recovery of these critically endangered species. We need bold leadership.

Take action to restore the Snake River and save orcas and salmon

Email Washington leaders to support the removal of outdated dams

take action

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The Endangered Species Act in a New Administration

Corry Westbrook — Tue, 19 Jan 2021 11:52:55 +0000

The Endangered Species Act in 2021

The Trump Administration has rolled back more than 130 environmental safeguards, including those intended to protect wildlife. We are now in a biodiversity extinction crisis, but we did not get into this state in just the past four years, it was decades in the making.

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) has not been a priority to any Administration or Congress, unless to harm it. Every Administration and Congress has been willing to trade ESA, and wildlife protections, away. President Obama did more to protect the environment then President Trump, yet he weakened ESA protections, enforcement and implementation, destroyed wildlife habitat for profit and failed to help some highly endangered species. As we move forward with the new Biden-Harris Administration we must ensure history does not repeat itself.

BIODIVERSITY CRISIS NEEDS EMERGENCY RESPONSE

The sixth mass extinction of wildlife is accelerating and scientists warn it may be a tipping point for the collapse of civilization.

THE OBAMA ADMINISTRATION

SALAZAR

President Obama nominated a very moderate Secretary of Interior. Salazar’s voting record while in Congress was weak in the arenas most important to a Secretary of the Interior: protecting scientific integrity, combating global warming, reforming energy development and protecting endangered species.

SPECIES

Wolves: The Obama administration issued a rule that would delist wolves across the United States in 2013.

Grizzly Bears in the Northern Rockies: The Obama Administration tried to delist the Yellowstone grizzly bear population, only to have the courts reverse the decision and reinstate ESA protections.

Whales: The Obama Administration advocated to suspend the international whaling moratorium and, separately, declined to adequately enforce international agreements on commercial whaling.

HABITAT

Oil and Gas: After the Deepwater Horizon Gulf of Mexico oil spill, Obama’s Department of Interior (DOI) did not ban seismic testing and oil and gas drilling in the Arctic ocean and off the Atlantic Coast until shortly before the 2016 election.

Obama signed legislation in 2015 ending the decades-old ban on crude oil exports creating an economic incentive to “drill baby drill”. Oil production doubled between 2009 and 2016 and the administration aggressively pursued the XL pipeline.

THE ENDANGERED SPECIES ACT

The Obama Administration created a regulation that put hundreds of endangered plants and animals at greater risk of extinction by dramatically reducing protections for their designated critical habitat.

The administration issued a policy that allows the FWS to exclude areas from critical habitat based on, in many cases, vague promises from landowners to conserve habitat.

The administration enacted a policy that drastically limits which species get protection in the first place by changing the “significant portion of range” provision.

ESA 4(d) rule – loophole

The 4(d) rule was created to provide the USFWS with flexibility to protect threatened species. However, it has been exploited and used as a loophole to weaken or not protect species at all. The Center for Biological Diversity found that the Obama Administration used this detrimental loophole more than any other Administration.

THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION AND ESA

Finalized five rules that weaken protections for threatened species and consultation requirements, allow consideration of economic impacts, rather than just science, when doing listing determinations; make it more difficult to consider impacts from climate change on imperiled wildlife; and weaken the critical habitat protection provisions.

Finalized wolf delisting rule, removing all protections of grey wolves in the lower 48.

CONCERNS REGARDING THE BIDEN ADMINISTRATION

Not reversing Trump’s assaults because not considered a priority in light of multiple, more obvious direct “human crises,” and/or some Democrats prefer they stay in place, which creates death blow precedents.

Not supporting legislation to strengthen the ESA and wildlife protections and/or supporting harmful legislation.

THE 117th CONGRESS

With Democrats in control of the House, Senate and White House we could do much to protect wildlife. However, every vote would be very close, requiring every Democrat, in both the House and the Senate. With a 50-50 split in the Senate, Vice-President Harris will have to break ties. In the House, the Democrats have only a four member lead to get to the all important 218 to pass a bill.

We will need to push moderates hard and grassroots action will be crucial. We will also have to work with Republicans for any legislation that requires cloture, or sixty votes to pass, and bi-partisan legislation is always stronger.

We will have less fear of harmful bills passing into law, however we will have to watch for provisions that may be added here and there to “must-pass” legislation. We will have to push and work moderate Democratic Senators, and educate new Senators, so they do not cut deals and set damaging precedents.

MOVING FORWARD WITH THE BIDEN-HARRIS ADMINISTRATION

Now that we understand the recent past, and what the previous administrations did to wildlife and the ESA, we move forward and ensure the Biden-Harris Administration does better. In addition to the great legislation, we might pass in Congress, we have the potential to do great things for imperiled wildlife with the Biden Administration.

President Obama filled his cabinet with moderates and conservatives that were not helpful for wildlife. So far, some of President-Elect Biden’s nominations have given us hope, including Deb Haaland as Secretary of Interior, Michael Regan as EPA Administrator, and Gina McCarthy and John Kerry working on climate change.

We do have concerns about some others but we will watch as the nomination hearings progress and will weigh in throughout the process on behalf of wildlife and plants for our members and supporters.

In 2021, we must, as a coalition, not get intoxicated by access or be seduced by leadership using words, like “science” and “biodiversity” and “environmental justice”. We must look at their actions and push them hard to keep their promises.

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Winners of 2020 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest Announced

Endangered Species Coalition — Tue, 28 Apr 2020 17:59:05 +0000

WASHINGTON, DC – The Endangered Species Coalition proudly announced the winners of the 2020 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest, including the grand prize winner, Isis Stevens, a Englewood, Colorado 14-year old.

The contest was an integral part of the 15th annual national Endangered Species Day, which occurs this year on Friday, May 15. The art contest engages school children in grades K-12 in expressing their appreciation for our nation’s most imperiled wildlife, and promotes national awareness of the importance of saving endangered species. The winning art entries can be viewed online.

“We owe it to this generation of children to pass down healthy ecosystems brimming with wildlife,” said Leda Huta, Executive Director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “Every year, their artwork demonstrates how deeply they feel for nature and all of its wondrous creatures – large and small.”

Contest winners were selected by a panel of eight artists, photographers and conservationists, including Andrew Zuckerman, a noted wildlife photographer, filmmaker, David Littschwager, a freelance photographer and regular contributor to National Geographic Magazine, as well as Susan Middletown, a photographer who has collaborated with Littschwager and whose own work has been published in four books, and Alice Tangerini, botanical illustrator for the Smithsonian Institution.

“Through the visual arts, I try to celebrate our vanishing species, and I am glad to be joined by these inspiring young artists,” said wildlife photographer Andrew Zuckerman. “I hope these artists and their images will encourage action to protect rare and endangered species for future generations.”

The 2020 Saving Endangered Species Youth Art Contest winners are:

Grand Prize: Isis Stevens (age 14), Englewood, CO

Runner Up: Phoebe Miler (age 16), Columbus, OH

First Place Winners in Grade Categories:

Grades K-2: Jiahao Jasper Truong (age 6), Walnut, CA
Grades 3-5: Sara Byun (age 11), Brisbane, CA
Grades 6-8: Sophia Lynn Findley (age 14), Kapolei, HI
Grades 9-12: Chang (Annie) Bian (age 14), San Diego, CA

The grand prize winner, Stevens, will receive a special art lesson from a professional wildlife artist and $100 worth of art supplies of their choice.

Endangered Species Day was first proclaimed by the United States Congress in 2006. It is a celebration of the nation’s wildlife and wild places and is an opportunity for people to learn about the importance of protecting endangered species, as well as everyday actions they can take to help protect them.

Across the country, organizations hold special events to celebrate Endangered Species Day each year on or around the third Friday in May. For more information about the annual art contest, winners and Endangered Species Day, visit www.endangeredspeciesday.org.

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Trump administration again reauthorizes wildlife-killing ‘cyanide bombs’ despite strong opposition

Endangered Species Coalition — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 18:42:12 +0000

Via Western Environmental Law Center

The Trump administration today announced it will reauthorize use of sodium cyanide in wildlife-killing devices called M-44s. These “cyanide bombs” have received approval from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency despite inhumanely and indiscriminately killing thousands of animals every year. They have also injured people.

“While it is encouraging that the EPA is taking at least some minimal action to protect the public from deadly M-44s, updating a few use restrictions –– nearly impossible to enforce and commonly ignored –– fails to meaningfully address the problem,” said Kelly Nokes, Shared Earth wildlife attorney with the Western Environmental Law Center. “EPA is blatantly ignoring its fundamental duty to protect the public, our pets, and native wildlife from the cruel, lethal impacts of cyanide bombs lurking on our public lands. We will continue to hold our federal government accountable to the law, and will continue our fight for a ban on M-44s once and for all.”

The EPA allows use of the devices by Wildlife Services, the animal-killing program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The EPA also authorizes M-44 use by state agencies in South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, New Mexico and Texas.

In August, the EPA issued an interim decision renewing sodium cyanide registration. Then a week later, it withdrew that interim decision for more discussions with Wildlife Services. Today’s announcement again reauthorizes use of the devices.

