Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Rufa Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa)
| Published date | 15 July 2021 |
| Citation | 86 FR 37410 |
| Record Number | 2021-14406 |
| Section | Proposed rules |
| Court | Fish And Wildlife Service |
Federal Register, Volume 86 Issue 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)
[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37410-37668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14406]
[[Page 37409]]
Vol. 86
Thursday,
No. 133
July 15, 2021
Part IIDepartment of the Interior-----------------------------------------------------------------------Fish and Wildlife Service-----------------------------------------------------------------------50 CFR Part 17Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical
Habitat for Rufa Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa); Proposed Rule
Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 133 / Thursday, July 15, 2021 /
Proposed Rules
[[Page 37410]]
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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR
Fish and Wildlife Service
50 CFR Part 17
[Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032; FF09E21000 FXES11110900000 212]
1018-BF87
Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of
Critical Habitat for Rufa Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa)
AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.
ACTION: Proposed rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to
designate critical habitat for the federally threatened rufa red knot
(Calidris canutus rufa) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as
amended (Act). In total, approximately 649,066 acres (ac) (262,667
hectares (ha)) are proposed in 120 units (18 of which are further
subdivided into 46 subunits) in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey,
Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida,
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. We also announce a public
informational meeting and public hearing and the availability of a
draft economic analysis of the proposed critical habitat designation.
DATES:
Comment submission: We will accept comments received or postmarked
on or before September 13, 2021. Comments submitted electronically
using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be
received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date.
Public informational meeting and public hearing: On August 18,
2021, we will hold a public informational meeting from 6:00 to 7:30
p.m., Eastern Time, followed by a public hearing from 7:30 to 9:00
p.m., Eastern Time. See Public Hearing, in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION,
for more information.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032,
which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, click on the
Search button. On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the left
side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, check the Proposed
Rule box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking
on ``Comment Now!''
(2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments
Processing, Attn: FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service,
MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
We request that you send comments only by the methods described
above. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide
us (see Public Comments, below, for more information).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Schrading, Field Supervisor, U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey Ecological Services Field Office,
4 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 4, Galloway, NJ 08205; telephone 609-
382-5272. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf
(TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Executive Summary
Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Act, when we determine
that any species is an endangered or threatened species, we are
required to designate critical habitat, to the maximum extent prudent
and determinable. Designations of critical habitat can only be
completed by issuing a rule.
What this document does. This document proposes a designation of
critical habitat for the rufa red knot, a threatened species of bird,
in portions of 61 counties (or parishes) in 13 States.
The basis for our action. Under the Act, if we determine that a
species is an endangered or threatened species we must, to the maximum
extent prudent and determinable, designate critical habitat. Section
4(b)(2) of the Act states that the Secretary shall designate critical
habitat on the basis of the best available scientific data after taking
into consideration the economic impact, national security impact, and
any other relevant impact of specifying any particular area as critical
habitat. The Secretary may exclude an area from critical habitat if she
determines that the benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of
specifying such area as part of the critical habitat, unless she
determines, based on the best scientific data available, that the
failure to designate such area will result in the extinction of the
species.
Peer Review. In accordance with our joint policy on peer review
published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), and
our August 22, 2016, memorandum updating and clarifying the role of
peer review of listing actions under the Act, we sought the expert
opinions of five appropriate specialists regarding the species status
assessment report (Service 2020a, entire) that informed this proposed
rule. The purpose of peer review is to ensure that the science behind
our critical habitat designation is based on scientifically sound data,
assumptions, and analyses. We received review of the Species Status
Assessment (SSA) report from two experts outside the Service. We are
also conducting a peer review of this proposed critical habitat
designation (including the supplemental ``Methodology'' document
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket
No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032) to ensure that this proposal is based on
scientifically sound data and analysis. We have invited peer reviewers
to comment on our specific assumptions and conclusions in this proposed
rule, and we will consider any comments received, as appropriate,
before a final agency determination.
Uncommon Acronyms Used in This Proposed Rule
For the convenience of the reader, listed below are some of the
acronyms used in this proposed rule:
Act = Endangered Species Act
ASMFC = Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
CFR = Code of Federal Regulations
DDFW = Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife
DEA = draft economic analysis
DHS = Department of Homeland Security
DMR = Department of Marine Resources
DoD = Department of Defense
DHS = Department of Homeland Security
EIS = environmental impact statement
FDEP = Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FGDC = Federal Geographic Data Committee
FR = Federal Register
GDNR = Georgia Department of Natural Resources
HCP = habitat conservation plan
IEc = Industrial Economics, Incorporated
IEM = incremental effects memorandum
INRMP = integrated natural resources management plan
IPCC = Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
LDWF = Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
MLLW = mean lower low water
NASA = National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NCWRC = North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
NERR = National Estuarine Research Reserve
NPS = National Park Service
NWR = National Wildlife Refuge
ORV = off-road vehicle
SCDNR = South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
SCDPRT = South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism
[[Page 37411]]
Service = U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
SSA = Species Status Assessment
TNC = The Nature Conservancy
USCCSP = U.S. Climate Change Science Program
Information Requested
Public Comments
We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule
will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and
be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we request
comments or information from other concerned governmental agencies,
Native American Tribes, the scientific community, industry, or any
other interested parties concerning this proposed rule.
We particularly seek comments concerning:
(1) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as
``critical habitat'' under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et
seq.), including information to inform the following factors that the
regulations identify as reasons why designation of critical habitat may
be not prudent:
(a) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity and
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the
degree of such threat to the species;
(b) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or
curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a threat to the
species, or threats to the species' habitat stem solely from causes
that cannot be addressed through management actions resulting from
consultations under section 7(a)(2) of the Act;
(c) Areas within the jurisdiction of the United States provide no
more than negligible conservation value, if any, for a species
occurring primarily outside the jurisdiction of the United States; or
(d) No areas meet the definition of critical habitat.
(2) Specific information on:
(a) The amount and distribution of rufa red knot habitat;
(b) What areas, that were occupied at the time of listing
(specifically referring to January 12, 2015, which is the effective
date for the December 11, 2014, final listing rule (79 FR 73705)) and
that contain the physical or biological features essential to the
conservation of the species, should be included in the designation and
why;
(c) Special management considerations or protection that may be
needed in critical habitat areas we are proposing, including managing
for the potential effects of climate change; and
(d) What areas not occupied at the time of listing are essential
for the conservation of the species. We particularly seek comments
regarding:
(i) Whether occupied areas are adequate for the conservation of the
species; and
(ii) Specific information regarding whether or not unoccupied areas
would, with reasonable certainty, contribute to the conservation of the
species and contain at least one physical or biological feature
essential to the conservation of the species.
(3) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the
subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed critical habitat.
(4) Information on the projected and reasonably likely impacts of
climate change on the rufa red knot's proposed critical habitat.
(5) Any probable economic, national security, or other relevant
impacts of designating any area that may be included in the final
designation, and the benefits of including or excluding specific areas.
(6) Information on the extent to which the description of probable
economic impacts in the draft economic analysis is a reasonable
estimate of the likely economic impacts.
(7) Whether any specific areas we are proposing for critical
habitat designation should be considered for exclusion under section
4(b)(2) of the Act, and whether the benefits of potentially excluding
any specific area outweigh the benefits of including that area under
section 4(b)(2) of the Act, in particular those based on a conservation
program or plan, and why. These may include Federal, Tribal, State,
county, local, or private lands with permitted conservation plans
covering the species in the area such as habitat conservation plans,
safe harbor agreements, or conservation easements, or non-permitted
conservation agreements and partnerships that would be encouraged by
designation of, or exclusion from, critical habitat. Detailed
information regarding these plans, agreements, easements, and
partnerships is also requested, including:
(a) The location and size of lands covered by the plan, agreement,
easement, or partnership;
(b) The duration of the plan, agreement, easement, or partnership;
(c) Who holds or manages the land;
(d) What management activities are conducted;
(e) What land uses are allowable; and
(f) If management activities are beneficial to the rufa red knot
and its habitat.
(8) Ongoing or proposed conservation efforts that could result in
direct or indirect ecological benefits to the associated habitat for
the rufa red knot; as such, those efforts would lend to the recovery of
the species and therefore areas covered may be considered for exclusion
from the final critical habitat designation.
(9) Whether we could improve or modify our approach to designating
critical habitat in any way to provide for greater public participation
and understanding, or to better accommodate public concerns and
comments.
Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as
scientific journal articles or other publications) to allow us to
verify any scientific or commercial information you include. Also,
please note that submissions merely stating support for, or opposition
to, the action under consideration without providing supporting
information, although noted, will not be considered in making a
determination.
You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We request that you
send comments only by the methods described in ADDRESSES.
If you submit information via http://www.regulations.gov, your
entire submission--including any personal identifying information--will
be posted on the website. If your submission is made via a hardcopy
that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the
top of your document that we withhold this information from public
review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We
will post all hardcopy submissions on http://www.regulations.gov.
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be
available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by
appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, New Jersey Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT).
Public Hearing
Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for a public hearing on this
proposal, if requested. At this time, we have preemptively scheduled a
public informational meeting and public hearing on this proposed rule.
We will hold the public informational meeting and public hearing on the
date and at the times listed above under Public informational meeting
and public hearing in DATES. We are holding the public informational
meeting and public
[[Page 37412]]
hearing via the Zoom online video platform and via teleconference so
that participants can attend remotely. For security purposes,
registration is required. To listen and view the meeting and hearing
via Zoom, listen to the meeting and hearing by telephone, or provide
oral public comments at the public hearing by Zoom or telephone, you
must register. For information on how to register, or if you encounter
problems joining Zoom the day of the meeting, visit https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/. Registrants will receive the Zoom link and the
telephone number for the public informational meeting and public
hearing. If applicable, interested members of the public not familiar
with the Zoom platform should view the Zoom video tutorials (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-video-tutorials) prior
to the public informational meeting and public hearing.
The public hearing will provide interested parties an opportunity
to present verbal testimony (formal, oral comments) regarding this
proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the rufa red knot.
While the public informational meeting will be an opportunity for
dialogue with the Service, the public hearing is not. Rather, the
public hearing is a forum for accepting formal verbal testimony. In the
event there is a large attendance, the time allotted for oral
statements may be limited. Therefore, anyone wishing to make an oral
statement at the public hearing for the record is encouraged to provide
a prepared written copy of their statement to us through the Federal
eRulemaking Portal, or U.S. mail (see ADDRESSES, above). There are no
limits on the length of written comments submitted to us. Anyone
wishing to make an oral statement at the public hearing must register
before the hearing https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/. The use of a
virtual public hearing is consistent with our regulations at 50 CFR
424.16(c)(3).
Reasonable Accommodation
The Service is committed to providing access to the public
informational meeting and public hearing for all participants. Closed
captioning will be available during the public informational meeting
and public hearing. Further, a full audio and video recording and
transcript of the public hearing will be posted online at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ after the hearing. Participants will also
have access to live audio during the public informational meeting and
public hearing via their telephone or computer speakers. Persons with
disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations to participate in the
meeting and/or hearing should contact the person listed under FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT at least 5 business days prior to the date
of the meeting and hearing to help ensure availability. An accessible
version of the Service's public informational meeting presentation will
also be posted online at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ prior to
the meeting and hearing (see DATES, above). See https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ for more information about reasonable
accommodation.
Previous Federal Actions
It is our intent to discuss only those topics directly relevant to
the designation of critical habitat for the rufa red knot in this
document. For more information on the rufa red knot or its habitat,
refer to:
(1) The final listing rule published in the Federal Register on
December 11, 2014 (79 FR 73706), available online at http://www.regulations.gov (at Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2013-0097).
