FWSProposed RuleMarch 11, 2025

Endangered and Threatened Species: 12-Month Not-Warranted Finding for the Spinytail Crayfish

EnvironmentAgriculture

Summary

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has decided not to add the spinytail crayfish to the list of federally protected endangered or threatened species. This means the crayfish will not receive special legal protections, even though a petition was filed requesting that protection.

Key Points

1The Fish and Wildlife Service completed a one-year review and determined the spinytail crayfish does not meet the requirements for federal endangered species protection
2Without this protection, the crayfish will not have federal laws preventing harm to its habitat or populations
3This decision is based on a scientific evaluation of whether the species faces enough threats to warrant federal intervention
4States and local conservation groups can still protect the crayfish through their own rules and programs
5The decision is a 'proposed rule,' meaning there may be a public comment period before it becomes final

Impact Assessment

If you are a farmer or state government official in spinytail crayfish habitat areas, this means you can continue current land and water use practices without additional federal restrictions or permitting requirements for species protection.

Impact Level

Routine

Geographic Scope

Regional

Compliance Cost

None

Who is Affected

FarmersState Governments

Key Dates

Published

March 11, 2025

Regulatory Connections

Authorized By

Endangered Species Act 16 U.S.C. § 1533

Amends CFR Sections

50 CFR Part 17

Read on Federal Register View Docket

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.