What: On December 13, 2024, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) published a proposed rule in the Federal Register proposing critical habitat for four species of freshwater mussels. The rule covers the following mussel species:
- Rayed Bean (Villosa fabalis)
- Sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus)
- Snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra)
- Spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta)
Why: Approximately 3,974 river miles of unique critical habitat across 17 states (Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin) fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designations.
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.
Action: Comments on the proposed rule are due February 11, 2025, and requests for a public hearing must be received by January 27, 2025.
Read the proposed rule, submit comments, and request a public hearing.
Advocacy contact: Send an email to Nick Goldstein at nick.goldstein@sba.gov.