The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has determined that bog spicebush, a southeastern wetland plant, does not warrant listing as an endangered or threatened species under the Endangered Species Act.
“The Service acknowledges the vital role of our conservation partners — including the Department of Defense and state agencies — in maintaining specialized habitats that support healthy populations of bog spicebush,” said Melissa Moore, Mississippi Field Office deputy supervisor. “These partnerships make a significant difference for this unique wetland species on conservation lands across the Southeast.”
The Service found that more than 73% of existing bog spicebush populations occur on conservation lands protected from development. Habitat management actions on many of these lands — such as prescribed fire and other vegetation management techniques that reduce woody encroachment — are expected to continue benefiting the species.
Bog spicebush also occurs in habitats associated with federally protected species like the red-cockaded woodpecker. Ongoing habitat management for the woodpecker provides incidental protections for bog spicebush and other species that have co-evolved in fire-maintained landscapes throughout the Southeast.
Historically, bog spicebush was found across Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. Although nine populations — including Louisiana’s only known population — no longer exist, the remaining 114 populations are distributed across the species’ range, supporting species redundancy.
The Service’s finding will publish in the Federal Register on 06/17/2025. Supporting documents are available at www.regulations.gov, under docket number FWS–R4–ES–2024–0104.