(2) The November 2014 Rufa Red Knot Background Information and
Threats Assessment (Supplemental Document; Service 2014, entire),
available online at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ and http://www.regulations.gov (at Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2013-0097). And
(3) The Species Status Assessment Report for the Rufa Red Knot
(Calidris canutus rufa), Version 1.1, available on the internet at
https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ and http://www.regulations.gov
(Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032).
For more information on previous Federal actions associated with
listing rufa red knot, please refer to the supplemental document
(``Previous Federal Actions'') on the internet at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ and http://www.regulations.gov (Docket No. FWS-R5-
ES-2013-0097).
On June 22, 2018, Defenders of Wildlife filed a complaint (Case
1:18-cv-01474-APM) alleging that the Service violated the Act by
missing the statutory deadline to designate critical habitat (i.e., 12
months following publication of the final listing rule on December 11,
2014). On February 1, 2019, the Service and Defenders of Wildlife filed
with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia a
joint motion to stay proceedings until June 30, 2021, whereby the
Service agreed to submit to the Federal Register a proposed critical
habitat designation. The court granted the motion on February 7, 2019.
This document constitutes the proposed critical habitat designation for
rufa red knot, and complies with the court order issued February 7,
2019.
Supporting Documents
An SSA team prepared an SSA report (Service 2020a, entire) for the
rufa red knot primarily to inform the development of a draft recovery
plan for the species (Service 2021, entire). The timing and
thoroughness of the peer-reviewed SSA report supported the analysis and
development of this proposed critical habitat rule. The SSA report
represents a compilation of the best scientific and commercial data
available concerning the status of the species, including the impacts
of past, present, and future factors (both negative and beneficial)
affecting the species. The Service sent the SSA report (which
accompanied the draft Recovery Plan) to five independent peer
reviewers; two peer reviewers provided a review of the document. The
Service also sent the SSA report and draft Recovery Plan for review by
more than 177 parties, which included both internal/Service biologists
and managers, and external partners, including scientists with
expertise in rufa red knot biology, habitat management, and threats. We
received review from 24 partners, including Federal and State agencies.
We are also conducting a peer review of this proposed critical habitat
designation (including the supplemental ``Methodology'' document
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket
No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032) during the open comment period to ensure that
this proposal is based on scientifically sound data and analysis.
Availability of Supporting Materials
The SSA report and other materials relating to this critical
habitat proposal, including coordinates or plot points or both from
which the maps are generated, are included in the administrative record
and are available at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-
R5-ES-2021-0032. Any additional tools or supporting information that we
may develop for the critical habitat designation will also be available
at https://www.fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/, and may also be included in
the preamble of this proposal and/or at http://www.regulations.gov.
Background
Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as:
[[Page 37413]]
(1) The specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the
species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which
are found those physical or biological features
(a) Essential to the conservation of the species, and
(b) Which may require special management considerations or
protection; and
(2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the
species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas
are essential for the conservation of the species.
Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define the geographical area
occupied by the species as an area that may generally be delineated
around species' occurrences, as determined by the Secretary (i.e.,
range). Such areas may include those areas used throughout all or part
of the species' life cycle, even if not used on a regular basis (e.g.,
migratory corridors, seasonal habitats, and habitats used periodically,
but not solely, by vagrant individuals).
Conservation, as defined under section 3 of the Act, means to use
and the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring
an endangered or threatened species to the point at which the measures
provided pursuant to the Act are no longer necessary. Such methods and
procedures include, but are not limited to, all activities associated
with scientific resources management such as research, census, law
enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live
trapping, and transplantation, and, in the extraordinary case where
population pressures within a given ecosystem cannot be otherwise
relieved, may include regulated taking.
Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act
through the requirement that Federal agencies ensure, in consultation
with the Service, that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is
not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of
critical habitat. The designation of critical habitat does not affect
land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or
other conservation area. Such designation does not allow the government
or public to access private lands. Such designation does not require
implementation of restoration, recovery, or enhancement measures by
non-Federal landowners. Where a landowner requests Federal agency
funding or authorization for an action that may affect a listed species
or critical habitat, the Federal agency would be required to consult
with the Service under section 7(a)(2) of the Act. However, even if the
Service were to conclude that the proposed activity would result in
destruction or adverse modification of the critical habitat, the
Federal action agency and the landowner are not required to abandon the
proposed activity, or to restore or recover the species; instead, they
must implement ``reasonable and prudent alternatives'' to avoid
destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.
Under the first prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat,
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time
it was listed are included in a critical habitat designation if they
contain physical or biological features (1) which are essential to the
conservation of the species and (2) which may require special
management considerations or protection. For these areas, critical
habitat designations identify, to the extent known using the best
scientific and commercial data available, those physical or biological
features that are essential to the conservation of the species (such as
space, food, cover, and protected habitat). In identifying those
physical or biological features that occur in specific occupied areas,
we focus on the specific features that are essential to support the
life-history needs of the species, including, but not limited to, water
characteristics, soil type, geological features, prey, vegetation,
symbiotic species, or other features. A feature may be a single habitat
characteristic, or a more complex combination of habitat
characteristics. Features may include habitat characteristics that
support ephemeral or dynamic habitat conditions. Features may also be
expressed in terms relating to principles of conservation biology, such
as patch size, distribution distances, and connectivity.
Under the second prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat,
we can designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical
area occupied by the species at the time it is listed, upon a
determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the
species. When designating critical habitat, the Secretary will first
evaluate areas occupied by the species. The Secretary will only
consider unoccupied areas to be essential where a critical habitat
designation limited to geographical areas occupied by the species would
be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species. In addition,
for an unoccupied area to be considered essential, the Secretary must
determine that there is a reasonable certainty both that the area will
contribute to the conservation of the species and that the area
contains one or more of those physical or biological features essential
to the conservation of the species.
Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on
the basis of the best scientific data available. Further, our Policy on
Information Standards under the Endangered Species Act (published in
the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271)), the Information
Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and General Government
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; H.R. 5658)),
and our associated Information Quality Guidelines, provide criteria,
establish procedures, and provide guidance to ensure that our decisions
are based on the best scientific data available. They require our
biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of
the best scientific data available, to use primary and original sources
of information as the basis for recommendations to designate critical
habitat.
When we are determining which areas should be designated as
critical habitat, our primary source of information is generally the
information from the SSA report and information developed during the
listing process for the species. Additional information sources may
include any generalized conservation strategy, criteria, or outline
that may have been developed for the species; the draft recovery plan
for the species; articles in peer-reviewed journals; conservation plans
developed by States and counties; scientific status surveys and
studies; biological assessments; other unpublished materials; or
experts' opinions or personal knowledge.
Habitat is dynamic, and species may move from one area to another
over time. We recognize that critical habitat designated at a
particular point in time may not include all of the habitat areas that
we may later determine are necessary for the recovery of the species.
For these reasons, a critical habitat designation does not signal that
habitat outside the designated area is unimportant or may not be needed
for recovery of the species. Areas that are important to the
conservation of the species, both inside and outside the critical
habitat designation, will continue to be subject to: (1) Conservation
actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act; (2) regulatory
protections afforded by the requirement in section 7(a)(2) of the Act
for Federal agencies to ensure their actions are not likely to
jeopardize the
[[Page 37414]]
continued existence of any endangered or threatened species; and (3)
the prohibitions found in section 9 of the Act. Federally funded or
permitted projects affecting listed species outside their designated
critical habitat areas may still result in jeopardy findings in some
cases. These protections and conservation tools will continue to
contribute to recovery of this species. Similarly, critical habitat
designations made on the basis of the best available information at the
time of designation will not control the direction and substance of
future recovery plans, habitat conservation plans (HCPs), or other
species conservation planning efforts if new information available at
the time of these planning efforts calls for a different outcome.
Prudency Determination
Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing
regulations (50 CFR 424.12), require that, to the maximum extent
prudent and determinable, the Secretary shall designate critical
habitat at the time the species is determined to be an endangered or
threatened species. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that
the Secretary may, but is not required to, determine that a designation
would not be prudent in the following circumstances:
(i) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity and
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the
degree of such threat to the species;
(ii) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or
curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a threat to the
species, or threats to the species' habitat stem solely from causes
that cannot be addressed through management actions resulting from
consultations under section 7(a)(2) of the Act;
(iii) Areas within the jurisdiction of the United States provide no
more than negligible conservation value, if any, for a species
occurring primarily outside the jurisdiction of the United States;
(iv) No areas meet the definition of critical habitat; or
(v) The Secretary otherwise determines that designation of critical
habitat would not be prudent based on the best scientific data
available.
There is currently no imminent threat of collection or vandalism
identified under Factor B for the rufa red knot, and identification and
mapping of critical habitat is not expected to initiate any such
threat. In the proposed listing determination for rufa red knot (79 FR
73705, December 11, 2014) and our more recent SSA report (Service
2020a, entire), we determined that the present or threatened
destruction, modification, or curtailment of habitat or range is a
threat to rufa red knot and that those threats in some way can be
addressed by section 7(a)(2) consultation measures. Additionally,
although the species range occurs in other parts of North, Central, and
South America outside of the United States, the areas within the
jurisdiction of the United States serve a significant conservation
value to the species during both its northbound and southbound
migration to/from its breeding grounds and overwintering regions, using
these migration areas as key staging and stopover areas to rest and
feed. Some portions of the United States also provide significant
conservation value for certain populations of overwintering rufa red
knots. Our analysis of the best available scientific and commercial
information indicates there are areas within the range of the species
in the United States that meet the definition of critical habitat.
Therefore, because none of the circumstances enumerated in our
regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(a)(1) have been met and because there are
no other circumstances the Secretary has identified for which this
designation of critical habitat would be not prudent, we have
determined that the designation of critical habitat for rufa red knot
is prudent.
Critical Habitat Determinability
Having determined that designation is prudent, under section
4(a)(3) of the Act we must find whether critical habitat for the rufa
red knot is determinable. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(a)(2) state
that critical habitat is not determinable when one or both of the
following situations exist:
(i) Data sufficient to perform required analyses are lacking, or
(ii) The biological needs of the species are not sufficiently well
known to identify any area that meets the definition of ``critical
habitat.''
When critical habitat is not determinable, the Act allows the
Service an additional year to publish a critical habitat designation
(16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(6)(C)(ii)).
We reviewed the available information pertaining to the biological
needs of the species and habitat characteristics where the species is
located. This and other information represent the best scientific data
available and led us to conclude that the designation of critical
habitat is determinable for the rufa red knot.
Physical or Biological Features Essential to the Conservation of the
Species
In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and regulations at
50 CFR 424.12(b), in determining which areas we will designate critical
habitat from within the geographical area occupied by the species at
the time of listing, we consider the physical or biological features
that are essential to the conservation of the species and that may
require special management considerations or protection. The
regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define ``physical or biological features
essential to the conservation of the species'' as the features that
occur in specific areas and that are essential to support the life-
history needs of the species, including, but not limited to, water
characteristics, soil type, geological features, sites, prey,
vegetation, symbiotic species, or other features. A feature may be a
single habitat characteristic or a more complex combination of habitat
characteristics. Features may include habitat characteristics that
support ephemeral or dynamic habitat conditions. Features may also be
expressed in terms relating to principles of conservation biology, such
as patch size, distribution distances, and connectivity. For example,
physical features essential to the conservation of the species might
include gravel of a particular size required for spawning, alkali soil
for seed germination, protective cover for migration, or susceptibility
to flooding or fire that maintains necessary early-successional habitat
characteristics. Biological features might include prey species, forage
grasses, specific kinds or ages of trees for roosting or nesting,
symbiotic fungi, or a particular level of nonnative species consistent
with conservation needs of the listed species. The features may also be
combinations of habitat characteristics and may encompass the
relationship between characteristics or the necessary amount of a
characteristic essential to support the life history of the species.
