CONWAY, Ark. – The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is seeking public input on its proposal to remove Geocarpon minimum, a small winter annual plant found in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas, from the list of endangered and threatened plants. This proposal underscores the administration’s commitment to reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens while ensuring decisions are firmly rooted in sound science.
“We’ve gained greater insight into Geocarpon habitat needs, which has led to new discoveries and expanded recovery efforts,” said U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director Brian Nesvik. “This is a great example of how streamlined, science-based approaches protect species while supporting our partners with regulatory clarity.”
Listed in 1987 as a threatened species under the Endangered Species Act, Geocarpon minimum is found in specialized habitats such as sandstone glades and saline prairies or barrens — harsh environments that limit competition from other plants. Since its listing, the number of known populations has grown from 17 to 46.
The Service’s proposal will publish in the Federal Register on February 26, 2026, opening a 60-day public comment period, ending April 27, 2026. Supporting documents for this proposal, including the species status assessment and post-delisting monitoring plan, are found at https://www.regulations.gov under docket number FWS-R4-ES-2023- 0043.
For more information, please visit the Geocarpon minimum species profile at https://www.fws.gov/species/geocarpon-geocarpon-minimum.
