FWS Proposes Critical Habitat in California for the Longfin Smelt

What: On January 15, 2025, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register setting aside 91,630 acres in California as critical habitat for the longfin smelt.

Why: FWS designated the smelt as an endangered species in 2024.

The agency 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.

Action: Comments on the proposed rule are due March 17, 2025. Requests for a public hearing must be made before March 3, 2025.

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

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