Feds Seek Input on Foreign Endangered Species Work Permit

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 protecting over 3,800 river miles across 17 states as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels: rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. This new rule, effective May 27, 2026, helps these mussels survive and recover by safeguarding their homes. Landowners and communities near these rivers might see new rules to keep these waters clean and safe, but no big costs are expected.

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.

2026-09807 — Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to weigh in on permit applications for activities involving foreign endangered species. These permits are needed because the law usually bans such activities without special approval. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by June 15, 2026—this helps protect wildlife while allowing some important work to happen.

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 the same way, with no new costs or rules. You’ve got until June 15, 2026, to share your thoughts before the renewal is finalized.

2026-09233 — Foreign Endangered Species; Receipt of Permit Applications

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is asking the public to share their thoughts on permit applications for activities involving endangered foreign animals and plants. These permits are needed because the law usually bans such activities without special permission. If you want to weigh in, make sure to send your comments by June 10, 2026, or they won’t count!

2026-09093 — Receipt of Incidental Take Permit Application and Proposed Habitat Conservation Plan for Sand Skink and Blue-Tailed Mole Skink; Polk County, FL; Categorical Exclusion

The Fish and Wildlife Service got an application from a company planning to build homes in Polk County, Florida, where two special skinks live. They want permission to accidentally harm these skinks during construction but promise to protect their habitat too. The public can share thoughts by June 8, 2026, before any final decision is made.

Previous: 2026-07928 — Notice of Petition for Waiver of Compliance

The Western Maryland Scenic Railroad asked for a 6-month break on a big locomotive inspection to keep their train running through a busy season. They promise the train will only run 100 days during this extra time and will still get a regular check-up on schedule. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 22, 2026!

Next: 2026-07930 — Agency Information Collection Activities: 2026 Election Administration and Voting Survey

The Election Assistance Commission is asking election officials to fill out the 2026 Election Administration and Voting Survey, which covers everything from voter registration to election technology. This helps improve how elections run and makes sure voting is smooth and fair. Officials need to send their comments or feedback by May 25, 2026, with no new costs involved.