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For Immediate Release
Defenders Report, Second Nature, Wins Award From National Conservation Group
Washington, DC – A report by Defenders of Wildlife, Second Nature: Improving Transportation Without Putting Nature Second, was named best publication by the Natural Resources Council of America (NRCA) at its 20th Annual Conservation Community Awards ceremony. NRCA recognized the report for its groundbreaking and influential approach to reduce the impact roads and highways have on wildlife and habitat.
“We are truly honored that Second Nature has been recognized, and hopefully this award will also gain recognition for an important subject that is so often overlooked,” stated Patricia White, co-author of the report and Director of the Habitat & Highways Campaign at Defenders of Wildlife. “Loss of habitat to roads and development is one of the most pervasive and preventable threats to our wildlife. Second Nature builds bridges between transportation and resource agencies, and we’re seeing real progress in states that are using the recommendations to reduce impacts of highways on natural areas.”
Second Nature was a joint project by Defenders of Wildlife and the Surface Transportation Policy Project. The report defines the problems caused by highways and then outlines realistic, workable recommendations that factor in growth while protecting wildlife and their habitat.
Since its release in April, recommendations in Second Nature have been incorporated into several Congressional transportation reauthorization bills. If enacted, the policies will protect millions of acres of habitat from unplanned development, restore habitat connectivity, relieve traffic pressure and prevent the spread of roadside invasive species.
Read an online copy of the report.
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Defenders of Wildlife is one of the nation's most progressive advocates for wildlife and habitat, and was named as one of America's Top 100 Charities by Worth magazine. With more than 480,000 members and supporters, Defenders is an effective voice for wildlife and habitat. To learn more about Defenders of Wildlife, please visit www.defenders.org.
