Source: the 2026 Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda, published by OIRA on July 3, 2026 (reginfo.gov). The FWS lists 253 active actions plus 26 completed this cycle. Refreshed as the agenda changes.
29
Already published as final rules
Tracked, not just listed
What changed since the Spring 2025 agenda
Between editions, the FWS added 42 new rules, changed the stage on 75, and dropped 23 from the agenda. The official agenda only shows you today’s snapshot. We keep the history, so you can see what actually moved.
- New this edition. Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (entered the Final Rule stage)
- Moved. Acquisition and Disposition of Real Property in USFWS Financial Assistance Programs (Long-Term to Completed)
- Moved. Administrative Requirements Under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Acts (Final Rule to Completed)
and 137 more changes this edition, including 23 rules that dropped off the agenda entirely.
Track the FWS agenda free
Significant, priority, and finalized rules are shown in full below. Routine actions are condensed to a line, with full summaries for every rule on the dashboard.
Final Rule48 actions
Slated for a final rule. Several have already published in the Federal Register, which we mark on each; the rest are still pending.
Final RuleFinalizedInfo./Admin./OtherRIN 1018-BF75
Change of Address; Technical Amendment
This final rule will update our regulations to provide the public with the most current address information for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service headquarters programs and its Regional offices.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on May 27, 2026
Final RuleFinalizedOther SignificantRIN 1018-BH59
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Canada Lynx
FWS will make a final determination on our proposal to revise the critical habitat designation for the contiguous United States distinct population segment of Canada lynx (Lynx canadensis) under the Endangered Species Act. This mammal is found in the northern United States (Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming).
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on July 16, 2026
Final RuleFinalizedOther SignificantRIN 1018-BH72
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Rusty Patched Bumble Bee
FWS will make a final determination on our proposal to designate critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) under the Endangered Species Act. This bumble bee is found in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Ohio, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin and is listed as an endangered species.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on June 1, 2026
Final RuleFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BE07
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Razorback Sucker From Endangered to Threatened With Section 4(d) Rule
FWS will make a final determination on our proposal to reclassify the razorback sucker from endangered to threatened on the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The razorback sucker is a fish found in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, and Utah. FWS will also make a final determination on a rule under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act for the razorback sucker.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on July 17, 2026
Final RuleFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BG68
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Rough Popcornflower From Endangered to Threatened With a Section 4(d) Rule
FWS will make a final determination on our proposal to reclassify the rough popcornflower (Plagiobothrys hirtus) from endangered to threatened under the Endangered Species Act. The rough popcornflower is found in Oregon.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on May 19, 2026
Final RuleFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BC98
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Extinct Species From the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants
In a 2023 rulemaking action, FWS removed 1 mammal, 10 birds, 2 fishes, and 8 clams from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to extinction. Those species have not been observed for several decades, and adequate survey efforts have been conducted that support the delisting. The rulemaking action had also included proposals to remove Phyllostegia glabra var. lanaiensis (no common name) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants and the ivory-billed woodpecker (Campephilus principalis) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. However, in 2023 FWS withdrew the proposal to remove Phyllostegia glabra var. lanaiensis. FWS will make a final determination on our proposal to delist ivory-billed woodpecker due to extinction.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on October 17, 2023
Final RuleFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BD66
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Northeastern Bulrush From the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants
FWS will make a final determination on our proposal to remove the northeastern bulrush (Scirpus ancistrochaetus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants. The northeastern bulrush is a plant found in Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on June 10, 2026
Final RuleFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BH23
Implementing the Big Cat Public Safety Act
FWS amended the implementing regulations for the Captive Wildlife Safety Act by incorporating the requirements of the Big Cat Public Safety Act (BCPSA), which was signed into law on December 20, 2022. To further the conservation of certain wildlife species (lions, tigers, leopards, snow leopards, clouded leopards, jaguars, cheetahs, and cougars, or any hybrids thereof), the BCPSA made certain activities with these species unlawful. The BCPSA also required certain entities or individuals to register each such animal with FWS not later than June 18, 2023, to continue to possess these animals. FWS conducted a robust outreach effort for the BCPSA interim rule to ensure public awareness of the new regulation. In addition to a news release and social media posts, FWS communicated directly with over 20 organizations including multiple media outlets, Congressional contacts, other Federal agencies, sanctuaries, zoo organizations, pet industry stakeholders, and other relevant nongovernmental organizations. FWS reviewed the public comments received on the interim rule and is moving forward with publishing a final rule that addresses substantive input and provides necessary clarifications.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on June 12, 2023
Final RuleFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BI70
Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska; Harvest Regulations for Migratory Birds in Alaska
