Data / Federal rules / 2026-00734

Rescission of Regulations Regarding Public Access, Use, and Recreation for Four National Wildlife Refuges

The Fish and Wildlife Service published this final rule in the Federal Register on January 15, 2026. It took effect on March 16, 2026. Comments closed on February 17, 2026.

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What the agency says

This direct final rule removes certain regulations related to enforcement of various activities on Havasu National Wildlife Refuge, Pond Creek National Wildlife Refuge, St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge, and Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge. Specifically, the rescinded regulations relate to activities such as use of fireworks, damaging vegetation, dogs that disturb wildlife or habitat, use of firearms and other weapons, littering, alcohol use, and boat speed. These regulations are redundant and therefore can be rescinded without adverse impact.

Key facts

Document number: 2026-00734
Type: Final rule
Action: Direct final rule; request for comments
Agency: Interior Department; Fish and Wildlife Service
Published: January 15, 2026
Takes effect: March 16, 2026
Comments due: February 17, 2026
Dates: This final rule is effective on March 16, 2026, without further action, unless significant adverse comments are received by February 17, 2026. If significant adverse comments are received, we will publish a notification in the Federal Register before the effective date either withdrawing the rule or issuing a new final rule that responds to any significant adverse comments.
Docket: Docket No. FWS-HQ-NWRS-2025-0083; FXRS12610900000-256-FF09R00000
Regulation ID (RIN): 1018-BI79
Code of Federal Regulations: 50 CFR 26
Topics: Recreation and recreation areas; Wildlife refuges
Pages: 4

The document on federalregister.gov PDF

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Everything from the Fish and Wildlife Service · Rules on recreation and recreation areas · Rules on wildlife refuges · Published in January 2026

Read from the Federal Register API, last updated 2026-10-23. The document on federalregister.gov is the official record; dates and dockets can change through later corrections. Free to reuse with credit to SpecStream under CC BY 4.0.