Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Federal Fish and Wildlife Applications and Reports-Law Enforcement

2026-10846 — Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is officially protecting over 1.5 million acres of land across six states to save the rusty patched bumble bee, a once-common pollinator now endangered. Starting July 1, 2026, this critical habitat designation will help keep these bees buzzing by limiting harmful activities in these areas. Landowners and communities in 33 counties should get ready for new rules that support bee recovery without heavy costs.

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.

2026-11869 — Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, Ventura County, CA; Categorical Exclusion

Ventura County is working on a plan to protect the Coastal California Gnatcatcher, a special little bird, while allowing some development to happen. The plan includes rules to keep the bird’s habitat safe and asks for a permit to make sure everything stays balanced. This means local projects can move forward without harming the bird, with reviews happening soon and costs tied to conservation efforts.

2026-11582 — Receipt of Enhancement of Survival Permit Application and Proposed Conservation Benefit Agreement for the Benefit of the Columbia Basin Pygmy Rabbit in Washington; Categorical Exclusion

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife asked for a special permit to help protect the tiny Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit by working with landowners to improve its habitat. This plan aims to connect habitats and grow the rabbit’s population while giving landowners clear rules and support. The public can share their thoughts on this plan until July 10, 2026.

2026-11645 — Marine Mammals; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for the Southern Beaufort Sea Stock of Polar Bears in the Prudhoe Bay Area of the North Slope Borough, Alaska; Draft Environmental Assessment

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is considering a request from BP to allow a small number of Southern Beaufort Sea polar bears to be disturbed (but not harmed) during cleanup and monitoring work near Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, from June 2026 to May 2027. This plan aims to protect polar bears while letting BP do important environmental work. Public comments are open until July 10, 2026, so everyone can share their thoughts!

Previous: 2026-01909 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Policy for Evaluation of Conservation Efforts When Making Listing Decisions (PECE)

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing its approval to collect information about how conservation efforts are evaluated when deciding if a species needs protection. This affects anyone involved in wildlife conservation and helps ensure smart, science-based decisions. Comments on this renewal are open until March 2, 2026, with no new costs or changes proposed.

Next: 2026-01911 — Takes of Marine Mammals Incidental to Specified Activities; Taking Marine Mammals Incidental to U.S. Navy Ice Exercise Activities 2026 in the Arctic Ocean

The U.S. Navy got the green light to do their Ice Exercise 2026 in the Arctic Ocean, which might accidentally bother some marine mammals. This permission lasts from February 18 to April 30, 2026, and ensures the Navy’s activities won’t seriously harm the animals or their habitats. It’s all about balancing military readiness with protecting Arctic wildlife, with no extra costs mentioned.