In a co-management process with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game and Alaska Native representatives, FWS annually reviews the regulations governing the subsistence harvest of migratory birds in Alaska. These regulations allow for the take of migratory birds for subsistence uses during times of the year in which the sport hunting of migratory birds is prohibited. If the 2025 review process indicates that changes to the regulations are necessary to ensure the conservation of migratory birds, then FWS will conduct rulemaking that will be effective for the 2026 subsistence season.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026
Final RuleFinalizedOther SignificantRIN 1018-BI38
Rescinding the Definition of "Harm" Under the Endangered Species Act
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Marine Fisheries Service (we) are proposing to rescind the regulatory definition of "harm" in our Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations. The existing regulatory definition of "harm," which includes habitat modification, runs contrary to the best meaning of the statutory term "take." We are undertaking this change to adhere to the single, best meaning of the ESA.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on July 14, 2026
Other actions in this stage
Boating Infrastructure Grant ProgramRIN 1018-BJ10
Civil Penalties; 2026 Inflation Adjustments for Civil Monetary PenaltiesRIN 1018-BI72
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Big Pine Partridge Pea, Wedge Spurge, Sand Flax, and Blodgett's SilverbushRIN 1018-BE51Proposed rule out October 14, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Everglades Bully, Florida Pineland Crabgrass, Florida Prairie-Clover, and Pineland SandmatRIN 1018-BE48Proposed rule out October 14, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Rim Rock Crowned Snake and Key Ring-Necked Snake and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BE84Proposed rule out October 14, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Seven Pangolin SpeciesRIN 1018-BI11Proposed rule out June 17, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Two Texas FishRIN 1018-BE77Proposed rule out August 1, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Interagency CooperationRIN 1018-BI75Proposed rule out November 21, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Hawaiian Stilt From Endangered to Threatened With Section 4(d) RuleRIN 1018-BE02Proposed rule out June 23, 2021
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Interagency CooperationRIN 1018-BF17Proposed rule out January 12, 2021
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations for Treating Species as Listed Due to Similarity of AppearanceRIN 1018-BI81Proposed rule out September 26, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Gila Chub from the List of Endangered and Threatened WildlifeRIN 1018-BG36Proposed rule out June 17, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Nashville Crayfish From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened WildlifeRIN 1018-BD02Proposed rule out September 23, 2020
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Puerto Rican Boa From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened WildlifeRIN 1018-BF54Proposed rule out January 31, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Ute Ladies'-Tresses From the List of Endangered and Threatened PlantsRIN 1018-BH97Proposed rule out January 7, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Virginia Sneezeweed From the List of Endangered and Threatened PlantsRIN 1018-BF57Proposed rule out August 5, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of White Sedge From the List of Endangered and Threatened PlantsRIN 1018-BG50Proposed rule out July 2, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing Chipola Slabshell and Fat Threeridge From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened WildlifeRIN 1018-BF55Proposed rule out October 29, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revision of Listed Entity for the Grizzly BearRIN 1018-BI14Proposed rule out July 17, 2026
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Corrections for Wildlife and Plant Species on the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and PlantsRIN 1018-BI00
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Corrections for Wildlife and Plant Species on the Lists of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and PlantsRIN 1018-BH24
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Technical Corrections of Taxonomy and Nomenclature for Wildlife and Plant SpeciesRIN 1018-BB21
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Alligator Snapping TurtleRIN 1018-BG00Proposed rule out November 9, 2021
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status with Section 4(d) Rule for Florida Keys Mole Skink and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BG24Proposed rule out September 27, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Borneo Earless MonitorRIN 1018-BH99Proposed rule out August 14, 2025
Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing Freshwater Mollusks and CrustaceansRIN 1018-BH15Proposed rule out January 10, 2025
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; North Slope, AlaskaRIN 1018-BI93Proposed rule out March 9, 2026
National Wildlife Refuge System; Drain Tile SetbacksRIN 1018-BJ17
National Wildlife Refuge System; Recission and Revision of Regulations Regarding Administration of the Refuge Revenue Sharing ProgramRIN 1018-BJ13
National Wildlife Refuge System; Rescission of Regulations Regarding Public Safety Provisions and Prohibited Acts on National Wildlife RefugesRIN 1018-BJ12
National Wildlife Refuge System; Rescission of Regulations Regarding the Enforcement of Subchapter C and Wilderness Preservation and Management on National Wildlife RefugesRIN 1018-BJ11
Regulations for Designating Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BI76Proposed rule out November 21, 2025
Regulations for Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BI73
Regulations Pertaining to Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and PlantsRIN 1018-BI74Proposed rule out November 21, 2025
Technical Amendments for Gulf of America RenamingRIN 1018-BI77
Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Kern Canyon Slender Salamander; Endangered Species Status for the Relictual Slender Salamander; Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BF83Proposed rule out July 7, 2026
Updates and Additions to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife Based on Other Rulemaking; Nassau Grouper, Giant Manta Ray, Queen Conch, and Atlantic Humpback DolphinRIN 1018-BH69
Wildlife and Fisheries; Clean Vessel Act Grant ProgramRIN 1018-AW66Proposed rule out September 14, 2015
Proposed Rule80 actions
Rules open for, or headed toward, public comment.
