USFWS are designating critical habitat for the rayed bean (Villosa fabalis), sheepnose (Plethobasus cyphyus), snuffbox (Epioblasma triquetra), and spectaclecase (Cumberlandia monodonta), all species of freshwater mussel, under the ESA. Specifically, they designated approximately 599 river miles (rmi) (964 river kilometers (rkm)) in 15 units as critical habitat for rayed bean; approximately 801 rmi (1,289 rkm) in 11 units as critical habitat for sheepnose; approximately 2,425 rmi (3,902 rkm) in 38 units as critical habitat for snuffbox; and approximately 1,140 rmi (1,835 rkm) in 12 units as critical habitat for spectaclecase. Portions of these designations overlap among the four species; in total, approximately 3,814 unique rmi (6,138 rkm) of critical habitat within 76 units 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 critical habitat designations. This rule is effective 27 May 2026. Please check federal register for POCs. (Federal Register 27 April 2026 [Rule] Pages 22590-22702).