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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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California Fish and Game Commission Finds Mojave Desert Tortoise Status Warrants Uplisting to 'Endangered' Under California Endangered Species Act
SAN JOSE, California – Defenders of Wildlife, the Desert Tortoise Council and the Desert Tortoise Preserve Committee applaud the California Fish and Game Commission’s unanimous
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Defenders and Allies Respond to BLM Announcement on Highway through Red Cliffs National Conservation Area
Update of 3pm ET 11/16/2023: The U.S. District Court issued an opinion, irrespective of BLM’s announcement, affirming the need to reconsider approval of the highway
More Tortoises Press Releases
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Defenders Applauds Creation of New National Monument in Nevada
President Biden established Avi Kwa Ame National Monument in southern Nevada today. Also known as “Spirit Mountain,” it protects nearly 380,000 acres of sacred tribal and biologically significant lands in the Mojave Desert, some of which historically has been sought for large-scale energy development. This designation also links key desert tortoise habitat in Nevada and California and creates important wildlife corridors for bighorn sheep.
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Defenders Applauds Biden’s Commitment to Establish New National Monument in Nevada
President Biden announced his commitment to establish a new national monument, Avi Kwa Ame National Monument, in southern Nevada.
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Eastern Population of Gopher Tortoise Denied Federal Protection
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that eastern and western portions of the gopher tortoise range meet the Distinct Population Segments criteria. The agency also determined in the species status assessment that the eastern population does not meet the requirements for federal protection under the Endangered Species Act.
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Biden Administration Moves to Withdraw Trump-Era Pipeline Approval for Cadiz’s California Desert Water Grab
The U.S. Bureau of Land Management today moved to scrap a Trump administration decision challenged by conservation groups last March that illegally granted a pipeline
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What is Desert Tortoise Week Without Tortoises?
During the week of October 4, 14 federal, state and local government agencies and conservation organizations celebrated the third annual Desert Tortoise Week. This event, organized by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), provides opportunities for the public to learn about the life history and conservation needs of this iconic desert species.
jcovey@defenders.org