Proposed RuleFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BJ16
Definition of Shellfish; Inclusion of Cephalopods
The Service is proposing to amend the definition for shellfish in 50 CFR Part 10.12 to remove with a shell. This is a deregulatory revision that the department is prioritizing and is intended to remove administrative burdens and address any ambiguity for legal trade.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on June 23, 2026
Proposed RuleFinalizedOther SignificantRIN 1018-BI04
Migratory Bird Hunting; Revised Regulatory Process
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is responsible for regulating migratory game bird hunting. The current rulemaking process requires publication of multiple documents in the Federal Register every year. The Service is seeking to develop a more efficient process that eliminates the need for annual rulemaking. Our goal is to better serve State partners and the hunting public while continuing to meet the legal requirements and conservation purposes of the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on June 26, 2026
Other actions in this stage
Deregulatory Actions for FalconryRIN 1018-BI82
Deregulatory Actions for Migratory Bird Permits and Eagle PermitsRIN 1018-BF58Proposed rule out June 1, 2023
Deregulatory Actions Relating to Migratory Birds and EaglesRIN 1018-BI80
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Bleached Sandhill SkipperRIN 1018-BI45
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Northern Spotted OwlRIN 1018-BJ06
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat Designation for 22 Species on the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and the Territory of GuamRIN 1018-BI17Proposed rule out March 24, 2026
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Jamaican Kite SwallowtailRIN 1018-BI66Proposed rule out April 17, 2026
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Establishment of a Nonessential Experimental Population of the Santa Ana SuckerRIN 1018-BG76
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Blanding's TurtleRIN 1018-BH36
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Brush-peaRIN 1018-BH89
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Chesapeake LogperchRIN 1018-BI31
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Chisos Coral RootRIN 1018-BH90
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Columbia Torrent Salamander and Cascade Torrent SalamanderRIN 1018-BH31
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Dukes' Skipper and Palatka SkipperRIN 1018-BH86
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Ferris' Copper ButterflyRIN 1018-BH95
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Five California Terrestrial MollusksRIN 1018-BH30
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Oklahoma Cave Crayfish and Delaware County Cave CrayfishRIN 1018-BH92
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Peppered (Colorless) ShinerRIN 1018-BH42
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Piebald MadtomRIN 1018-BH43
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Streamside SalamanderRIN 1018-BH78
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Tharp's Blue StarRIN 1018-BH07
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Cascade Caverns Salamander and Texas SalamanderRIN 1018-BG09
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Ciliate-leaf TickseedRIN 1018-BI19
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Upper Missouri River Distinct Population Segment (DPS) of Arctic GraylingRIN 1018-BI36
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Three Darter SpeciesRIN 1018-BG29
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Western Bumble BeeRIN 1018-BH35
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for White Sands PupfishRIN 1018-BH87
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Wood TurtleRIN 1018-BH32
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Atlantic Forest BirdsRIN 1018-BI67
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Bridled Darter and Etowah Bridled DarterRIN 1018-BJ00
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Columbian White-tailed DeerRIN 1018-BJ04
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Eastern Black RailRIN 1018-BI89
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Eastern Joshua TreeRIN 1018-BJ15
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Karst SnowflyRIN 1018-BI90
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Listing San Francisco Estuary DPS White SturgeonRIN 1018-BI91