In considering whether features are essential to the conservation
of the species, the Service may consider an appropriate quality,
quantity, and spatial and temporal arrangement of habitat
characteristics in the context of the life-history needs, condition,
and status of the species. These characteristics include, but are not
limited to, space for individual and population growth and for normal
behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or
physiological requirements; cover or shelter; sites for breeding,
reproduction,
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or rearing (or development) of offspring; and habitats that are
protected from disturbance.
We derive the specific physical or biological features essential
for the rufa red knot from studies of the species' habitat, ecology,
and life history, which are described more fully in the final listing
rule (79 FR 73706, December 11, 2014) and associated supplemental
materials (Service 2014, entire). Additionally, these features were
most recently described in the SSA report (Service 2020a, entire), in
the context of the needs of individuals, populations, and the species.
With regard to ``space for individual and population growth and for
normal behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals, or other
nutritional or physiological requirements; and cover or shelter,''
these characteristics are captured by the summary discussion in the
following paragraphs. The characteristic of ``sites for breeding,
reproduction, or rearing (or development) of offspring'' does not apply
for this proposed critical habitat designation because the rufa red
knot does not breed in the United States. Regarding ``habitats that are
protected from disturbance,'' rufa red knots are particularly sensitive
to disturbance from human activities, which are nearly ubiquitous along
the U.S. coasts. Thus, management of habitats to ensure minimal human
activity during those seasons when birds are present is essential to
the conservation of this subspecies. Overall, rufa red knot requires
both an abundance of suitable nonbreeding habitats, as well as a
suitable distribution of those habitats across the landscape.
Habitat Features
Coastal habitats used by rufa red knots (i.e., for foraging and
roosting) are similar across both migration and wintering areas
(Harrington 2001, p. 9), and can be generally characterized as sparsely
vegetated coastal marine and estuarine habitats with large areas of
exposed intertidal substrates. Migration and wintering habitats include
high-energy ocean- or bay-front barrier island or mainland beaches, as
well as shorelines and tidal flats in more sheltered estuaries (e.g.,
bays, sounds, lagoons) (Harrington 2001, p. 9). Beaches used by rufa
red knots may be backed by dune fields, tidal waters, salt marsh,
mangroves, or human development. Unimproved tidal inlets (e.g., the
mouths of creeks or larger rivers) often provide an optimal mosaic of
preferred habitat types. Along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts,
dynamic and ephemeral features are important rufa red knot habitats,
including sand spits, islets, shoals, and sandbars, features often
associated with inlets (Harrington 2001, p. 8; Sitters 2005, entire;
Winn and Harrington in Guilfoyle et al. 2006, pp. 8-10; Harrington in
Guilfoyle et al. 2007, pp. 18-19; Harrington 2008, pp. 2, 4-5; Niles et
al. 2008, p. 30; Lott et al. 2009, pp. 18-19; North Carolina Wildlife
Resources Commission (NCWRC) 2013, entire).
In the United States, there has been considerable loss or
degradation of dynamic and ephemeral coastal features, including the
associated loss of rufa red knot habitat as a result of shoreline
stabilization and other engineering practices that support coastal
development (Nordstrom 2000, pp. 20, 98-107; Nordstrom and Mauriello
2001, entire; U.S. Climate Change Science Program (USCCSP) 2009, pp.
99-100; Defeo et al. 2009, p. 4; Kisiel 2009, p. 65; Titus et al. 2009,
p. 5; Rice 2012, p. 6; Rice 2017, entire). In some cases, however,
engineered or artificial features may be used as habitat, or may
enhance habitat (Botton et al. 1994, p. 614; Niles et al. 2008, pp. 40,
46; Schwarzer 2013, pers. comm.; Breese 2013, pers. comm.; Niles et al.
2013, entire; Firmin 2020, pers. comm.). In some localized areas, rufa
red knots will use artificial habitats that mimic natural conditions,
such as nourished beaches, dredge spoil sites, elevated road causeways,
rock structures (e.g., jetties, breakwaters), or impoundments. In other
areas, living shorelines or even traditional (``hard'') engineering
structures may enhance rufa red knot habitat, for example by
concentrating surf-cast prey items or by calming wave energies.
Notwithstanding these localized examples, rufa red knots generally
require areas where natural coastal processes (e.g., erosion,
accretion, overwashes, island migration, inlet migration) are allowed
to operate in order to create and maintain optimal habitat, which is
typically dynamic and ephemeral.
In all nonbreeding habitats, rufa red knots require sparse
vegetation and open landscapes, affording the birds good visibility of
the surrounding area in order to avoid predation (Piersma et al. 1993,
pp. 338-339, 349; Niles et al. 2008, p. 44). Rufa red knots tend to
migrate in large single-species flocks, and may also flock with other
shorebirds, particularly when roosting or staging for spring and fall
migration (Harrington 2001, p. 8). Thus, areas that provide foraging
and resting habitat capable of supporting large concentrations of birds
are especially important.
Foraging Habitat: In coastal areas, rufa red knot foraging habitats
include intertidal portions of beaches, islands, and shoals; tidal
flats; wind-exposed bay bottoms or oyster reefs; peat banks; brackish
ponds or impoundments; and ephemeral tidal pools. Foraging substrates
can include sand, mud, peat, and sand embedded with shell, gravel, or
cobble (Niles et al. 2008, pp. 30, 47; Harrington 2001, pp. 8-9;
Newstead 2014, pp. 13-14; Service 2014, pp. 63-67). Feeding birds may
be concentrated at higher tides, pushed into a smaller area by rising
waters and also attracted to higher food densities along the high water
line, where food may be concentrated in wrack material and where
horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) tend to nest. However, rufa red
knots have also been shown to spread out and forage across the full
tidal range (Service 2014, pp. 63-67; Service 2016a, pp. 76-82; Burger
et al. 2018, entire).
Roosting Habitat: In many wintering and coastal stopover areas,
quality high-tide roosting habitat (i.e., close to feeding areas,
protected from predators, with sufficient space during the highest
tides, free from excessive human disturbance) is limited (Kalasz 2008,
p. 9; Kalasz 2012, pers. comm.; Niles 2012, pers. comm.; Conseil
Scientifique R[eacute]gional du Patrimoine Naturel 2013, entire).
Typical roosting areas are relatively open and flat beaches between the
high water line and the primary dune line. In some locations, roosts
can include shoals, sand bars, areas of upper beach between/among
unstabilized dunes, overwashes, patches of mostly bare ground (e.g.,
blowouts, depressions, salt pannes) within salt marshes, dredge spoil
sites, rock structures (e.g., jetties, breakwaters), or among wrack
including atop mounds of seaweed deposited on the beach (Service 2014,
pp. 63-67). Such areas may have microtopographic relief offering
shelter from high winds, storms, and cold weather. Rufa red knots'
selection of high-tide roosting areas on the coast appears to be
strongly influenced by raptor predation (Niles et al. 2008, p. 28).
Inland Habitat: Rufa red knots use inland saline lakes as stopover
habitat in the Northern Great Plains (Skagen et al. 1999, pp. 80-81;
Newstead et al. 2013, p. 57). We have little information to indicate
whether or not rufa red knots may also use inland freshwater habitats
during migration, but certain freshwater areas (e.g., wetlands,
riverine sandbars) may warrant further study as potential stopover
habitats (Dovichin 2014, pers. comm.; Russell 2014, entire). Small
numbers of rufa red knots sometimes
[[Page 37416]]
use manmade freshwater habitats (e.g., impoundments) along inland
migration routes (Simnor 2012, pers. comm.; Russell 2014, entire;
Service 2014, pp. 68-70).
Diet: The rufa red knot is a specialized molluscivore, eating
primarily hard-shelled mollusks, though sometimes supplemented with
softer invertebrate prey such as arthropods, marine worms, and
horseshoe crab eggs (Harrington 2001, pp. 9-11; Piersma and van Gils
2011, p. 9). In most U.S. coastal habitats, rufa red knots feed
primarily on bivalves such as small clams and mussels (including mussel
spat) (Harrington 2001, pp. 10-11; Niles et al. 2008, p. 30; Service
2014, pp. 71-73). Prey size is approximately 0.16 to 0.79 inch (in) (4
to 20 millimeters (mm)) long, and up to 1.18 in (30 mm) in
circumference. Foraging activity is largely dictated by tidal
conditions, as rufa red knots rarely wade in water more than 0.8 to 1.2
in (2 to 3 centimeters (cm)) deep (Harrington 2001, p. 10). Due to bill
morphology, rufa red knots forage on only shallow-buried prey, within
the top 0.8 to 1.2 in (2 to 3 cm) of sediment (Zwarts and Blomert 1992,
p. 113; Gerasimov 2009, p. 227). Long-distance migrant shorebirds, such
as rufa red knots, must take advantage of seasonally abundant food
resources at migration stopovers to build up fat reserves for the next
nonstop, long-distance flight (Clark et al. 1993, p. 694). Although
migrating rufa red knots can be found widely distributed in small
numbers within suitable stopover habitats, birds tend to concentrate in
those areas where abundant food resources are consistently available
from year to year. The spatial distribution of rufa red knots in many
different stopover areas has been correlated with the distribution of
the primary prey species (Service 2014, p. 71).
A prominent departure from typical prey items occurs each spring
when rufa red knots feed on the eggs of horseshoe crabs, particularly
during the key migration stopover at Delaware Bay. Delaware Bay serves
as the principal spring migration stopover area for the rufa red knot
because of the abundance and availability of horseshoe crab eggs
(Harrington 2001, pp. 2, 7; Niles et al. 2008, pp. 36-39; Clark et al.
2009, p. 85; Service 2014, pp. 73-76). Outside of Delaware Bay,
horseshoe crab eggs are eaten opportunistically when available. In
several areas along the Atlantic coast, horseshoe crab eggs are a
preferred food resource and may be a locally important component of the
diet, particularly in spring (Service 2014, pp. 71-76).
Sensitivity to Disturbance
We define ``disturbance'' as any human activity that is audible or
visible to rufa red knots and that interrupts the normal behavior of
the birds. The daily and seasonal selection of non-breeding habitats by
individual rufa red knots represents an adaptive optimization of
several factors and the fitness trade-offs among them. These factors
include seasonal time pressures (particularly during migration)
(Hedenstr[ouml]m 2008, p. 287; Service 2014, pp. 249-250), food
availability (Service 2014, p. 71), predator avoidance (Niles et al.
2008, p. 28), tides (Newstead 2014, pp. 13-14; Burger et al. 2018,
entire), and weather. It is in this context that disturbance from human
activities occurs, such that interruption of normal behaviors can
result in reduced fitness of the affected birds (West et al. 2002, p.
319; Goss-Custard et al. 2006, p. 88). Typical rufa red knot behaviors
include feeding in intertidal areas, and roosting, resting, or preening
above the high water line. Rufa red knot reactions to human activity
that indicate disturbance typically include stopping or slowing
feeding, assuming an alert posture, calling, walking, running, or
flying (Koch and Paton 2014, entire). Rufa red knots are exposed to
disturbance from recreational and other human activities throughout
their non-breeding range (Niles et al. 2008, pp. 105-107; Service 2014,
pp. 266-272).
Among shorebird species, rufa red knots appear to be particularly
reactive to the presence of humans (Burger and Niles 2013, p. 657; Koch
and Paton 2014, p. 64; Hunt et al. 2018, pp. 18-19). Although
population-level impacts cannot be concluded from species' differing
behavioral responses to disturbance (Gill et al. 2001, p. 265; Stillman
et al. 2007, p. 73), behavior-based models can be used to relate the
number and magnitude of human disturbances to impacts on the fitness of
individual birds (West et al. 2002, p. 319; Goss-Custard et al. 2006,
p. 88). When the time and energy costs arising from disturbance were
included, disturbance could be more damaging to shorebirds than
permanent habitat loss (West et al. 2002, p. 319).
