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Rule2026-025882026-02-10

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

Interior Department, Fish and Wildlife Service

Abstract

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing the Southeast U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of the wood stork (Mycteria americana) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that delisting the species is warranted. Our review indicates that the threats to the Southeast U.S. DPS of the wood stork have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7, will no longer apply to the Southeast U.S. DPS of the wood stork.

Action & Dates

Action
Final rule.
Dates
This rule is effective March 12, 2026.
Effective Date
2026-03-12

CFR References

Topics

Endangered and threatened speciesExportsImportsPlantsReporting and recordkeeping requirementsTransportationWildlife

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2022-0099; FXES11130900000FEDR-267-FF09E22000] RIN 1018-BF53 ( printed page 5826) AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), are removing the Southeast U.S. distinct population segment (DPS) of the wood stork ( Mycteria americana ) from the Federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. After a review of the best scientific and commercial data available, we find that delisting the species is warranted. Our review indicates that the threats to the Southeast U.S. DPS of the wood stork have been eliminated or reduced to the point that the species no longer meets the definition of an endangered species or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). Accordingly, the prohibitions and conservation measures provided by the Act, particularly through sections 4 and 7, will no longer apply to the Southeast U.S. DPS of the wood stork. DATES: This rule is effective March 12, 2026. ADDRESSES: This final rule is available on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov . Comments and materials we received are available for public inspection at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R4-ES-2022-0099. Availability of supporting materials: This rule and supporting documents, including the Recovery Plan, post-delisting monitoring plan, and the species status assessment (SSA) report,

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Related Documents

Other Federal Register documents from the same docket.

Full Document

Citation: 91 FR 5826