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Lloyd's Mariposa CactusRIN 1018-BI85
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Long-Tailed Chinchilla and Short-Tailed ChinchillaRIN 1018-BH63
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Mazama NewtRIN 1018-BJ02
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for O'ahu 'alauahio (O'ahu Creeper) and 'o'u (Honeycreeper)RIN 1018-BJ01
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Orangefin MadtomRIN 1018-BI88
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Oregon Vesper SparrowRIN 1018-BJ07
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Rio Grande ShinerRIN 1018-BI86
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Siuslaw Hairy-Necked Tiger BeetleRIN 1018-BI60
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Six Indian TarantulasRIN 1018-BG52
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Tall Western PenstemonRIN 1018-BI61
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Temblor Legless LizardRIN 1018-BI51
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Tuberolabium GuamenseRIN 1018-BJ05
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Western Joshua TreeRIN 1018-BJ03
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing the Siberian SturgeonRIN 1018-BF41
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of American Hart's-Tongue FernRIN 1018-BE97
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Geocarpon MinimumRIN 1018-BG47Proposed rule out February 26, 2026
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Golden-Cheeked WarblerRIN 1018-BI62
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Large-Flowered SkullcapRIN 1018-BG48
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of North Park PhaceliaRIN 1018-BH01Proposed rule out April 30, 2026
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Northern Red-bellied Cooter (Massachusetts Population)RIN 1018-BH62
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Prairie Bush-cloverRIN 1018-BI37
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Tidewater GobyRIN 1018-AY03Proposed rule out March 13, 2014
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Topeka ShinerRIN 1018-BG98
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Designation for a Nonessential Experimental Population of Grizzly Bears in the Bitterroot Ecosystem of Idaho and MontanaRIN 1018-BI68
Endangered Species Act Section 4 Economic AnalysisRIN 1018-BJ14
Experimental Populations; Reorganization of Species-Specific Regulations for Experimental PopulationsRIN 1018-BF97
General Provisions; Revised List of Birds Protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty ActRIN 1018-BI13
Importation, Exportation, and Transportation of Wildlife; Updates to the RegulationsRIN 1018-BF16
Incidental Take of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Polar Bears and Pacific Walruses in the Southern Beaufort SeaRIN 1018-BG75Proposed rule out May 18, 2026
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; Beaufort Sea and Arctic OceanRIN 1018-BI87
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; Cold Bay, Alaska.RIN 1018-BI92
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; Southcentral and Southeast AlaskaRIN 1018-BI84
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take of Polar Bears in the Southern Beaufort Sea; Oil and Gas Exploration Activities by Armstrong Oil & Gas, Inc.RIN 1018-BH25
Migratory Bird Permits; Authorization To Take Depredating Black VulturesRIN 1018-BI06
Migratory Bird Permits; Update of the Regulations Concerning Banding and Marking Permits Issued by the U.S. Geological Survey's Bird Banding LabRIN 1018-BI12
National Wildlife Refuge System; 2026–2027 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing UpdatesRIN 1018-BI71Proposed rule out May 27, 2026
Office of Conservation Investment; National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant ProgramRIN 1018-BB92
Permits; Administrative UpdatesRIN 1018-BI10
Revision of the Regulations Implementing the Wild Bird Conservation Act of 1992RIN 1018-BJ08
Standards for the Humane and Healthful Transport of Live Wild Animals and Birds To and From the United StatesRIN 1018-BH26
Updates to Injurious Wildlife Provisions of 50 CFR 16RIN 1018-BJ09
Wildlife and Fisheries; Compensatory Mitigation MechanismsRIN 1018-BF63Proposed rule out July 27, 2022
Zero-Based RegulatingRIN 1018-BI78
Long-Term125 actions
On the agenda, but not expected to move within the next 12 months.