Excessive disturbance precludes rufa red knot use of otherwise
preferred habitats (Service 2014, pp. 267-270; Watts 2017, p. 72; Hunt
et al. 2018, p. 22). Disturbance can also impact shorebird energy
budgets (Service 2014, pp. 270-272; Hunt et al. 2018, pp. 26-29). Both
of these effects are likely to exacerbate other threats to the rufa red
knot, such as habitat loss from erosion and development, reduced food
availability, asynchronies in the annual cycle, and competition with
gulls. Disturbance that displaces birds from preferred habitats and/or
disrupts their behavioral patterns can impair the ability of rufa red
knots to gain or maintain sufficient weight, which can in turn impact
fitness. Studies have found a link between the weights of rufa red
knots leaving Delaware Bay after their spring stopover and subsequent
survival rates, and possibly also to reproductive success (Baker et al.
2004, p. 878; McGowan et al. 2011, p. 9; Duijins et al. 2017, entire).
Habitat Abundance and Distribution
Rufa red knots move among, and depend on, multiple foraging and
roosting habitat areas on local, regional, and rangewide scales. As
discussed above, habitat selection by rufa red knots represents trade-
offs among factors including seasonal time pressures, food
availability, predator avoidance, tides, weather, and human
disturbance. This complex suite of factors results in shifting patterns
of habitat use on daily, seasonal, and annual temporal scales. In
addition, the dynamic and shifting nature of the shoreline also
influences habitat selection over multiyear scales (e.g., through
natural cycles of erosion and accretion). Rufa red knots make regular
movements within (though not between) wintering regions (Niles et al.
2012, pp. 198, 200, 202; Newstead 2014, pp. 3, 6-8; Service 2014, pp.
43-44) and to use clusters of habitats as regional stopover complexes
during migration (Clark et al. 2009, pp. 87, 89; Watts 2009, entire;
Service 2014, pp. 54-55).
We define ``staging areas'' as those stopover sites with abundant,
predictable food resources where birds prepare for an energetic
challenge (usually a long flight over a barrier such as an ocean)
requiring substantial fuel stores and physiological changes without
which significant fitness costs are incurred (Warnock 2010, p. 622).
Staging areas are a subset of stopover habitats (Service 2020a, p. 31),
and they serve as vital stepping stones between wintering and breeding
areas. Shorebirds migrate along traditional routes characterized by a
chain of key staging areas that are essential to successful migration;
staging areas serve as vital stepping stones between wintering and
breeding areas (Myers 1983, p. 23; International Wader Study Group
2003, p. 10; Service 2014, p. 49). However, even a robust network of
staging areas is not sufficient to support recovery of this subspecies.
Rufa red knots also require an ample supply of other coastal and inland
stopover
[[Page 37417]]
habitats distributed across the range, allowing birds to shift among
habitat patches across multiple temporal and geographic scales in
response to a number of stochastic conditions. Because rufa red knots
require this flexibility, even some highly suitable and important
nonbreeding habitats may not be used every year, and, within a given
season, usage of particular habitat patches is likely to fluctuate
across days and months (Service 2014, pp. 53-60; Smith et al. 2017a, p.
3; Service 2020a, p. 32). One particular non-breeding habitat is that
used by juvenile rufa red knots. Rufa red knots do not reach adulthood
until 2 years of age, at which point they make their first full
northern migration to their nesting grounds. Where they spend their
first 2 years and their movement patterns are largely unknown. However,
Florida and the Caribbean are likely important for this stage of their
life (Kalasz 2021, pers. comm.).
Sea Level Rise
Due to background rates of sea level rise and the naturally dynamic
nature of coastal habitats, we concluded at the time of listing that
rufa red knots are adapted to moderate (although sometimes abrupt)
rates of habitat change in their wintering and migration areas.
However, we also concluded, based on overwhelming evidence, that rates
of sea level rise have increased beyond those that have occurred over
recent millennia and continue to accelerate (Service 2014, pp. 142-143;
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2013, pp. 11, 25).
These conclusions are further supported by newer information evaluated
in the SSA report (Service 2020a, pp. 32-36). Over the period 1902 to
2015, global mean sea level rose by 0.5 feet (ft) (0.16 meters (m))
(likely range of 0.4 to 0.7 ft (0.12 to 0.21 m)) (IPCC 2019, p. 42).
The rate of sea level rise since the mid-19th century has been larger
than the mean rate during the previous two millennia (high confidence)
(IPCC 2014a, p. 4). Extreme wave heights, which contribute to extreme
sea level events and coastal erosion, have increased in the North
Atlantic by around 0.3 in (0.8 cm) per year over the period 1985 to
2018 (medium confidence) (IPCC 2019, p. 42).
The rufa red knot is vulnerable to inundation of tidal flats and
erosion of sandy beaches, which are typically caused or accelerated by
climate-driven sea level rise (Service 2014, pp. 126-143; Vousdoukas et
al. 2019, entire). In most of the rufa red knot's nonbreeding range,
shorelines are expected to undergo dramatic reconfigurations over the
next century as a result of accelerating sea level rise (USCCSP 2009,
pp. 13, 44, 50). Extensive areas of marsh are likely to become
inundated, which may reduce foraging and roosting habitats. Marshes may
be able to establish farther inland, but the rate of new marsh
formation (e.g., intertidal sediment accumulation, development of
hydric soils, colonization of marsh vegetation) may be slower than the
rate of deterioration of existing marsh, particularly under the high
sea level rise scenarios (Nikitina et al. 2013, p. 11; Glick et al.
2008, p. 6). The primary rufa red knot foraging habitats, intertidal
flats, and sandy beaches will likely be locally or regionally inundated
or eroded, but replacement habitats are likely to re-form along the
shoreline in its new position (Scavia et al. 2002, p. 152; USCCSP 2009,
p. 186). However, if shorelines experience a decades-long period of
high instability and landward migration (i.e., under higher rates of
sea level rise), the formation rate of new beach habitats may be slower
than the rate of loss of existing habitats (Iwamura et al. 2013, p. 6).
Additionally, low-lying and narrow islands, such as those along the
U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts, may disintegrate rather than migrate
(Titus 1990, p. 67; IPCC 2014b, p. 15), representing a net loss of rufa
red knot habitat. Galbraith et al. (2002, p. 178) examined several
scenarios of future sea level rise and projected major losses of
intertidal habitat in Delaware Bay.
Superimposed on these changes are widespread human attempts to
stabilize the shoreline, which exacerbate losses of intertidal habitats
by preventing their landward migration, and human infrastructure that
blocks the landward migration of coastal habitats (Service 2014, pp.
143-159). The cumulative loss of habitat across the nonbreeding range
could affect the ability of rufa red knots to complete their annual
cycles, possibly affecting fitness and survival, and is thereby likely
to negatively influence the long-term survival of the rufa red knot
(Galbraith et al. 2014, p. 7 and Supplement 1).
Summary of Physical or Biological Features
We derive the specific physical or biological features essential to
the conservation of rufa red knot from studies of the species' habitat,
ecology, and life history as described below. Additional information
can be found in the SSA report (Service 2020a, entire; available on
http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032). We
have determined that rufa red knots need areas where natural coastal
processes will be able to continue well into the future to allow the
formation of ephemeral features and the landward migration of
coastlines in response to sea level rise. Therefore, based on the
information above, we identify areas that support natural coastal
processes, as well as localized areas where artificially created,
maintained, or enhanced habitat supports important concentrations of
red knots, as physical or biological features for the rufa red knot.
These features are as follows:
(1) Beaches and tidal flats used for foraging. This feature
includes high-energy ocean- or bay-front barrier island or mainland
beaches, as well as shorelines and tidal flats in more sheltered
estuaries (e.g., bays, sounds, lagoons). Foraging substrates can
include sand, mud, peat, and sand embedded with shell, gravel, or
cobble. Foraging areas are between mean lower low water and mean higher
high water. Suitable foraging habitats provide abundant quantities of
accessible and appropriately sized prey items (e.g., mussels and mussel
spat, clams, other mollusks, horseshoe crab eggs, crustaceans,
polychaete worms), timed to occur in high densities during those
seasons when rufa red knots are present. ``Superabundant'' prey
densities, typically bivalves or horseshoe crab eggs, are needed in
migration staging areas to support rapid weight gain following long-
distance flights. Large areas capable of supporting concentrations of
shorebirds are especially important.
(2) Upper beach areas used for roosting, preening, resting, or
sheltering. This feature includes unvegetated or sparsely vegetated
sand between the high water line and the primary dune line. Generally
these sites are open, with a large viewscape for predator avoidance.
Many sites have micro-topographic relief offering refuge from high
winds. Large areas capable of supporting concentrations of shorebirds--
close to foraging areas, with limited predation pressure and protected
from human disturbance--are especially important.
(3) Ephemeral and/or dynamic coastal features used for foraging or
roosting. This includes dynamic and ephemeral features such as sand
spits, islets, shoals, and sandbars, features often associated with
inlets. Other ephemeral features used by rufa red knots include tidal
pools; wind-exposed bay bottoms or oyster reefs; and unvegetated
overwash areas (e.g., among or behind dunes, as formed by storms or
extreme wave action).
(4) Ocean vegetation deposits or surf-cast wrack used for foraging
and roosting. This feature includes Sargassum (a species of macroalgae
in
[[Page 37418]]
oceans that inhabits shallow water and coral reefs), seagrass, or
seaweed deposits with mussel spat attached, or surf-cast wrack that
accumulates along beaches and supports or captures food items, such as
horseshoe crab eggs. In some areas, rufa red knots may also roost atop
wrack mounds.
(5) Intertidal peat banks used for foraging and roosting. In some
areas, exposed intertidal peat banks (e.g., along bay front beaches and
fronting tidal marshes) provide important foraging and roosting
habitat.
(6) Features landward of the beach that support foraging or
roosting. In some areas, rufa red knots use sparsely vegetated habitats
landward of the beach berm, such as unstabilized dunes, mangrove edges,
brackish ponds, and patches of mostly bare ground (e.g., blowouts,
depressions, pannes) within salt marshes.
(7) Artificial habitat mimicking natural conditions or maintaining
the physical or biological features 1 to 6 (above). Coastal engineering
that interferes with natural coastal processes is generally considered
a threat to the rufa red knot. However, in some cases, artificial
habitats mimic the natural conditions described in the other physical
or biological features described above. Such artificial habitats can
include nourished beaches, dredged spoil deposition sites, elevated
road causeways, jetties, or impoundments. Additionally, some
anthropogenic structures may promote or maintain the natural physical
or biological features. For example, in parts of Delaware Bay, rufa red
knot habitat features are enhanced by living shorelines (e.g., shell
bag reefs), and in one case by a rock breakwater.
Special Management Considerations or Protection
When designating critical habitat, we assess whether the specific
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time
of listing contain features that are essential to the conservation of
the species and which may require special management considerations or
protection. The features essential to the conservation of the rufa red
knot may require special management considerations or protection to
reduce the threats to the species; these threats are described in the
final listing rule (79 FR 73706, December 11, 2014; pp. 73707-73708),
the Service's supplement to the proposed and final listing rule
(Service 2014, pp. 124-314), and an updated summary in the recent SSA
report (Service 2020a, pp. 15-18). For rufa red knot habitat, we
grouped the primary threats that may require special management
considerations or protection into seven threat categories:
(1) Disturbance of foraging and roosting red knots by humans, pets
and domestic animals (e.g., dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), cats (Felis
catus), horses (Equus ferus caballus)), vehicles (e.g., off-road
vehicles (ORVs), golf carts, segways, all-terrain vehicles,
automobiles, heavy equipment, beach rakes), ships/dredges, powered and
unpowered (e.g., kayaks) boats, personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis),
bicycles, surf kites, kite boards, dune surfers, surf fishing, paddle
boards, para-sails, low-flying aircraft, drones, and research
activities. Special management considerations or protection that could
reduce or ameliorate this threat may include (but not be limited to):
Managing access to rufa red knot foraging or roosting habitat during
different seasonal windows; reducing disturbance (e.g., managing
sources of disturbance that could include humans, pets, vehicles,
construction equipment, watercraft, and aircraft), such as through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities; providing
designated beach access points that reduce conflict with rufa red
knots; enforcing or creating dog restrictions during key periods; or
minimizing boat or aircraft activity during key periods.
