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

Document 2026-02588 is a Final Rule published by the Department of Interior in the Federal Register on February 10, 2026, with an effective date of March 12, 2026. 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. View the original at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/10/2026-02588/endangered-and-threatened-wildlife-and-plants-removal-of-the-southeast-us-distinct-population.

No. Document 2026-02588 is not classified as economically significant under Executive Order 12866. Economically significant rules require OIRA review and are estimated to have impacts of $100 million or more per year.