Long-TermFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BH98
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Blue Tree Monitor
FWS issued an emergency rule under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended, to list blue tree monitor (Varanus macraei) as an endangered species. The rule provides listing protection until August 25, 2025. FWS simultaneously issued a proposed rule to solicit public comment on adding the species to the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. This species occurs in Indonesia.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on December 26, 2024
Long-TermFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BH27
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for North American Wolverine
FWS will make a final determination on our interim rule issued under section 4(d) of the Endangered Species Act (Act) for the distinct population segment (DPS) of the North American wolverine (Gulo gulo luscus) occurring in the contiguous United States. Breeding populations of this mammal are found in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming with occasional sightings in California, Colorado, and Utah. The DPS is listed as a threatened species under the Act.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on November 30, 2023
Long-TermFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BA77
Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing Salamanders Due To Risk of Salamander Chytrid Fungus
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) affirms the 2016 interim rule (81 FR 1534) that added all species of salamanders from 20 genera to the list of injurious amphibians. In addition, FWS adds to the injurious amphibian list 16 salamander genera that recent studies determined are also carriers of the fungus described in the 2016 interim rule. We take these actions to protect U.S. ecosystems from the introduction, establishment, and spread of the lethal chytrid fungus Batrachochytrium salamandrivorans, which infects and is carried by salamanders, and which is not yet known to be found in the United States.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on January 10, 2025
Other actions in this stage
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Alabama Hickorynut and Obovaria cf. unicolorRIN 1018-BI39
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Bethany Beach FireflyRIN 1018-BI40
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Cactus Ferruginous Pygmy-owlRIN 1018-BH57
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Clear Lake HitchRIN 1018-BI43
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Coal DarterRIN 1018-BH94
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Dixie Valley ToadRIN 1018-BH12Proposed rule out May 30, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Fish Lake Valley Tui ChubRIN 1018-BI48
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Four Distinct Population Segments of the Foothill Yellow-Legged FrogRIN 1018-BH11Proposed rule out May 27, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Long Valley Speckled DaceRIN 1018-BI46
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for North American WolverineRIN 1018-BH74
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Northwestern Pond Turtle and Southwestern Pond TurtleRIN 1018-BI42
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Oblong RocksnailRIN 1018-BH82
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Pearl River Map TurtleRIN 1018-BH10
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Regal FritillaryRIN 1018-BI44
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Sacramento Mountains Checkerspot ButterflyRIN 1018-BH13Proposed rule out November 27, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Santa Ana Speckled DaceRIN 1018-BI47
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Short-tailed SnakeRIN 1018-BH83
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Tennessee Clubshell, Tennessee Pigtoe, and Cumberland MoccasinshellRIN 1018-BH58
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the `i`iwiRIN 1018-BG61Proposed rule out December 28, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Barren's TopminnowRIN 1018-BE32Proposed rule out July 9, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Green Sea TurtleRIN 1018-BG81Proposed rule out July 19, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Louisiana Pine SnakeRIN 1018-BE91Proposed rule out October 6, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Miami Cave CrayfishRIN 1018-BH66
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the San Francisco Bay-Delta Distinct Population Segment of Longfin SmeltRIN 1018-BH71Proposed rule out January 15, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Sickle DarterRIN 1018-BG85Proposed rule out January 24, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for the Southern Sierra Nevada Distinct Population Segment of FisherRIN 1018-BE49Proposed rule out November 7, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Western Spadefoot Northern DPS and Western Spadefoot Toad Southern DPSRIN 1018-BI41
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered and Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Butterfly Species (Regal Fritillary)RIN 1018-BF92Proposed rule out August 6, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Alabama Hickorynut and Threatened Species Status With a Section 4(d) Rule for the Obovaria cf. unicolorRIN 1018-BH45Proposed rule out September 10, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Barrens DarterRIN 1018-BI18Proposed rule out July 1, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Big Red SageRIN 1018-BG16Proposed rule out January 21, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Black Creek Crayfish and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BH96Proposed rule out September 10, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Cedar Key Mole Skink and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BH41Proposed rule out August 8, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Eastern HellbenderRIN 1018-BH79Proposed rule out December 13, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Fish Lake Valley Tui ChubRIN 1018-BI16Proposed rule out February 4, 2026
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Kentucky Creekshell and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BH46Proposed rule out September 17, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Navasota False Foxglove and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BF85Proposed rule out June 13, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Quitobaquito Tryonia and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BG35Proposed rule out September 13, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Russian, Ship, Persian, and Stellate SturgeonRIN 1018-BF34Proposed rule out July 20, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Southern Elktoe and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BE93Proposed rule out June 21, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Suckley's Cuckoo Bumble BeeRIN 1018-BI15Proposed rule out December 17, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for Texas Kangaroo Rat and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BF90Proposed rule out August 17, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Antillean Manatee and Threatened Species Status for the Florida ManateeRIN 1018-BH60Proposed rule out January 14, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Bleached Sandhill SkipperRIN 1018-BH49
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Ghost OrchidRIN 1018-BI20Proposed rule out June 5, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Long Valley Speckled DaceRIN 1018-BH40Proposed rule out August 8, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Oblong RocksnailRIN 1018-BE88Proposed rule out October 31, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Species Status for the Tricolored BatRIN 1018-BG15Proposed rule out September 14, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Endangered Status With Critical Habitat for Texas Heelsplitter; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule and Critical Habitat for Louisiana PigtoeRIN 1018-BE46Proposed rule out March 20, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Bushy Whitlow-WortRIN 1018-BF72Proposed rule out March 19, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Coosa CreekshellRIN 1018-BH56