(2) Predation, especially by peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus),
hawks (Buteo spp. or Accipter spp.), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), coyotes
(Canis latrans), raccoons (Procyon lotor), gulls (Larus spp.), feral
cats, and owls (Bubo spp. or Tyto spp.). Special management
considerations or protection that could reduce or ameliorate this
threat may include (but not be limited to): Conducting predator
control, controlling trash that may attract predators, or relocating
any unnatural perches that attract avian predators.
(3) Competition with gulls, especially laughing gulls (Larus
atricilla). Special management considerations or protection that could
reduce or ameliorate this threat may include (but not be limited to):
Controlling trash and removing any unnatural perches, both of which
attract gulls; and prohibiting the feeding of gulls.
(4) Modification or loss of habitat, or both, due to residential
and commercial development, uncontrolled recreational activities, beach
cleaning, hard and soft beach stabilization efforts (e.g., beach
nourishment, sediment backpassing, sand scraping, sand fencing, dredged
material disposal, inlet channelization or relocation, construction of
jetties, revetments, and other armoring structures), invasive species,
sand mining and dredging, erosion, and sea level rise. Special
management considerations or protection that could reduce or ameliorate
this threat may include (but not be limited to): Implementing
conservation measures (e.g., beach profiles designed to mimic natural
habitat, ensuring a close grain size match to the native beach,
limiting the frequency of activities to allow recovery of the prey
base, seasonal timing to allow habitat recovery before red knots
return) that help reduce modification or loss of habitat; managing
sediment to abate habitat impacts from coastal engineering projects and
sea level rise, and to maintain habitat features such as wide beaches,
tidal flats, overwash areas, and high prey densities; coordinating with
landowners and local managers to improve beach management practices,
such as beach cleaning and sand fencing; implementing best management
practices when conducting habitat restoration activities (e.g.,
creating living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, conducting
facilitated shoreline migration, maintaining and managing water control
structures to provide rufa red knot habitat); conducting public
outreach and education (especially on private and possibly State
lands); and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas
drilling activities through facility placement, spill response plans,
and training.
(5) Threats to the rufa red knot's food supply that can be managed
or mitigated at the local or regional level (e.g., unsustainable levels
of marine crab harvest, excessive driving, and certain coastal
engineering practices). Special management considerations or protection
that could reduce or ameliorate this threat may include (but not be
limited to): Monitoring and managing beach invertebrates; limiting
vehicle use; implementing conservation measures for coastal engineering
projects (e.g., sediment grain size; frequency, timing, and scope of
sediment placement); and managing horseshoe crab fisheries, such as for
bait and biomedical uses.
(6) Insufficient water quality or pollution control that may
trigger or worsen harmful algal blooms. Special management
considerations or protection that could reduce or ameliorate this
threat may include (but not be limited to): Working with local
pollution authorities to limit those point discharges or non-point
sources that are substantially impairing water quality or contributing
to the frequency or severity of red tides or other harmful blooms.
[[Page 37419]]
(7) Human-caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused
disasters such as oil spills, oil spill response including beach
cleaning and berm construction, and response to natural disasters
(e.g., hurricanes). Special management considerations or protection
that could reduce or ameliorate this threat may include (but not be
limited to): Considering oil facility placement alternatives, preparing
spill response plans, conducting oil spill training, conducting debris
cleanup after a natural disaster while concurrently minimizing
disturbance to rufa red knots, and establishing protocols and
agreements to allow storm-enhanced habitats to persist.
Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat
As required by section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we use the best
scientific data available to designate critical habitat. In accordance
with the Act and our implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(b), we
review available information pertaining to the habitat requirements of
the species and identify specific areas within the geographical area
occupied by the species at the time of listing and any specific areas
outside the geographical area occupied by the species to be considered
for designation as critical habitat. We are not currently proposing to
designate any areas outside the geographical area occupied by the
species because we have not identified any unoccupied areas that meet
the definition of critical habitat. Within areas of the species' range
under U.S. jurisdiction, we determined that occupied areas are
sufficient for the conservation of the species, following our
evaluation of all suitable habitat across the species range that has
documented use by rufa red knots.
The recovery strategy detailed in the species' draft Recovery Plan
(Service 2021, entire) is to prevent loss of the rufa red knot's
adaptive capacity by maintaining representation within and among four
Recovery Units: (1) Southern (Atlantic coasts of Argentina and Chile),
(2) North Coast of South America, (3) Western Gulf of Mexico/Central
America, and (4) Southeast United States/Caribbean, and improving their
resiliency and redundancy. Recovery efforts in the United States and in
other portions of the subspecies' range will focus on protecting,
restoring, maintaining, and managing important nonbreeding habitats for
adults and juveniles. Recovery actions are designed to directly abate
threats to rufa red knots in their wintering and migration ranges
(which includes those areas identified as proposed critical habitat in
this rule), and will also increase resiliency of populations to
withstand threats that stem from climate change on their Arctic
breeding grounds and elsewhere. These actions include monitoring and
safeguarding ample food supplies, preventing impacts from development
and shoreline stabilization, managing human disturbance, and restoring
key habitats. They may also include land acquisition, facilitated
migration of certain beaches or tidal flats, and restoring natural
coastal processes that create and maintain rufa red knot habitat.
Consistent with the Act and implementing policies, as well as recovery
needs throughout the species' annual cycles, the draft Recovery Plan
includes necessary recovery actions across the range of the rufa red
knot. Although many Service-led recovery actions will focus on the U.S.
portions of the range, the Service will also coordinate with and
support the recovery efforts of foreign governments and other partners
in portions of the range outside the United States.
Sources of data for this proposed critical habitat designation
include 2020 eBird data (eBird 2020, website), and multiple local and
regional sources as available (e.g., reports, databases, and
geolocator/resighting data maintained by State Fish and Wildlife
Departments, universities, local governments, and nonprofit
organizations across the range of the species (see SSA report; Service
2020a, entire)). For some areas where multiple sources of information
were available, we used either one or both sources, ensuring that
records used were not duplicated and included the best available
information. Our analysis included reviewing the best available
information that pertains to the habitat requirements of this species,
as presented in the ``Species Biology'' and ``Subspecies Needs''
sections of the SSA report (Service 2020a, pp. 4-14); sources of this
information include studies conducted at occupied sites and published
in peer-reviewed articles and agency reports, and data collected during
monitoring efforts, such as aerial surveys and tracking or resighting
data.
A detailed step-down methodology was developed for identifying
proposed critical habitat areas (see the supplemental ``Methodology''
document available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under
Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032). In summary, for areas within the
geographic area occupied by the species at the time of listing, we
delineated critical habitat unit boundaries based on our evaluation and
consideration of the following:
(1) Migration patterns/locations across the range of the subspecies
within the United States, including migratory stopovers away from the
coasts. This includes the migration premise that 100 percent of rufa
red knots winter within or south of the United States and 100 percent
of the subspecies breed north of the United States. Therefore, 100
percent of rufa red knots migrate through the United States. However,
rufa red knots from the four different wintering regions (as described
in Service 2020a, p. 9) are differentially reliant on the various
regions of the U.S. coast for migration stopovers (Service 2020a, pp.
6-7).
(2) Landforms (e.g., islands, inlet complexes) and breaks in
suitable habitats (e.g., sections of high-density development, open
water), which are key factors in delineating units.
(3) Gaps between rufa red knot records (another key factor in
delineating units).
(4) Temporal metrics to delineate seasonal occurrence windows
(i.e., spring migration, fall migration, wintering) and to minimize the
potential for double-counting birds.
(5) Numerical metrics showing consistent habitat use by substantial
numbers of rufa red knots, as an indicator that the physical and
biological features of each area are essential to the conservation of
the subspecies. Regarding bird numbers, we adapted the approach of the
Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, which designates as
``Sites of Regional Importance'' those areas that support at least one
percent of a biogeographic population. We used one percent as a key
indicator of a habitat's importance, and we applied the one percent
metric to derived estimates of regional population sizes. Best
available data from several sources were considered and used to
estimate the wintering and/or migration population sizes for each of
several U.S. regions. (The various regions were delineated based on
resighting and tracking data.) Consistency of use was indicated for
those areas that supported the minimum number of rufa red knots (i.e.,
at least one percent of the estimated population for that region in
that season) for at least 3 of the past 10 years. In some areas, 10-
year data sets were unavailable; in those cases, we used 1 year in 3 as
the minimum.
(6) Adjustments to account for differences between observational
data (e.g., ground and aerial surveys, eBird) versus population
estimates derived from modeling.
(7) Food availability, including the rufa red knot's need to take
advantage
[[Page 37420]]
of seasonally abundant food resources. This relates to the well-
documented correlations (e.g., Botton et al. 1994, p. 605; Karpanty et
al. 2006, p. 1,706; Niles et al. 2008, pp. 17, 19; Smith et al. 2008,
p. 15; Cohen et al. 2010a, pp. 659-661; Cohen et al. 2010b, p. 355;
Fraser et al. 2010, p. 97; GDNR 2013; SCDNR 2013, p. 37; Thibault and
Levisen 2013, p. 6) between the spatial distribution of rufa red knots
and the distribution of their primary prey species.
(8) The subspecies' need for flexibility in the selection of
wintering and migration habitats to respond to daily, seasonal, and
annual changes in conditions such as weather, tides, coastal processes,
predation pressure, competition, and disturbance from human activities
(Service 2014, pp. 71, 195, 259; Smith et al. 2017a, p. 3).
(9) Once areas were identified to meet the criteria summarized
above, the best available data was further evaluated to ensure that the
area(s) were occupied at the time of listing. For example, if all data
used to meet the numerical metrics were recorded after January 12, 2015
(i.e., the effective date of the rufa red knot final listing rule),
then a separate check was conducted to verify that the area was known
to be occupied by at least some rufa red knots at the time of listing.
Once this methodology was applied and evaluated across the regions
of the United States where concentrations of rufa red knots may occur,
units and subunits were then drawn based on the most recent available
aerial or satellite imagery. In deciding whether to draw a single large
unit or multiple units/subunits, we aimed to facilitate consistent
management of each unit and subunit through section 7 consultation by
distinguishing concentration areas of the same ownership or
jurisdiction. Additionally, we evaluated older imagery dating back as
far as 2010 to estimate the range of landform movement (e.g., landward
island migration, landward shoreline migration, cyclic patterns of
erosion/accretion, movement of shoals). Due to the dynamic nature of
the coastline, units and subunits inevitably include some areas that do
not currently, or may not in the future, contain the physical or
biological features such as densely vegetated marsh or open water. In
some instances, these areas are included to allow the dynamic physical
or biological features to move across the landscape, noting that where
they occur within a unit, they will be excluded by the unit
descriptions.
We propose to designate as critical habitat lands that we have
determined were occupied at the time of listing (i.e., specifically
referring to January 12, 2015, which is the effective date for the
December 11, 2014, final listing rule (79 FR 73706)), that contain one
or more of the physical or biological features that are essential to
support life-history processes of the species, and that may require
special management considerations or protection.
