22 Rare Critters Score Massive Habitat in Pacific Outposts
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Nearly 60,000 Acres Marked Critical Habitat
The Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to designate about 59,886 acres (24,235 hectares) on Aguiguan, Alamagan, Asunciôn, Guam (including Cocos), Pagan, Rota, Saipan, Sarigan, and Tinian as critical habitat for 22 species. If your land or a project is on or near these areas, Federal agencies that fund, authorize, or carry out actions must consult with the Service to ensure those actions are not likely to destroy or adversely modify the designated habitat, and may need to implement reasonable and prudent alternatives.
No Change to Ownership or Forced Access
The proposed critical habitat designation does not change land ownership, does not create a refuge or reserve, does not give the government or public a right to access private lands, and does not require non-Federal landowners to restore, recover, or implement conservation measures. The designation only triggers consultation requirements when Federal funding or permits are requested for activities that may affect the designated areas.
One Plant's Habitat Exempted From Designation
The Service identified lands that meet the definition of critical habitat for the endangered plant Solanum guamense but is not proposing those lands for designation because they are exempt under section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Endangered Species Act. That means those identified lands for Solanum guamense are treated differently under this proposed rule than the roughly 59,886 acres proposed for the other 22 species.
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.
2026-10045 — 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.
2026-09751 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Horseshoe Crab and Cooperative Fish Tagging Programs
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing its paperwork for the Horseshoe Crab and Cooperative Fish Tagging Programs without any changes. This means fishermen and researchers who tag these creatures will keep reporting info as usual. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until June 15, 2026, to speak up—no extra costs or new rules coming!
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!
2026-09234 — Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is letting the public know they’ve received applications to do special activities with endangered animals from other countries. They’re asking for your thoughts before deciding to approve these permits. If you want to weigh in, make sure to send your comments by June 10, 2026—no late entries allowed!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05637 — Approval and Promulgation of State Plans for Designated Facilities and Pollutants; West Virginia; Control of Emissions From Existing Municipal Solid Waste Landfills
The EPA is set to approve West Virginia’s updated plan to control pollution from existing trash landfills. This means landfill operators in West Virginia will follow new rules to reduce harmful gas emissions, helping keep the air cleaner. Comments on this plan are open until April 22, 2026, and the changes could affect how landfills manage their emissions and possibly their costs.
Next: 2026-05679 — Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Regulations
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is officially pulling back a 2008 plan to update its Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) rules because the world has changed a lot since then. They’ll cook up fresh, modern updates soon to make it easier for everyone to request government info. No new costs or deadlines now, but stay tuned for smarter, faster FOIA rules coming your way!