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Eastern Diamondback RattlesnakeRIN 1018-BH53
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Four Caribbean SkinksRIN 1018-BH81Proposed rule out December 19, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Goodding's OnionRIN 1018-BH85
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Hardin CrayfishRIN 1018-BH54
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Northern Bog LemmingRIN 1018-BG97
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Pecos PupfishRIN 1018-BH76Proposed rule out November 22, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Robust RedhorseRIN 1018-BH55
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Saltmarsh SparrowRIN 1018-BH51
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Shasta Snow-wreathRIN 1018-BI29
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Texas TrilliumRIN 1018-BH77
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Grand Wash Springsnail and Kingman SpringsnailRIN 1018-BI35
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Hickory Nut Gorge Green SalamanderRIN 1018-BI34
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Large-flowered (Monongahela) Barbara's ButtonsRIN 1018-BI33
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Little Brown BatRIN 1018-BG13
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Pacific WalrusRIN 1018-BI24
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Rio Grande MusselsRIN 1018-BG11Proposed rule out July 25, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Salamander MusselRIN 1018-BG38Proposed rule out August 22, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Sanibel Island Rice RatRIN 1018-BI26
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Tamaulipan Spot-tailed Earless LizardRIN 1018-BG12
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Western Chicken TurtleRIN 1018-BI28
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Threecorner MilkvetchRIN 1018-BI30
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for West Virginia Spring SalamanderRIN 1018-BH06Proposed rule out September 5, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Western Ridged MusselRIN 1018-BH80
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Amargosa ToadRIN 1018-BI56
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Arizona ToadRIN 1018-BI52
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Crested Riverlet CrayfishRIN 1018-BI97
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Florida Scrub LizardRIN 1018-BI59
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for GiraffeRIN 1018-BH64Proposed rule out November 21, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Henry's Spider-LilyRIN 1018-BI58
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Kisatchie Painted CrayfishRIN 1018-BI50
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Listing Sun-facing ConeflowerRIN 1018-BI96
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Meadow Joint-vetchRIN 1018-BI98
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Mineral Creek MountainsnailRIN 1018-BI53
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Oasis Valley DPS of Amargosa Speckled DaceRIN 1018-BI57
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Pecos SpringsnailRIN 1018-BI54
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Phoenix TalussnailRIN 1018-BI55
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Sabino DancerRIN 1018-BI49
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Slenderwrist Burrowing CrayfishRIN 1018-BI94
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for the Bi-State Distinct Population Segment of the Greater Sage-GrouseRIN 1018-BH21Proposed rule out April 27, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for the California Spotted OwlRIN 1018-BG64Proposed rule out February 23, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Three Southern MusselsRIN 1018-BE94Proposed rule out August 22, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Tombigbee Riverlet CrayfishRIN 1018-BI99
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Two Madagascar TortoisesRIN 1018-BG54
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Yalobusha Riverlet CrayfishRIN 1018-BI95
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination, Section 4(d) Rule, and Critical Habitat Designation for Green FloaterRIN 1018-BF80Proposed rule out July 26, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing the Amur SturgeonRIN 1018-BE92Proposed rule out April 4, 2022
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Lee County Cave IsopodRIN 1018-BI63
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Maryland DarterRIN 1018-BI64
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Southern ClubshellRIN 1018-BH04
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of the Gila TopminnowRIN 1018-BG44
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Regulations Pertaining to the American Alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)RIN 1018-BF60Proposed rule out January 19, 2021
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Gypsum Wild-Buckwheat From the List of Endangered and Threatened PlantsRIN 1018-BB87Proposed rule out January 6, 2017
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removing the Inyo California Towhee From the List of Endangered and Threatened WildlifeRIN 1018-BE05
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Review of the Yaqui CatfishRIN 1018-BH29
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revision of the Columbia Basin Distinct Population Segment of the Columbia Basin Pygmy RabbitRIN 1018-BH70
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With a Section 4(d) Rule for the Pygmy Three-Toed SlothRIN 1018-BG53Proposed rule out March 26, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With a Section 4(d) Rule for the Santa Ana Speckled DaceRIN 1018-BH39Proposed rule out August 13, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Bethany Beach FireflyRIN 1018-BH52Proposed rule out October 1, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Brawleys Fork Crayfish and Critical Habitat DesignationRIN 1018-BG18Proposed rule out September 8, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Clear Lake HitchRIN 1018-BH84Proposed rule out January 16, 2025
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Coal DarterRIN 1018-BG92Proposed rule out April 8, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Monarch Butterfly and Designation of Critical HabitatRIN 1018-BE30Proposed rule out December 12, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Southern Hognose SnakeRIN 1018-BI23Proposed rule out June 10, 2026
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status with Section 4(d) Rule for the Miami Cave CrayfishRIN 1018-BG31Proposed rule out September 22, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Northwestern Pond Turtle and the Southwestern Pond TurtleRIN 1018-BH08Proposed rule out April 4, 2024
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Species Status With Section 4(d) Rule for the Short-Tailed SnakeRIN 1018-BG40Proposed rule out October 3, 2023
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Threatened Status With Section 4(d) Rule for Northern and Southern Distinct Population Segments of Western SpadefootRIN 1018-BF06Proposed rule out December 5, 2023
Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing Venomous SnakesRIN 1018-BH20
Injurious Wildlife Species; Listing Wild Mammal Species Due to Risk of Zoonotic HarmRIN 1018-BH18
Regulations Implementing the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES); Implementing the Results of CoP16 – CoP20 and Other UpdatesRIN 1018-BC71
Revised Policy on Interpretation of the Phrase "Significant Portion of Its Range" in the Endangered Species Act's Definitions of "Endangered Species" and "Threatened Species"RIN 1018-BE27
Completed26 completed
Actions the agency reports as completed this cycle. The official agenda rule list files these separately from the active pipeline.