We propose to designate as critical habitat 120 units (18 of which
are further subdivided into 46 subunits) based on one or more of the
physical or biological features being present to support the rufa red
knot's life-history processes. Some units contain all of the identified
physical or biological features and support multiple life-history
processes, while other units contain only some of the physical or
biological features necessary to support the rufa red knot's particular
use of that habitat.
For the rufa red knot, most of the units contain highly dynamic
barrier beaches and intertidal seashore areas that are covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. This area has the potential to vary
year-to-year. In other words, the precise location of the physical or
biological features may shift daily as a result of tides, but also may
shift over time because of the intrinsically dynamic nature of
shorelines, and due to sea level rise. In general, the physical or
biological features we describe are the intertidal areas and sandy
beaches up to the vegetated areas that do not contain the physical or
biological features, noting that availability of different habitats
based on the tide cycle may also cause rufa red knots to vary foraging
or roosting locations throughout a day and/or forage at night.
The proposed critical habitat designation is defined by the map or
maps, as modified by any accompanying regulatory text, presented at the
end of this document. We include more detailed information on the
boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation in the
discussion of individual units, below. We will make the coordinates or
plot points or both on which each map is based available to the public
on http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032.
When determining proposed critical habitat boundaries, we made every
effort to avoid including developed areas such as lands covered by
pavement, buildings, and other structures (e.g., docks, maintained
rights-of-way, work yards, and stormwater facilities) because such
lands lack physical or biological features necessary for the rufa red
knot. The scale of the maps we prepared under the parameters for
publication within the Code of Federal Regulations may not reflect the
exclusion of such developed lands. Any such lands inadvertently left
inside critical habitat boundaries shown on the maps of this proposed
rule have been excluded by text in the proposed rule and are not
proposed for designation as critical habitat. Therefore, if the
critical habitat is finalized as proposed, a Federal action involving
these lands would not trigger section 7 consultation under the Act with
respect to critical habitat and the requirement of no adverse
modification unless the specific action would affect the physical or
biological features in the adjacent critical habitat.
Proposed Critical Habitat Designation
We are proposing 120 units (18 of which are further subdivided into
46 subunits) as critical habitat for rufa red knot, all of which were
occupied at the time of listing, and totaling approximately 649,066 ac
(262,667 ha). Table 1, below, shows the proposed unit or subunit names,
land ownership, and approximate acreage. The land ownership values in
many (but not all) proposed critical habitat units also include a
category called ``uncategorized lands.'' For the purposes of this
analysis and proposed critical habitat designation, this category
refers to open water. Although open water is not rufa red knot habitat
per se, it is an integral part of the habitat mosaic that these birds
require. Rufa red knots use the edges of certain coastal ponds, marsh
blow-outs, salt pannes, and sand or mud flats that may be classified by
some States as open water if they are submerged during high tides.
Additionally, open waters at inlets are regularly reshaped by natural
coastal processes that create and maintain dynamic and ephemeral rufa
red knot habitat features, such as shoals and spits.
The areas we propose as critical habitat for the rufa red knot are
presented below and organized by State, north to south. Brief
descriptions of all units and subunits are presented, including the
reasons why they meet the definition of critical habitat for the rufa
red knot. All units contain one or more of the physical and biological
features essential to the conservation of the species and that may
require special management considerations or protection. Also, many of
the proposed units overlap in part or whole with existing critical
habitat designated for other federally threatened species (i.e., the
piping plover (Charadrius melodus), the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta
caretta), the Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi), and the
West
[[Page 37421]]
Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)), and one federally endangered
species (i.e., the aboriginal prickly-apple (Harrisia aboriginum)), as
specified below (Table 2).
Additional considerations include:
(1) Most of the units contain highly dynamic barrier beaches and
intertidal seashore areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide. This area has the potential to vary year-to-year. In other
words, the precise location of the physical or biological features may
shift daily as a result of tides, but also may shift over time somewhat
because of the intrinsically dynamic nature of shorelines and due to
sea level rise. In general, the physical or biological features we
describe are the intertidal areas and sandy beaches up to the vegetated
or developed areas that do not contain the physical or biological
features.
(2) The availability of different habitats based on the tide cycle
may also cause rufa red knots to vary foraging or roosting locations
throughout a day and/or forage at night.
Table 1--Proposed Critical Habitat Land Ownership and Unit Size for the Rufa Red Knot
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Approximate Approximate
Critical habitat unit or subunit name (state) Land ownership by type acres hectares
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA-1 Pleasant Bay............................. Federal......................... 126 51
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 1,596 646
Uncategorized................... 2,634 1,066
-------------------------------
Total........................ 4,357 1,763
MA-2 Monomoy and South Beach Islands.......... Federal......................... 4,047 1,638
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 1,045 423
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 5,093 2,061
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New York
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY-1 Moriches Inlet........................... Federal......................... 78 32
State........................... 63 25
Private/Other................... 163 66
Uncategorized................... 697 282
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,001 405
NY-2 Jones Inlet.............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 710 287
Private/Other................... 1,111 450
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,821 737
NY-3 Jamaica Bay.............................. Federal......................... 5,458 2,209
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 5,458 2,209
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-1 Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets......... Federal......................... 1,560 632
State........................... 3,187 1,291
Private/Other................... 10 4
Uncategorized................... 4,961 2,006
-------------------------------
Total........................ 9,719 3,933
NJ-2 Seven Mile Beach......................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 536 217
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 536 217
NJ-3 Hereford Inlet........................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 175 71
Private/Other................... 735 297
Uncategorized................... 721 292
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,631 660
NJ-4 Two Mile Beach........................... Federal......................... 128 52
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
[[Page 37422]]
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 128 52
NJ-5 Cape May Bayshore........................ Federal......................... 133 54
State........................... 44 18
Private/Other................... 167 67
Uncategorized................... 858 347
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,202 487
NJ-6 Dennis Creek............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 279 113
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 279 113
NJ-7 Heislerville............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 524 211
Private/Other................... 459 186
Uncategorized................... 127 52
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,110 449
NJ-8 Egg Island............................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,908 773
Private/Other................... 32 13
Uncategorized................... 14 5
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,955 791
NJ-9 Newport Neck............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 202 82
Private/Other................... 176 71
Uncategorized................... 93 38
-------------------------------
Total........................ 472 191
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-1A St. Jones North......................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 37 15
Private/Other................... 3 1
Uncategorized................... 3 1
-------------------------------
Total........................ 43 18
DE-1B St. Jones South......................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1 0.5
Private/Other................... 2 0.6
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 3 1
DE-2A North Brokonbridge Gut.................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 2 1
Private/Other................... 91 37
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 93 37
DE-2B South Brokonbridge Gut.................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 70 29
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 70 29
DE-3A Main Harbor............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 32 13
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 29 12
-------------------------------
Total........................ 61 25
DE-3B Rawley Island Roost..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,139 461
Private/Other................... 153 62
Uncategorized................... 6 2
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,298 525
[[Page 37423]]
DE-3C Slaughter Beach......................... Federal......................... 1 0.25
State........................... 59 24
Private/Other................... 2 1
Uncategorized................... 528 213
-------------------------------
Total........................ 590 239
DE-4 Prime Hook............................... Federal......................... 480 195
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 6 2
Uncategorized................... 63 25
-------------------------------
Total........................ 549 222
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-1 Assateague Island........................ Federal......................... 2,817 1,140
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,817 1,140
VA-2A Wallops Island North.................... Federal......................... 540 218
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 540 218
VA-2B Wallops Island South.................... Federal......................... 31 13
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 31 13
VA-3 Assawoman Island......................... Federal......................... 633 256
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 633 256
VA-4 Metompkin Island......................... Federal......................... 64 26
State........................... 56 22
Private/Other................... 1,239 502
Uncategorized................... 110 44
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,468 594
VA-5 Cedar Island............................. Federal......................... 203 82
State........................... 77 31
Private/Other................... 920 372
Uncategorized................... 1,074 434
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,274 920
VA-6 Parramore Island......................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 5,631 2,280
Uncategorized................... 1,171 473
-------------------------------
Total........................ 6,802 2,753
VA-7 Chimney Pole Marsh....................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,224 496
Private/Other................... 285 116
Uncategorized................... 495 200
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,004 811
VA-8 Hog Island............................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 16 7
Private/Other................... 2,966 1,201
Uncategorized................... 253 101
-------------------------------
Total........................ 3,235 1,309
VA-9 Cobb Island.............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 16 7
Private/Other................... 1,778 720
[[Page 37424]]
Uncategorized................... 547 221
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,342 948
VA-10 Little Cobb Island...................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 82 33
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 82 33
VA-11 Wreck Island............................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,270 514
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,270 514
VA-12 Myrtle Island........................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 1,028 417
Uncategorized................... 388 156
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,416 573
VA-13 Smith Island............................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 2,529 1,024
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,529 1,024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-1A Hatteras Island and Shoals.............. Federal......................... 4,940 1,999
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 814 329
-------------------------------
Total........................ 5,754 2,329
NC-1B Ocracoke Island......................... Federal......................... 1,427 577
State........................... 3,612 1,462
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 575 233
-------------------------------
Total........................ 5,613 2,271
NC-2A North Core Banks........................ Federal......................... 6,534 2,644
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 1,654 669
-------------------------------
Total........................ 8,187 3,313
NC-2B South Core Banks........................ Federal......................... 3,094 1,252
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 3,094 1,252
NC-3 Shackleford Island....................... Federal......................... 4,972 2,012
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 4,972 2,012
NC-4 Emerald Isle-Atlantic Beach.............. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,908 772
Private/Other................... 122 50
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,030 822
NC-5 New Topsail Inlet-Topsail Beach.......... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 1,612 652
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,612 652
[[Page 37425]]
NC-6 Cape Fear-Fort Fisher.................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,713 693
Private/Other................... 274 111
Uncategorized................... 0.00 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,986 804
NC-7 Ocean Isle Beach......................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 182 73
Private/Other................... 116 47
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 298 120
NC-8 Sunset Beach-Bird Island................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 345 139
Private/Other................... 39 16
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 384 155
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-1 Garden City Beach........................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 267 108
Private/Other................... 349 141
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 616 249
SC-2 Huntington Beach State Park/Litchfield Federal......................... 0 0
Beach.
State........................... 80 32
Private/Other................... 1,554 629
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,634 661
SC-3 Sand and South Island Beaches............ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 7,843 3,174
Private/Other................... 129 52
Uncategorized................... 283 115
-------------------------------
Total........................ 8,256 3,341
SC-4 Murphy Island Beach...................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 8,312 3,364
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 8,312 3,364
SC-5 North Cape Island Beach.................. Federal......................... 775 313
State........................... 495 200
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,270 514
SC-6 South Cape and Lighthouse Island Beaches. Federal......................... 1,552 628
State........................... 485 196
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,037 824
SC-7 Raccoon Key Complex and White Banks Federal......................... 5,324 2,154
Beaches.
