View Rule

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to withdraw the final rule published on May 13, 2024 (2024 rule), that established regulations pertaining to wetland easements, pursuant to the National Wildlife Refuge Administration Act of 1966, as amended by the National Wildlife Refuge System Improvement Act of 1997. The Service has determined that while the purpose of the 2024 rule was to bring consistency, transparency, and clarity for both easement landowners and the Service in the administration of wetland easements, in practice landowners have noted that the rule has brought uncertainty and inconsistencies with the Service’s previous drain tile setback policies. After reviewing the 2024 rule and its implementation over the last 2 years, the Service has determined that it is necessary to withdraw the rule.