FWS Proposes Critical Habitat for Creekshell Mussel in Kentucky and Tennessee

On September 17, 2024, the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register listing the Kentucky Creekshell, a freshwater mussel, as an endangered species and setting aside critical habitat.

Approximately 545 river miles in Kentucky and Tennessee fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation.

FWS has certified that the proposed critical habitat designation will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.

FWS also released an economic analysis of the proposed critical habitat designation and will schedule a public hearing if one is requested.

Comments on the proposed rule are due November 18, 2024, and requests for a public hearing must be received by November 1, 2024.

Read the proposed rule, submit comments, and request a public hearing.

Advocacy contact: Send an email to Nick Goldstein at nick.goldstein@sba.gov.