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 5,324 2,154
SC-8 Marsh Island............................. Federal......................... 415 168
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 415 168
SC-9 Bulls Island Beach....................... Federal......................... 5,200 2,104
State........................... 941 381
Private/Other................... 0 0
[[Page 37426]]
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 6,141 2,485
SC-10 Capers Island Beach..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 2,534 1,026
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,534 1,026
SC-11 Dewees Island Beach..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 265 107
Private/Other................... 1,547 626
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,812 733
SC-12 Isle of Palms Beach..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 754 305
Private/Other................... 3,363 1,361
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 4,117 1,666
SC-13 Sullivan's Island Beach................. Federal......................... 83 34
State........................... 694 281
Private/Other................... 1,005 407
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,782 721
SC-14 Folly Beach............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 1,989 805
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,989 805
SC-15 Bird Key-Stono.......................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 294 119
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 294 119
SC-16 Kiawah and Seabrook Island Beaches...... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,399 566
Private/Other................... 9,850 3,986
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 11,250 4,553
SC-17 Deveaux Bank............................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,328 538
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,328 538
SC-18 Edisto Island Beaches................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 650 263
Private/Other................... 1,093 442
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,743 705
SC-19 Pine and Otter Island Beaches........... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 6,296 2,548
Private/Other................... 6 2
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 6,302 2,550
SC-20 Harbor and Hunting Island Beaches....... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 3,246 1,313
Private/Other................... 820 331
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 4,066 1,645
SC-21 Fripp Island Beach...................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 305 124
Private/Other................... 429 174
[[Page 37427]]
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 734 297
SC-22 Hilton Head Island Beach................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,015 411
Private/Other................... 667 270
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,682 681
SC-23 Daufuskie Island Beach.................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 6,370 2,578
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 6,370 2,578
SC-24 Turtle Island Beach..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,798 728
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,798 728
SC-25 Jones Island Beach...................... Federal......................... 785 318
State........................... 2,240 907
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 3,025 1,225
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-1 Tybee Island Beach....................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 6 2
Private/Other................... 1,721 697
Uncategorized................... 319 129
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,046 828
GA-2 Little Tybee Island Complex.............. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 8,265 3,345
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 8,265 3,345
GA-3 Wassaw Island Beach...................... Federal......................... 3,001 1,215
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 274 111
Uncategorized................... 1,020 412
-------------------------------
Total........................ 4,296 1,738
GA-4 Raccoon Key.............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,599 647
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,599 647
GA-5 Ossabaw Island Beach..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 28,621 11,591
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 3,736 1,503
-------------------------------
Total........................ 32,357 13,094
GA-6 St. Catherine's Island Beach............. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 2,106 853
Private/Other................... 11,810 4,783
Uncategorized................... 2,046 824
-------------------------------
Total........................ 15,962 6,460
GA-7 Blackbeard Island Beach.................. Federal......................... 4,954 2,006
State........................... 80 32
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 1,287 519
-------------------------------
Total........................ 6,321 2,557
[[Page 37428]]
GA-8 Sapelo Island Beach...................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 2,481 845
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,481 845
GA-9 Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Federal......................... 2,975 1,204
Island, and Little Egg Island Bar.
State........................... 240 97
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 2,093 847
-------------------------------
Total........................ 5,308 2,148
GA-10 Little St. Simon's Island Beach......... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 113 46
Private/Other................... 7,462 3,022
Uncategorized................... 1,479 596
-------------------------------
Total........................ 9,053 3,664
GA-11 Sea and St. Simon's Island Beaches...... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 4 1
Private/Other................... 3,448 1,395
Uncategorized................... 581 235
-------------------------------
Total........................ 4,033 1,631
GA-12 Jekyll Island Beach..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 5,944 2,406
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 343 139
-------------------------------
Total........................ 6,287 2,545
GA-13 Little Cumberland and Cumberland Island Federal......................... 23,367 9,464
Beaches.
State........................... 1,685 682
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 3,085 1,241
-------------------------------
Total........................ 28,137 11,387
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-1 Nassau Sound-Fort George Sound-Fort Federal......................... 996 404
George Inlet Complex.
State........................... 522 211
Private/Other................... 27 11
Uncategorized................... 2,779 6,116
-------------------------------
Total........................ 4,324 6,742
FL-2 Ponce Inlet Complex...................... Federal......................... 16,660 6,742
State........................... 3,005 1,216
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 18 7
-------------------------------
Total........................ 19,683 7,965
FL-3 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Federal......................... 6,947 2,811
Impoundments.
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 6,947 2,811
FL-4A Cape Romano Complex..................... Federal......................... 13,138 5,321
State........................... 12,605 5,105
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 470 182
-------------------------------
Total........................ 26,213 10,608
FL-4B Marco Island............................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 408 165
Private/Other................... 8 3
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 416 168
FL-5 Marco Bay Complex........................ Federal......................... 0 0
[[Page 37429]]
State........................... 3,531 1,429
Private/Other................... 58 24
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 3,589 1,453
FL-6A Cocohatchee Inlet Complex............... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 9 4
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 9 4
FL-6B Barefoot Beach.......................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 18 7
Private/Other................... 21 9
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 39 16
FL-7A Lovers Key.............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 4 1
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 4 1
FL-7B Estero Island........................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 171 69
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 171 69
FL-8 Bunche Beach............................. Federal......................... 23 9
State........................... 264 107
Private/Other................... 47 19
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 334 135
FL-9A J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Federal......................... 3,451 1,397
Refuge.
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 3,451 1,397
FL-9B Sanibel Island.......................... Federal......................... 307 124
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 307 124
FL-10A Don Pedro.............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 147 60
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 147 60
FL-10B Stump Pass Beach State Park............ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 11 4
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 11 4
FL-11 Siesta Key.............................. Federal......................... 0
State........................... 53 21
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 53 21
FL-12A Lido Key............................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 81 33
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 81 33
FL-12B Longboat Key........................... Federal......................... 0 0
[[Page 37430]]
State........................... 369 149
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 369 149
FL-13 North Anna Maria Island................. Federal......................... 56 23
State........................... 889 360
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 945 383
FL-14 Egmont Key.............................. Federal......................... 15 6
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 15 6
FL-15A Fort De Soto County Park............... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 427 173
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 427 173
FL-15B Shell Key Preserve..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 322 130
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 322 130
FL-15C Saint Petersburg Beach................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 107 43
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 107 43
FL-16 Indian Shores/Redington Beach........... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 196 79
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 196 79
FL-17 Belleair Beach.......................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 123 50
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 123 50
FL-18A Caladesi Island........................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 259 105
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 259 105
FL-18B Honeymoon Island....................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 294 119
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 294 119
FL-18C Three Rooker Bar....................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 335 136
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 335 136
FL-19 Anclote Key............................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,547 626
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,547 626
FL-20 Cedar Keys Complex...................... Federal......................... 2,498 1,012
[[Page 37431]]
State........................... 7,792 3,153
Private/Other................... 5,928 2,293
Uncategorized................... 19,407 7,959
-------------------------------
Total........................ 35,626 14,417
FL-21 St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge...... Federal......................... 2,074 839
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,074 839
FL-22A Mashes Sands........................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 262 106
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 262 106
FL-22B Bald Point State Park.................. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 439 178
Private/Other................... 6 2
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 445 180
FL-22C Alligator Point........................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 722 292
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 722 292
FL-23A Turkey Point Shoal..................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 531 215
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 531 215
FL-23B Lanark Reef............................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 805 326
Private/Other................... 61 25
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 865 350
FL-23C East Dog Island........................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 771 312
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 771 312
FL-23D West Dog Island........................ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 751 304
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 751 304
FL-23E McKissack Beach, Carrabelle............ Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 114 46
Private/Other................... 3 1
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 117 47
FL-23F East St. George Island State Park...... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 978 396
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 978 396
FL-23G St. George Island State Park and Federal......................... 0 0
Bayshore Shoals.
State........................... 162 65
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 162 65
FL-24A Little St. George Island State Park- Federal......................... 0 0
West.
[[Page 37432]]
State........................... 953 386
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 953 386
FL-24B St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge... Federal......................... 742 300
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 742 300
FL-24C Flagg Island Shoals.................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 517 209
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 517 209
FL-25A Cape San Blas to Indian Pass........... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 133 54
Private/Other................... 486 197
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 620 251
FL-25B St. Joseph Bay-Eastern Shore........... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 761 308
Private/Other................... 66 27
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 827 335
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL-1 Dauphin Island........................... Federal......................... 484 196
State........................... 848 343
Private/Other................... 3,834 1,552
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 5,167 2,091
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mississippi
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MS-1 Ship Island.............................. Federal......................... 2,452 993
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,452 993
MS-2 Cat Island............................... Federal......................... 686 278
State........................... 1,305 528
Private/Other................... 129 52
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,121 858
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Louisiana
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA-1 Chandeleur Islands....................... Federal......................... 7,632 3,088
State........................... 0 0
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 7,632 3,088
LA-2 Barataria Barrier Islands and Headlands.. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 126 51
Private/Other................... 7,669 3,104
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 7,795 3,155
LA-3 Terrebonne Barrier Islands............... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 2,900 1,173
Private/Other................... 2,172 879
[[Page 37433]]
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 5,072 2,052
LA-4 Southwest Louisiana Beaches.............. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,497 606
Private/Other................... 4,633 1,875
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 6,130 2,481
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Texas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-1 Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats........... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 268 108
Private/Other................... 996 403
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,264 511
TX-2 West Galveston Island.................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 307 124
Private/Other................... 282 114
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 590 239
TX-3 Cedar Lake to Colorado River............. Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 1,075 438
Private/Other................... 128 52
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,204 487
TX-4 Mustang Island........................... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 395 160
Private/Other................... 253 102
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 648 262
TX-5 Mollie Beattie Coastal Habitat........... Federal......................... 0 0
State........................... 505 205
Private/Other................... 218 88
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 723 293
TX-6 North Padre Island....................... Federal......................... 2,487 1,007
State........................... 68 27
Private/Other................... 262 106
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 2,817 1,140
TX-7 Upper Laguna Madre/Nighthawk Bay......... Federal......................... 273 111
State........................... 816 330
Private/Other................... 68 28
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 1,157 469
TX-8 Dagger Hill/Yarborough Pass/Nine Mile Federal......................... 9,731 3,938
Hole.
State........................... 23,042 9,332
Private/Other................... 0 0
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 32,773 13,270
TX-9 Pintail Lake/Padre Island/La Punta Larga. Federal......................... 25,881 10,482
State........................... 34,165 13,826
Private/Other................... 34,125 13,802
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 94,171 38,110
TX-10 Peyton's Bay/Arroyo Colorado/Three Federal......................... 8,145 3,296
Islands/Gabrielson Island.
State........................... 25,316 10,245
Private/Other................... 2,190 886
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
[[Page 37434]]
Total........................ 35,651 14,427
TX-11 South Bay/Boca Chica.................... Federal......................... 5,536 2,242
State........................... 3,923 1,589
Private/Other................... 5,784 2,342
Uncategorized................... 0 0
-------------------------------
Total........................ 15,243 6,173
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Numbers may not sum due to rounding.
Table 2--Co-Occurring Critical Habitat Designations That Overlap Proposed Critical Habitat for Rufa Red Knot
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Area of overlap with designated critical habitat in acres (ac)/hectares (ha) (# of proposed rufa red knot Total overlap
units or subunits overlapping) (combined) for
State ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ each state in
Loggerhead sea Aboriginal prickly- acres (ac)/
Piping plover turtle West indian manatee Gulf sturgeon apple hectares (ha)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina......... 10,621 ac/4,298 ha 3,523 ac/1,426 ha(3) N/A................. N/A................ N/A................ 13,874 ac/5,614 ha.
(10).
South Carolina......... 4,955 ac/2,005 5,315 ac/2,151 N/A................. N/A................ N/A................ 9,302 ac/3,764 ha.
ha(13). ha(12).
Georgia................ 15,369 ac/6,220 10,903 ac/4,412 N/A................. N/A................ N/A................ 21,698 ac/8,781 ha.
ha(12). ha(7).
Florida................ 7,617 ac/3,082 ha 7,114 ac/2,879 ha 20,720 ac/8,385 ha 8,970 ac/3,630 77 ac/31 ha (4).... 37,801 ac/15,297
(20). (17). (11). ha(11). ha.
Alabama................ 2,381 ac/963 ha (1). N/A................. N/A................. N/A................ N/A................ 2,381 ac/963 ha.
Mississippi............ 4,538 ac/1,837 ha N/A................. N/A................. 1,866 ac/755 ha (2) N/A................ 4,488 ac/ 1,816 ha.
(2).
Louisiana.............. 17,154 ac/6,942 ha N/A................. N/A................. N/A................ N/A................ 17,154 ac/6,942 ha.
