1.6 million acres in 6 states could face new development limits for bumble bees

The US Fish and Wildlife Service wants to set aside 1.6 million acres across six states as protected land for the rusty patched bumble bee. This means federal agencies and some landowners in those areas would face new restrictions on development and land use.

The Endangered Species Act gives the government power to protect species by limiting activity in their habitat. This proposed rule would apply those limits to a large area, potentially affecting farming, construction, and other land uses in 33 counties. It shows how a small insect can trigger big changes in land management.