Fish and Wildlife Seek Comments on Endangered Species Permits
Published Date: 2/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service got requests from scientists and conservationists who want special permits to help save endangered and threatened animals. They’re asking everyone—local communities, tribes, and the public—to share their thoughts by March 16, 2026, before deciding. These permits let experts do important research and recovery work to protect wildlife without breaking the law.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Recovery Permits Allow ‘Take’ for Research
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has received applications for recovery permits under section 10(a)(1)(A) of the Endangered Species Act that, if issued, would authorize activities otherwise prohibited as ‘‘take.’' Examples listed include survey, capture, handling, marking (PIT tags, radio telemetry), relocating or translocating, collecting specimens or gametes, removing and reducing to possession of plants, and in some cases sacrifice or euthanasia. The agency is accepting public comments on these applications through March 16, 2026 before deciding whether to issue permits.
Public Comments May Be Made Public
If you submit a written comment about these permit applications, your entire comment—including your address, phone number, email, or other personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. You may request that the Service withhold personal identifying information, but the Service says it cannot guarantee it will be able to do so.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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.
2026-10238 — 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.
2026-09805 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Federal Fish and Wildlife Permit Applications and Reports-Management Authority
The Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing its paperwork for federal fish and wildlife permits without making any changes. This affects anyone applying for or reporting on these permits, keeping the process steady with no new costs or deadlines. You can share your thoughts by June 15, 2026, if you want to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02823 — Notice of Lodging of Proposed Modification to Consent Decree Under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act
The Department of Justice is updating a 1999 agreement about cleaning up groundwater pollution in Glendale, California. The companies involved and the City of Glendale will keep working on the cleanup until at least November 30, 2030, delaying the official finish date. People have 30 days from February 12, 2026, to share their thoughts on this change.
Next: 2026-02825 — Notice of Proposed Modification of the Waiver of Buy America Requirements for Electric Vehicle Chargers
The Federal Highway Administration wants your thoughts on changing the rules for electric vehicle chargers used in highway projects. They’re thinking about raising the amount of U.S.-made parts required from 55% to possibly 100%, which could boost American manufacturing. If you’ve got ideas, speak up by March 16, 2026, because this could affect how EV chargers are built and funded nationwide.