(4).
Texas.................. 153,726 ac/62,211 ha N/A................. N/A................. N/A................ N/A................ 153,726 ac/62,211
(11). ha.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total.............. 216,361 ac/87,558 ha 26,855 ac/10,868 ha 20,720 ac/8,385 ha 10,836 ac/4,385 ha 77 ac/31 ha (4).... 260,424 ac/105,388
(73). (39). (11). (13). ha.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Totals may not sum due to rounding.
We present brief descriptions of all units and subunits, and
reasons why they meet the definition of critical habitat for the rufa
red knot, below.
Unit MA-1: Pleasant Bay
Unit MA-1 consists of approximately 4,357 ac (1,763 ha) of highly
dynamic barrier beaches and intertidal (i.e., seashore that is covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide) areas in the towns of Chatham
and Orleans in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. The unit includes
exposed intertidal flats, shoals, mudflats, and intertidal salt marsh
pannes in Little Pleasant Bay and Pleasant Bay, and ephemeral tidal
pools, primary sand dunes, and beaches associated with Nauset Beach
South (Orleans), North Beach (Chatham), and North Beach Island
(Chatham). The unit begins in the mid-section of Little Pleasant Bay
going east to ``mean lower low water'' (MLLW; i.e., the lowest of the
low tides per day averaged over a 19-year period) on the east side of
Nauset Beach South, continuing south along Nauset Beach South and North
Beach to North Beach Island at MLLW and terminating at the natural
channel between North Beach Island and South Beach Island (Chatham).
The western side of the unit runs offshore of the mainland, west of
small islands in Pleasant and Little Pleasant Bays (Little Sipson
Island, Strong Island, and Tern Island), incorporating intertidal lands
associated with the islands. Lands within this unit include
approximately 126 ac (51 ha; 3 percent) in Federal ownership, 1,596 ac
(646 ha; 37 percent) in private/other ownership, and 2,634 ac (1,066
ha; 60 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this
unit is primarily recreational, including off-shore and surf fishing,
shellfish digging, (both recreational and commercial), boating, over-
sand vehicle use, sunbathing, swimming, and walking.
Unit MA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. The unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site in the New England portion of
the subspecies range. Additionally, this location consistently supports
a few thousand migrating rufa red knots due to the large intertidal
areas and beach habitat that provides multiple foraging and roosting
habitat areas for the birds to build energy resources for migration.
Threats identified within Unit MA-1 include disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities including
but not limited to, pets and domestic animals, ORVs, powered and
unpowered boats, surf kites, and surf fishing, predation (especially by
migrating raptors and owls), possible modification or loss of habitat
(e.g., dredging or mining of sand flats), and natural or human-caused
disasters (i.e., oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills through protective spill
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The National Park Service (NPS) manages Cape Cod
National Seashore under a comprehensive shorebird management plan (NPS
2018, entire) (Shorebird
[[Page 37435]]
Plan). However, due to the small and isolated nature of NPS inholdings
in this unit, these areas are not actively managed under the Shorebird
Plan.
Unit MA-2: Monomoy and South Beach Islands
Unit MA-2 consists of 5,093 ac (2,061 ha) of highly dynamic barrier
beaches and intertidal areas in the town of Chatham in Barnstable
County, Massachusetts. The unit includes exposed intertidal sand and
mud flats and shoals, ephemeral tidal pools, saltmarsh, primary sand
dunes, and beaches associated with North and South Monomoy Islands,
Minimoy Island, and the South Beach Island complex (multiple islands
associated with South Beach as the island naturally grows and splits
over time). The northeastern tip of the unit incorporates the South
Beach Island complex and adjacent intertidal sand and mud flats and
shoals, and runs south to include North and South Monomoy Islands,
Minimoy Island (part of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)),
and the extensive intertidal sand flats adjacent to the islands and
south of Morris Island (Chatham). Lands within this unit include
approximately 4,047 ac (1,638 ha; 79 percent) in Federal ownership and
1,045 ac (423 ha; 21 percent) in private/other ownership. General land
use within this unit is recreational, including off-shore and surf
fishing, shellfish digging, boating, sunbathing, swimming, wildlife
observation, and walking. Commercial shellfish harvesting and research
also occur.
Unit MA-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site in the New England portion of
the subspecies range. Additionally, this location consistently supports
a few thousand migrating rufa red knots due to the large intertidal
areas and beach habitat that provides multiple foraging and roosting
habitat areas for the birds to build energy resources for migration.
With the exception of the designated wilderness area on Monomoy NWR
that incorporates North and South Monomoy Islands and Minimoy Island,
the threats identified within Unit MA-2 include disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including
pets and domestic animals, powered and unpowered boats, surf kites, and
surf fishing. Predation (especially by migrating raptors and owls) and
human-caused or natural disasters may affect the entire unit. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of
activities), and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills with
protective spill response plans and training (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). Management that benefits rufa red
knots or their habitat in this unit currently occurs primarily on
Federal lands, which are managed under the 2016 Monomoy NWR
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2016b, entire). Ongoing
research occurs throughout this unit as funds and staffing allow.
Unit NY-1: Moriches Inlet
Unit NY-1 consists of 1,001 ac (405 ha) of highly dynamic beach,
sand flats, bay islands, back bay shoreline, intertidal areas, and
surface water within the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton, Suffolk
County, New York. Lands within this unit include approximately 78 ac
(32 ha; 8 percent) in Federal ownership; 63 ac (25 ha; 6 percent) in
State ownership, 163 ac (66 ha; 16 percent) in private/other (including
the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton) ownership, and 697 ac (282 ha;
70 percent) that are uncategorized. The unit is irregularly shaped and
bounded to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by West Inlet
Island (Brookhaven), and to the east by the sand spit north of the
Village of West Hampton Dunes (Southampton). Its northern boundary lies
approximately in the middle of Moriches Bay at the widest portion of
the unit. Additionally, the northern and southern areas of the unit are
not contiguous, as they are separated by a vegetated dune, parking lot,
and roadway system. General land use within this unit is recreational
activities (e.g., fishing, bird watching, boating, open space use) and
commercial shell fishing. Coastal engineering structures are generally
limited to the inlet jetty and revetment along the north side of
Cupsogue Beach (stretches from Riches Inlet to the border of the
Village of West Hampton Dunes), but beach nourishment programs are
implemented along the ocean beach by the Corps (via coordination and
agreements with the State of New York and Suffolk County).
Unit NY-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. The area has a relatively undeveloped character that
provides protection from intensive human uses. Episodic storm events
have also contributed to habitat creation, and, in turn, optimal rufa
red knot habitat conditions. The bay islands and associated wetlands
are managed for wildlife, which provides some limits to the amount of
disturbance that rufa red knots or their habitat may experience from
recreation and other human activities (e.g., commercial shell fishing,
dredging, and shoreline dock/pier projects).
Threats identified within Unit NY-1 include: (1) Sea level rise;
(2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., beach nourishment; jetty
maintenance; and dredging that could remove habitat, preclude the
formation of habitat such as exposed shoals, and impact adjacent
shoreline habitats by altering currents and sediment transport/
deposition patterns); (3) predation in nonbreeding areas; and (4) human
disturbance (e.g., recreational fishing and driving, and motorized boat
traffic or aircraft that create noise disturbance). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include reducing disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles,
watercraft), conducting predator control, and implementing conservation
measures that help reduce modification or loss of habitat from hard and
soft beach stabilization efforts (e.g., time-of-year restrictions for
beach nourishment and dredging activities, establishing temporary
sanctuaries and management during certain times of year to address
erosion) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
State lands (both marine and estuarine habitats within this unit) are
managed in cooperation with the New York State Wildlife Action Plan
(New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 2015, entire).
Additionally, the designated South Shore Estuary Reserve implements a
Comprehensive Management Plan (South Shore Estuary Reserve Council
2001, entire), which encompasses both Units NY-1 and NY-2, and serves
as a guidance document for municipalities and private/public sectors to
conserve or protect habitats and waters within the Reserve.
[[Page 37436]]
Unit NY-2: Jones Inlet
Unit NY-2 consists of 1,821 ac (737 ha) in two areas within the
Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. This unit is composed of
ocean beach habitat, sand flats, bay islands, and small embayments. It
is irregularly shaped and is bounded to the south by the Atlantic
Ocean, to the west by Point Lookout, to the north by a line running in
Hempstead Bay, and to the east at the eastern extent of Zachs Bay. The
northern and southern areas of the unit are not contiguous, as they are
separated by a vegetated dune, parking lot, and roadway system. Lands
within NY-2 include approximately 710 ac (287 ha; 39 percent) in State
ownership and 1,111 ac (450 ha; 61 percent) that are under private/
other ownership. General land use includes recreational activities such
as bird watching, surfcast fishing, sunbathing, nature walks, swimming,
boat fishing, commercial and recreational fishing and shell fishing.
Coastal engineering structures, as well as docks and piers, are
generally limited to (or associated with) the Jones Inlet jetties and
revetments, Loop Parkway bridge, and along the north side of Jones
Island near the U.S. Coast Guard Station Jones Beach, and in Zach's
Bay.
Unit NY-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This location has a relatively undeveloped character
that provides protection from intensive human uses that occur
throughout the majority of Long Island and surrounding area. Episodic
storm events have also contributed to habitat creation, and, in turn,
optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions. The bay islands and
associated wetlands are managed for wildlife, which provides some
limits to the amount of disturbance that rufa red knots or their
habitat may experience from recreation, channel maintenance activities
(e.g., dredging and dredge material disposal), and vector control
activities (e.g., aerial mosquito spraying).
Threats identified within Unit NY-2 include: (1) Sea level rise;
(2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., jetty maintenance; dredging
that could remove habitat, preclude the formation of habitat such as
exposed shoals, and impact adjacent shoreline habitats by altering
currents and sediment transport/deposition patterns); (3) predation in
nonbreeding areas; and (4) human disturbance (e.g., recreational
fishing and driving, and motorized boat traffic or aircraft that create
noise disturbance). Special management considerations or protection
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include reducing
disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles, and watercraft), conducting
predator control, and implementing conservation measures that help
reduce modification or loss of habitat from hard and soft beach
stabilization efforts (e.g., time-of-year restrictions for beach
nourishment and dredging activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries
and management during certain times of year to address erosion) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands
(both marine and estuarine habitats within this unit) are managed in
cooperation with the New York State Wildlife Action Plan (New York
State Department of Environmental Conservation 2015, entire).
Additionally, the designated South Shore Estuary Reserve implements a
Comprehensive Management Plan (South Shore Estuary Reserve Council
2001, entire), which encompasses both this unit and Unit NY-1, and
serves as a guidance document for municipalities and private/public
sectors to conserve or protect habitats and waters within the Reserve.
Unit NY-3: Jamaica Bay
Unit NY-3 consists of a total of 5,458 ac (2,209 ha) in Queens
County, New York, and falls within a back bay that is primarily within
the NPS' Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Gateway National Recreation Area.
This unit is irregularly shaped and is bounded in the north by a line
running roughly between the northernmost bay islands and the mainland
of Long Island, in the west by a line running roughly between the
westernmost bay islands and the mainland of Long Island, in the east by
a line running offshore of East Pond, and in the south by a line
running between the southernmost bay islands and the Rockaway Barrier
Spit. Lands within NY-2 are all in Federal ownership. General land use
within this unit includes recreational activities (e.g., wildlife
viewing, bird watching, recreational fishing, and use of open space)
and development. Coastal engineering structures, as well as docks and
piers, are generally limited to the residential and commercial
development at Broad Channel and the railroad and bridge
infrastructure.
Unit NY-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site, in part due to its expansive wetlands and associated
flats that are protected from intensive human uses. