USDA Goes Underwater: Hydric Soils Database Dives Deeper for Wetland Mapping
Published Date: 3/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The USDA is updating how it picks hydric soils for its national database by including underwater soils that were missed before. This change affects landowners, farmers, and environmental planners by giving a clearer picture of wet soils, but it won’t change much about the total wet soil area. You can share your thoughts by April 24, 2026, and no big costs or disruptions are expected.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Subaqueous Soils Added to Hydric List
The USDA updated the hydric soils selection criteria to add subaqueous soils by including the taxonomic subgroup Wassents. This change gives landowners, farmers, and environmental planners a clearer picture of wet soils, is described as an insignificant change in acreage of hydric soils, and stakeholders may submit comments by April 24, 2026.
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
2026-11327 — Proposed Revisions to the National Handbook of Conservation Practices
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is updating some rules in the National Handbook of Conservation Practices to help farmers and landowners protect the environment better. These changes could affect how conservation projects are planned and done, and the public can share their thoughts until July 6, 2026. No big costs are expected, but the updates aim to make conservation easier and more effective.
2026-10415 — Rescission Notice; Owyhee Irrigation District Infrastructure Modernization Project, Malheur County, Oregon
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) has canceled the plan to prepare a big environmental report for the Owyhee Irrigation District project in Malheur County, Oregon. They found the project doesn’t need that detailed review, so they’ll continue with a simpler environmental check instead. This means less paperwork and faster progress for local farmers and communities near the Owyhee and Snake Rivers.
2026-08504 — Record of Decision on Rattlesnake Creek Watershed Final Plan-Environmental Impact Statement, Stafford County, Kansas
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is moving forward with a plan to build new wells and reduce water use in Stafford County, Kansas. This will help protect the Quivira National Wildlife Refuge while keeping farming strong in the area. The project starts soon and involves retiring some water rights to make sure there’s enough water for everyone.
2026-05783 — Rescinding the Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Wood River Watershed, Custer County, Dawson County, Buffalo County, Hall County, and Merrick County, Nebraska
The USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is canceling plans to study the environmental impact of a big flood control project in five Nebraska counties because the project area was too large and no good alternatives were found. This means no Environmental Impact Statement will be made, and the project is officially stopped as of March 25, 2026. Local communities and farmers won’t see changes or spending from this project now.
2025-12877 — Removal of Unconstitutional Preferences Based on Race and Sex in Response to Court Ruling
The USDA is stopping special benefits based on race and sex in certain farm programs after a court ruling. This change affects farmers and others who got extra help before, and it means future benefits will be fair to everyone. These updates start soon and could change how money is given out in these programs.
2026-02625 — Information Collection Request; Advancing Markets for Producers (Formerly Partnerships for Climate-Smart Commodities)
The USDA is updating how it collects info from farmers and groups involved in the Advancing Markets for Producers program, which helps create new markets and better sales for American farmers. They want your feedback by April 13, 2026, to make sure reporting is easy and effective. This update aims to boost farmers’ chances to share resources, improve supply chains, and grow their businesses sustainably.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05786 — Agency Information Collection Activity: Personalized Career Planning and Guidance
The Department of Veterans Affairs is asking for public feedback on continuing to collect info through VA Form 27-8832, which helps decide if veterans qualify for personalized career planning benefits. This is a routine update with no changes, but your comments can help make the process smoother. You’ve got 60 days to share your thoughts online—no cost changes, just keeping things running well!
Next: 2026-05790 — Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for Redevelopment at the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium Campus
The National Park Service and the District of Columbia are teaming up to plan a big makeover of the Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium area. They want to build new homes, shops, parks, and better roads and transit near the Anacostia River. Everyone’s invited to share their thoughts by April 24, 2026, as this project could change the neighborhood and boost the local economy.