22 Rare Critters Score Massive Habitat in Pacific Outposts

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.

2026-12955 — 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.

2026-10846 — 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.

2026-13284 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget; Depredation and Control Orders

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is renewing a paperwork process about controlling animal damage without making any changes. This affects folks who deal with wildlife depredation rules and won’t cost extra time or money. You’ve got 30 days from July 1, 2026, to share your thoughts before the renewal is finalized.

2026-12578 — Definition of Shellfish; Inclusion of Cephalopods

Starting July 23, 2026, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is updating the definition of shellfish to officially include squid, octopus, cuttlefish, and other cephalopods—even though they don’t have traditional shells. This change clears up confusion, matches modern science and business, and makes regulations simpler for fishermen and seafood sellers. No extra costs, just a smarter way to protect and manage these sea creatures!

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!