Digging in for another year in the war on wildlife

Stand with us and with wildlife!

Dear folks, On this day one year ago, the future for wildlife seemed uncertain – and today, it has grown even more so. But two things have reassured me throughout these unpredictable times – my confidence in the dedicated Defenders staff that’s working around the clock to protect wildlife and my trust in supporters like you who step up time and again when we need you the most. Will you once again rise to meet the challenge of a new year of uncertainty for wildlife? Together, we witnessed a life-altering change for wildlife as President Trump was sworn into office one year ago. His inauguration marked the beginning of an unprecedented time as the Trump administration and an anti-wildlife Congress took control, setting off a perfect storm – and a war on all things wild. We need your continued commitment to keep the battle raging for wildlife. Please donate today and send a clear message that wildlife will not be forgotten in the years to come. President Trump has made clear his desire for our country’s cherished natural wonders to be plundered and pillaged for profit and pride, without any care or concern for the destruction it will cause wildlife, wild places and even the American people. In his short tenure, President Trump and his administration have: Opened the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas development; Proposed plans to expose nearly all our coastal waters to offshore drilling; Drastically reduced the size and protections for Bear Ears and Grand Staircase Escalante national monuments; Called for the expansion of the U.S.-Mexico border wall, which would jeopardize the existence of at least 89 endangered or threatened species; Threatened hundreds of migratory bird species by announcing that the government will no longer prosecute preventable bird deaths caused by industrial activities; Promised a "review" by the Department of the Interior of the Endangered Species Act; and Pulled out of the Paris Climate Agreement, just to name a few. But, throughout this harrowing year, the commitment of people like you has kept my hope alive. The American public has not wavered in its support of our natural heritage. You have stood up, spoken out and contributed in more ways than I could have imagined. This administration has set its priorities and we’ve set ours. We will continue – with renewed vigor – the fight to protect our nation’s wildlife. Will you stand with us and with wildlife for the year to come and beyond? Sincerely, Jamie Rappaport Clark President, Defenders of Wildlife

Defenders of Wildlife | 1130 17th St NW, Washington, DC 20036 | defenders.org Defenders of Wildlife is a national, nonprofit membership organization dedicated to the protection of all native wild animals and plants in their natural communities. Photo credit: U.S. Marine Corps Lance Cpl. Cristian L. Ricardo © Copyright 2018 Defenders of Wildlife