Federal Register #2026-08146

Critical Habitat Designation for Four Endangered Freshwater Mussel Species

This regulatory action by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service establishes critical habitat for four endangered freshwater mussel species across 17 states: - Government Buyer: - U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior - Species and Habitat Designations: - Rayed bean mussel (Villosa fabalis): - Approximately 599 river miles in 15 units across Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, and other states - Sheepnose mussel (Plethobasus cyphyus): - Approximately 801 river miles in 11 units across Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin - Snuffbox mussel (Epioblasma triquetra): - Approximately 2,425 river miles in 38 units across Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Kentucky, Missouri, Tennessee, Arkansas, and others - Spectaclecase mussel (Cumberlandia monodonta): - Approximately 1,140 river miles in 12 units across Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama, Mississippi, and West Virginia - Notable Requirements: - Designated habitats include specific river segments with essential physical and biological features such as adequate flow, suitable substrates, water quality, and presence of host fish species - Developed lands are excluded from the designation - No restrictions are imposed on private land use without a federal nexus - No products, services, OEMs, or vendors are involved, as this is a regulatory designation under the Endangered Species Act

Description

This final rule designates critical habitat for four species of freshwater mussels: the rayed bean, sheepnose, snuffbox, and spectaclecase. The designation covers approximately 3,814 unique river miles across 76 units in 17 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The rule is effective May 27, 2026, and aims to protect essential habitat features necessary for the conservation of these endangered species under the Endangered Species Act. The designation overlaps among the four species and is part of the broader Endangered and Threatened Species regulations.

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