More than 99.9 percent of people commenting on the proposal asked the EPA to ban M-44s, according to analysis from the Center for Biological Diversity and Western Environmental Law Center.

In response to concerns raised by the wildlife advocacy groups and others, EPA added some modest restrictions. For example, the devices cannot be placed within 300 feet of a public road or pathway, increased from 100 feet. Two elevated warning signs must be placed within 15 feet of each device, decreased from 25 feet. And no devices can be placed within 600 feet of a residence unless the landowner gives permission.

None of the restrictions will prevent killing of nontarget wildlife, however.

“This appalling decision leaves cyanide traps lurking in our wild places to threaten people, pets and imperiled animals,” said Collette Adkins, carnivore conservation director at the Center for Biological Diversity. “The EPA imposed a few minor restrictions, but these deadly devices have just wreaked too much havoc to remain in use. To truly protect humans and wildlife from these poisonous contraptions, we need a nationwide ban.”

“Tightening up use restrictions is turning a blind eye to the reality of M-44s,” said Brooks Fahy, executive director of Predator Defense. “In my 25 years working with M-44 victims I’ve learned that Wildlife Services’ agents frequently do not follow the use restrictions. And warning signs will not prevent more dogs, wild animals and potentially children from being killed. They cannot read them. M-44s are a safety menace and must be banned.”

“EPA’s minor revisions do little to reduce the risks sodium cyanide bombs pose to people, fail entirely to address risks to wildlife, including endangered species, and make clear the agency is prioritizing livestock interests over human safety and the environment,” said Cathy Liss, president of the Animal Welfare Institute. “The simple solution to preventing further tragedies caused by these inherently dangerous devices is a nationwide ban.”

“USDA’s rampant, well-documented noncompliance with existing use restrictions has made clear that additional restrictions will not adequately protect the public, pets and wildlife from these deadly cyanide bombs,” said Carson Barylak, Campaigns Manager at the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

“Cyanide bombs randomly kill wildlife and place children and pets in danger,” said Tara Thornton, deputy director of the Endangered Species Coalition. “There is no place for them on the landscape.”

“The EPA restrictions are actually weaker than those that were already in place in Idaho when Canyon Mansfield and his dog were poisoned in 2017,” said Erik Molvar of Western Watersheds Project. “It is absolutely appalling that the livestock industry, which is supposed to be regulated by the EPA, is instead dictating the agency’s policy to extend the use of deadly M-44 cyanide bombs and their lethal effects on native wildlife, families, and their pets.”

“New Mexico is a hotbed for sodium cyanide bombs and will continue to be with this announcement,” said Chris Smith, southern Rockies wildlife advocate for WildEarth Guardians. “The only real solution to the problem of poison bombs on the landscape is to remove them entirely – they are ineffective, indiscriminate, cruel, and do not belong.”

According to Wildlife Services’ own data, M-44s killed 6,579 animals, mostly coyotes and foxes, in 2018, down from 13,232 animals in 2017. Of these, more than 200 deaths were nontarget animals, including a bear, foxes, opossums, raccoons and skunks. These numbers are likely a significant undercount of the true death toll, as Wildlife Services is notorious for poor data collection and an entrenched “shoot, shovel, shut up” mentality.

Background

The devices spray deadly sodium cyanide into the mouths of unsuspecting coyotes, foxes and other carnivores lured by smelly bait. Anything or anyone that pulls on the baited M-44 device can be killed or severely injured by the deadly spray.

In response to a 2017 lawsuit brought by the Center and its allies, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service agreed to analyze impacts of M-44s on endangered wildlife by the end of 2021. Another 2017 lawsuit by the wildlife advocates prompted Wildlife Services in Colorado to temporarily halt the use of M-44s while it completes a new environmental analysis on its wildlife-killing program.

Last year, EPA denied a 2017 petition authored by the Center for Biological Diversity and WildEarth Guardians that asked for a nationwide ban on M-44s.

M-44s temporarily blinded a child and killed three family dogs in two incidents in Idaho and Wyoming in 2017. A wolf was also accidentally killed by an M-44 set in Oregon that year. In response, Idaho instituted an ongoing moratorium on M-44 use on public lands, and Oregon this year passed legislation banning them in the state.

Contacts:

Kelly Nokes, Western Environmental Law Center, (575) 613-8051, gro.walnretsew@sekon

Collette Adkins, Center for Biological Diversity, (651) 955-3821, gro.ytisrevidlacigoloib@snikdac

Brooks Fahy, Predator Defense, (541) 520-6003, gro.esnefedrotaderp@skoorb

Bethany Cotton, Animal Welfare Institute, (202) 446-2148, gro.enilnoiwa@ynahteb

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