FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 23, 2021
Conservation Groups & Scientists Support Nomination of Michael Phillips for Director of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Washington, D.C. — Today dozens of non-governmental organizations and scientists sent a letter to President Biden supporting the candidacy of Michael Phillips for Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
Conservation groups believe that Phillips is the ideal candidate for the position as a respected leader in biodiversity conservation with special expertise in endangered species management. “His vision has resulted in critical ecological restoration of vast landscapes across North America through his leadership of gray and red wolf reintroductions. His ability to direct conservation of some of the most controversial animals, from wolves and grizzly bears to bison and black-footed ferrets and his excellent track record as a Montana Senator and Representative have prepared him well for the challenges of directing the USFWS through unprecedented challenges of biodiversity and climate crises. His demonstrated leadership, ability to coalesce diverse interests toward a common goal and big picture vision with deep knowledge of strategic planning and implementation would serve him well in this position,” the letter states.
The Director of USFWS oversees a budget of over $1.5 billion to conserve, protect, and enhance native species of fish, wildlife, plants, and their respective habitats. “Phillips’ stellar credentials and strong science-based background should make him everyone’s top candidate for this critical role,” said Camilla Fox, Founder and Executive Director of Project Coyote. “Additionally, he served as an elected policymaker and knows the intricate functioning of state and federal governments, and the USFWS in particular,” said Fox. In addition to Phillips’ extensive experience with USFWS-jurisdictional issues, including serving on recovery teams for myriad iconic species, he also has expertise in international conservation, including through his involvement with IUCN specialist groups for bison, wolves, and other canids.
“The Biden-Harris Administration faces monumental wildlife conservation challenges in the coming years. The sixth mass extinction of life on earth has begun and we humans are the cause. The USFWS must provide enlightened, science-based leadership to stem the tide of extinction and protect our country’s diverse wildlife heritage for current and future generations,” said Dave Parsons, a career USFWS wildlife biologist who led the Mexican wolf recovery program from 1990-99. “Reversing existential threats to biological diversity and the health and critical functions of ecosystems will require bold new leadership at the US Fish and Wildlife Service, With his decades of wildlife conservation experience in every region of the country, including Alaska, Mike is the right choice for the job.”
“From species reintroductions to the climate crisis, Mike Phillips has the knowledge needed to inform effective science-based decision-making,” said Dr. William Ripple, distinguished professor of ecology at Oregon State University. “Mike is the leader we need to navigate through complex and uncharted territory.”
Phillips’ tireless efforts for wildlife and wildlands have been recognized by numerous entities over the years, including most recently by The Wildlife Society who awarded him the prestigious 2021 Aldo Leopold Memorial Award, in recognition of his distinguished service to wildlife conservation.
“Mr. Phillips has been an exceptional conservation leader for decades and an effective legislator for his diverse constituents,” said Nuna Teal, PhD, Program Director of One Earth. “No one is better equipped to lead USFWS through the biodiversity challenges we are facing today.”
Read the letter to President Biden here.
* * * * *
Project Coyote, a national non-profit organization, is a North American coalition of scientists, conservationists, educators, ranchers, and citizen leaders promoting compassionate conservation and coexistence between humans and wildlife through education, science, and advocacy.
Visit: www.projectcoyote.org/
#