We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands | Protecting Wildlife | Safeguarding Climate
We use the power of the law to foster thriving, resilient western lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate.
We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands | Protecting Wildlife | Safeguarding Climate
We use the power of the law to foster thriving, resilient western lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate.
We Defend the West
Defending Wildlands
Protecting Wildlife
Safeguarding Climate
We use the power of the law to foster thriving, resilient western lands, waters, wildlife, and communities in the face of a changing climate.
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We fight in court to defend the western U.S. on behalf of our clients free of charge, but we can’t do it without your support!
EXPLORE WAYS TO GIVE
WOLVES BELONG
Dive into wolves’ story of survival, learn more about their role as a keystone species, and find your path to action
From the outskirts of Yellowstone National Park to the hills of eastern Oregon, we’re working to protect vulnerable wolf populations across the West. Learn more about why this iconic species matters so much, the threats they face today, and how you can take action to support their recovery here.
Defending Wildlands
The western U.S. is defined by its natural heritage of wildlands, rivers, forests, and wildlife. Since its inception, WELC has worked hard to preserve and restore these unique characteristics.
Protecting Wildlife
The western U.S. depends on its iconic wildlife. WELC protects native animals while preserving and restoring the healthy, functioning natural ecosystems they call home.
Safeguarding Climate
Our world is warming, with dire consequences to the communities, lands, rivers, and wildlife of the western U.S. But, as the saying goes, in every crisis lies opportunity.
National betrayal of federal workers unconscionable; WELC stands with fired civil servants
We denounce the Trump administration’s decision to fire 4,400+ federal public lands stewards at the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and other agencies without cause. These decisions are cruel,...
Listen to Stories of Kinship, our new podcast!
Looking for more ways to learn, stay updated, and get connected with like-minded folks in these uncertain times? Tune in for the Western Environmental Law Center's new podcast! Hosted by WELC's Suze Wehr, Stories of Kinship features conversations about the...
Feds approve plan for railway to reduce grizzly killings
Wildlife conservation groups are cautiously optimistic about a new U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service habitat conservation plan and incidental take permit covering BNSF Railway Company trains on 206 miles of track through grizzly bear habitat in the Northern Continental...
WELC Land Acknowledgement
The Western Environmental Law Center acknowledges that we live and work on the homelands of Indigenous Peoples across the western United States. We honor these original peoples who have long stewarded these lands, and we celebrate their resilience and richness of their languages, traditions, and cultures. Read more here.
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