CompletedFinalizedMajor RuleEconomically SignificantRIN 1018-BH65
Migratory Bird Hunting; 2025–26 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
This rulemaking action establishes annual hunting regulations for certain migratory game birds. FWS annually prescribes the frameworks, or outside limits, for season lengths, bag limits, and areas for migratory game bird hunting. After these frameworks are established, States and Tribes may select season dates, bag limits, and other regulatory options for their hunting seasons. Migratory bird management is a cooperative effort of Federal, State, and Tribal governments.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on August 25, 2025
CompletedMajor RuleEconomically SignificantRIN 1018-BI69
Migratory Bird Hunting; 2026–27 Migratory Game Bird Hunting Regulations
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife (FWS) is withdrawing RIN 1018-BI69 as the rulemaking under RIN 1018-BI04 will establish a new process for setting annual hunting season frameworks.
Agenda status: Withdrawn (planned)
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BB84
Administrative Requirements Under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Acts
This final rule directs State fish and wildlife agencies on how to receive funds and implement conservation projects under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. Under these Acts, FWS distributes annual apportionments to States from trust funds derived from excise tax revenues and fuel taxes. This final rule amends current regulations to: (1) Align them with changes provided by Public Law 116-17 (May 10, 2019) and Public Law 116-94 (December 20, 2019); (2) adjust them to better reflect the terminology and content of 2 CFR part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (December 26, 2013); (3) make changes to improve clarity and understanding; (4) resolve topics identified from comments received during prior rulemakings; and (5) address emerging comments received. FWS worked with State agencies and the Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies to develop this rule. This final rule contains 17 removals and 23 amendments as deregulatory actions. Removals eliminate duplication from 2 CFR 200 and the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Acts.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BI02
Civil Penalties; 2025 Inflation Adjustments for Civil Monetary Penalties
This final rule adjusts for inflation the statutory civil monetary penalties that may be assessed for violations of FWS-administered statutes and their implementing regulations. This annual rule replaces the previously issued amounts with the updated amounts after using the inflation adjustment multiplier provided by the Office of Management and Budget.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on August 18, 2025
CompletedFinalizedOther SignificantRIN 1018-BH73
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Critical Habitat Designation for Four Mussels
FWS designated critical habitat for four species of freshwater mussels under the Endangered Species Act: the rayed bean (Villosa fabalis), found in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia; sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus), found in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin; the snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra), found in Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin; and the spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta), found in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Minnesota, Missouri, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. All four species are listed as endangered.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2026
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BG56
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Reclassification of Colorado Hookless Cactus
FWS removed the Colorado hookless cactus (Sclerocactus glaucus) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Plants due to recovery. The prohibitions and protections provided by the Endangered Species Act no longer apply to the species. The Colorado hookless cactus is found in Colorado.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on May 29, 2025
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BH61
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of Roanoke Logperch From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
FWS removed the Roanoke logperch (Percina rex) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. This fish is found in North Carolina and Virginia.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on July 22, 2025
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BF53
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Southeast U.S. Distinct Population Segment of the Wood Stork From the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
FWS removed the Southeast U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of the wood stork (Mycteria americana) from the List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife due to recovery. The wood stork is found in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on February 10, 2026
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BG93
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Significant Portion of the Range Analysis for the Northern Distinct Population Segment of the Southern Subspecies of Scarlet Macaw
FWS issued a final determination on our significant portion of its range analysis and determination to list the northern distinct population segment (Northern DPS) of the southern subspecies of scarlet macaw (Ara macao macao) as threatened. Separately, FWS issued a final determination on our evaluation under section 4(e) of the Endangered Species Act for the Northern DPS.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on September 9, 2025
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BI08
Incidental Take of Marine Mammals During Specified Activities; Seward, Sitka, and Kodiak, Alaska
