Take Action for DC's Wildlife

Our urban ecosystem needs your voice ๐Ÿ’ฌ๐Ÿ“ฃ

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Every action, big or small, contributes to a thriving, biodiverse Washington, DC. Here's some simple steps you can take today to help DC's furry, feathered, scaled, and gilled friends and neighbors:ย 

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Push for Local Funding for Proactive Wildlife Protection

Reach out to your DC Councilmember: Ask them to fully fund DC's Department of Energy and Environment to implement the DC State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP), ensuring our local wildlife thrives.ย 

These action plans are mandated by the federal government for states and territories to be eligible for funding through the State and Tribal Wildlife Grants program. SWAPs serve as the blueprints for conserving our nation's fish and wildlife and preventing species and habitats from becoming threatened. The plans for all 50 states and 6 territories and federal districts, including DC, were initially published in 2005, were reviewed and revised in 2015 and will undergo review and revision again in 2025.ย 

Unfortunately, the plans remain unfunded by the federal government, but the DC Council could step in and fund the recommended actions themselves at the local level until Congress acts (see the Recovering America's Wildlife Act section below, which would do so at the federal level).ย 

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Support the Recovering America's Wildlife Act

Contact your Member of Congress: Urge them to support the bipartisan Recovering America's Wildlife Act. This crucial legislation will fund proactive conservation efforts at state and district levels, protecting biodiversity before species and habitats become threatened or endangered.

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Champion the South Dakota Avenue Road Diet

Cities and wildlife are not only able to coexist but thrive together! Fast-moving traffic, on the other hand, is a major threat. South Dakota Ave is a critical and dangerous crossing point for Northeast DC's wildlife corridors, forming a major barrier to wildlife across the quadrant. Fill out DDOT's questionnaire and show support for slower streets, bike lanes, calmer traffic, and safer crossings for wildlife.ย ย 

A road diet here would:

Advocate for this change to create a more wildlife-friendly city. Slower streets mean safer passage for our human and animal neighbors and a healthier and safer overall urban ecosystem.

Without serious changes to South Dakota Avenue to make it calmer, safer, and slower, scenes like the one below will unfortunately keep occurring.ย 

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Push for Proactive and Improved National Park Service Management


Many of DC's local parks are under NPS jurisdiction and often neglected.
Urge NPS to:

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Combat Litter and Improve Waste Management

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Push DC to Become a Haven for Civilized Animal Rights Laws

Your voice matters!ย 

Help shape a future where DC's urban landscape supports both people and wildlife.