What Happened
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has proposed designating 1,635,746 acres as critical habitat for the endangered rusty patched bumble bee (Bombus affinis). The proposed critical habitat spans 14 units across 33 counties in six states: Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, West Virginia, and Virginia.
The proposed critical habitat includes areas with physical and biological features considered important for the rusty patched bumble bees’ survival and recovery, including upland forest interiors for overwintering, upland forest edges for nesting, abandoned burrows for nesting, well-drained soils for nesting and overwintering, and diverse floral resources for foraging.
Read more in the full Regulatory Alert.
SWCA Lens
Let us help you craft and submit your comments on the proposed critical habitat designation for the rusty patched bumble bee. Our team can assist with evaluating the sufficiency of data supporting the designation; reviewing the timeline for finalizing the designation; analyzing areas considered but excluded and the rationale behind those decisions; seeking exceptions to designations where applicable; and understanding how the designation may affect your ongoing or future activities.
Our experienced team is ready to guide you through the comment submission process and provide answers to your questions regarding the proposed critical habitat…
