Fish and Wildlife Proposes 2025 Bird Hunting Guidelines

2026-08146 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rayed Bean, Sheepnose, Snuffbox, and Spectaclecase Mussels

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 3,800 river miles across 17 states as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels: rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. This means these rivers will get special care to help these mussels survive and thrive. The new protections start May 27, 2026, and could affect activities near these waters, encouraging conservation efforts without heavy costs.

2026-05678 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for 22 Species in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of Guam

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to protect 22 special plants and animals in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by marking nearly 60,000 acres as critical habitat. This means these areas will get extra care to help these species survive and thrive. People can share their thoughts by June 22, 2026, and an economic report is ready to show how this might affect local communities.

2026-10465 — National Wildlife Refuge System; 2026-2027 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service wants to open or expand hunting and fishing at 111 wildlife and fish hatchery spots, including 17 places new to these activities. This means more chances for outdoor fun across the country, with clearer, easier-to-understand rules. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until June 26, 2026, to share them—no money changes, just more ways to enjoy nature responsibly!

2026-10238 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Enhancement of Survival Permit Application; Conservation Benefit Agreement for the Greenback Cutthroat Trout; Colorado

Colorado Parks and Wildlife wants a special permit to help save the greenback cutthroat trout, a rare fish in Colorado. This permit would let them and local landowners work together on projects to protect and grow the trout’s population. The public can share their thoughts by June 22, 2026, as this plan moves forward without big environmental hurdles or extra costs.

2026-10045 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Rough Popcornflower From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule

Great news! The rough popcornflower, a rare plant, is no longer in immediate danger of extinction, so it’s being moved from endangered to threatened status starting June 18, 2026. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is also putting new rules in place to help protect and conserve this plant as it continues to recover. This change helps focus efforts while keeping the plant safe for the future.

2026-09896 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Northeast Region Alaska Native Handicrafts

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing a paperwork process for Alaska Native artists in the Northeast Region who make and sell traditional handicrafts. No changes are planned, but they want your feedback by July 17, 2026. This keeps things smooth for artists and the government, with no new costs or extra hassle.

Previous: 2025-06945 — Special Local Regulation; York River, Yorktown, VA

The Coast Guard wants to set up a special safety zone on the York River in Yorktown, VA, during an annual high-speed boat race. Only authorized boats and people can enter this area to keep everyone safe. This rule will affect boaters during the event and helps prevent accidents without extra costs.

Next: 2025-07055 — Air Plan Approval; Minnesota; Revision to Taconite Federal Implementation Plan

The EPA is updating pollution rules for U.S. Steel’s Keetac taconite plant in Minnesota to cut nitrogen oxide emissions. This change helps the plant use the best technology to keep the air cleaner. It affects the company’s furnace operations and aims to meet important clean air laws without extra costs for the public.