The Marine Mammal Protection Act directs the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to issue regulations for up to 5 years to allow the incidental unintentional take of small numbers of marine mammals for specified activities (other than commercial fishing) in specific geographical areas provided certain findings are made. These regulations will authorize the incidental take of small numbers of northern sea otters (Enhydra lutris kenyoni) in Seward, Sitka, and Kodiak, Alaska, during pile-driving and marine construction activities for 5 years. The United States Coast Guard has requested these regulations.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on March 27, 2026
CompletedFinalizedOther SignificantRIN 1018-BI09
Marine Mammals; Incidental Take During Specified Activities; North Slope, Alaska
Under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) promulgated regulations in 2021 that authorized the incidental take by Level B harassment of small numbers of polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and Pacific walrus (Odobenus rosmarus divergens) in the Southern Beaufort Sea and adjacent coast of Alaska during oil and gas industry activities for 5 years. This rulemaking action amends those regulations to allow the incidental take of small numbers of polar bears by Level A and Level B harassment. No lethal take is authorized under these regulations, and the regulations pertaining to Pacific walrus remain unchanged.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on June 26, 2025
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BI01
National Wildlife Refuge System; 2025–2026 Station-Specific Hunting and Sport Fishing Regulations
This rule updates the National Wildlife Refuge System and the National Fish Hatchery System regulations to ensure adequate public notice of hunting and fishing opportunities. These changes and openings will enhance conservation stewardship and outdoor recreation and improve the management of game species and their habitat.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on August 28, 2025
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BI79
Rescission of Regulations Regarding Public Access, Use, and Recreation for Four National Wildlife Refuges
This direct final rule removes certain regulations related to enforcement of various activities on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge, St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, and Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Specifically, the rescinded regulations relate to activities such as use of fireworks, damaging vegetation, dogs that disturb wildlife or habitat, use of firearms and other weapons, littering, alcohol use, and boat speed. These regulations are redundant and therefore can be rescinded without adverse impact.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BI83
Revisions to Implementing Regulations for the Pittman–Robertson Wildlife Restoration and Dingell–Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Acts
This direct final rule (DFR) rescinds portions of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (Service) regulations containing general provisions related to requirements for programs and subprograms authorized under the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act and the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act. This DFR removes redundancies and eliminates superfluous sections. These recissions will result in regulations that better serve the American public, streamline government operations, and increase efficiencies for recipients of our financial assistance programs. This final rule removes 17 sections.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026
CompletedFinalizedSubstantive, NonsignificantRIN 1018-BH14
Subsistence Management Regulations for Public Lands in Alaska; Subsistence Taking of Fish and Shellfish Regulations; 2025–26 and 2026–27
This rulemaking action establishes regulations for seasons, harvest limits, methods, and means related to taking of fish and shellfish for subsistence uses during the 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 regulatory years. This action also amends the general regulations on subsistence taking of fish and wildlife. The Federal Subsistence Board oversees the biennial process of revising regulations for the subsistence take of fish and shellfish. Ten Federal Subsistence Regional Advisory Councils provide a forum for rural residents with personal knowledge of local conditions and resource requirements to have a meaningful role in the subsistence management of fish and wildlife on Federal public lands in Alaska. The Council members represent varied geographical, cultural, and user interests within each region.
Status: Final rule published in the Federal Register on July 18, 2025
Other actions in this stage
Acquisition and Disposition of Real Property in USFWS Financial Assistance ProgramsRIN 1018-BC73
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Northern California-Southern Oregon Fisher Distinct Population Segment (DPS)RIN 1018-BI22
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Ozark ShinerRIN 1018-BH91
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for Spotted TurtleRIN 1018-BH48
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Jackson Prairie CrayfishRIN 1018-BI25
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Speckled Burrowing CrayfishRIN 1018-BI27
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination and Critical Habitat Designation for the Spiny Scale CrayfishRIN 1018-BI32
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Listing Determination for Okinawa WoodpeckerRIN 1018-BI65
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Removal of the Dwarf-Flowered Heartleaf From the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened PlantsRIN 1018-BD95Proposed rule out April 26, 2021
Migratory Bird Subsistence Harvest in Alaska; Exempting Subsistence Hunters From Duck Stamp PurchaseRIN 1018-BA88
National Wildlife Refuge System; Unattended Property on Alaska RefugesRIN 1018-BG59
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