Feds Designate 3,800 River Miles for Rare Mussel Mania
Published Date: 4/27/2026
Rule
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
3,814 River Miles Protected in 17 States
The Fish and Wildlife Service is designating about 3,814 unique river miles (6,138 river kilometers) across 76 units in 17 States as critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussels. The rule is effective May 27, 2026, and people and landowners near the listed river segments in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin may see new rules to keep those waters clean and safe.
Federal Projects Face Section 7 Reviews
Federal agencies must ensure their actions are not likely to destroy or adversely modify designated critical habitat under section 7 of the Endangered Species Act, which means projects with a Federal nexus in the designated river segments may trigger Section 7 consultation. The Service says it expects little to no additional Section 7 consultations solely because of these designations, but it quantifies an increased administrative burden in its economic screening analysis.
Private Lands and Farming Largely Unchanged
The designations include only aquatic habitat up to the ordinary high water mark and do not include agricultural or cultivated lands; private activities without a Federal nexus are unaffected. The Service states the rule does not change land ownership, access, or routinely remove agricultural land from production.
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Key Dates
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