USFWS have reconsidered whether designating critical habitat for the rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis) would be prudent. On 11 January 2017, they published a final rule listing the rusty patched bumble bee as an endangered species under the ESA. In that final rule, they stated that designation of critical habitat may be prudent, but not determinable. They have now determined that such a designation would not be prudent. The present or threatened destruction, modification, or curtailment of habitat is not the primary threat to the species, and the availability of habitat does not limit the conservation of the rusty patched bumble bee now, nor will it in the future. The determination announced in this document was made on 1 September 2020. POC is Sarah Quamme, Field Supervisor, Minnesota-Wisconsin Ecological Services Field Office, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4101 American Blvd. E, Bloomington, MN 55425; tel: 952-252-0092.
(Federal Register: 1 September 2020 [Rule] Pages 54281-54285)