Endangered Species Permits: Public Gets to Weigh In

2026-12955 — Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting

The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of making new rules every year, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years, updating it sooner if needed. This will save time and money, help States, Tribes, and hunters, and keep bird populations safe.

2026-12951 — Process for Authorizing Seasonal Migratory Game Bird Hunting

The Fish and Wildlife Service is changing how it approves seasonal migratory game bird hunting. Instead of yearly rules, they’ll issue a hunting plan every three years but still decide harvest levels annually. This new process saves time and money, helps States and Tribes, and kicks in August 25, 2026—unless big objections come in by July 27.

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.

2026-13948 — Wild Bird Conservation Act; Receipt of Permit Applications

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to weigh in on new permit applications for breeding exotic wild birds under the Wild Bird Conservation Act. This means anyone interested in exotic bird programs can share their thoughts before August 10, 2026. These permits help protect wild birds while allowing some breeding activities, with no direct costs mentioned but a clear deadline to join the conversation.

Previous: 2026-02960 — Marine Mammals; Proposed Incidental Harassment Authorization for the Southern Beaufort Sea Stock of Polar Bears During Legacy Well Remediation Activities, North Slope of Alaska; Draft Environmental Assessment

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is proposing to allow the Bureau of Land Management to carry out oil well cleanup activities on Alaska’s North Slope, which might disturb up to 10 polar bears without harming them. This permission would last for one year and aims to protect polar bears while letting important environmental work continue. The public can comment on this plan until March 16, 2026.

Next: 2026-02963 — Notice of Board Meeting

The Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board is holding a meeting on February 24, 2026, to review important reports and updates about your retirement savings. This meeting affects federal employees and retirees who use the Thrift Savings Plan, with no immediate changes or costs announced but important info shared. Tune in by phone or online to stay in the loop about your retirement investments and risk management.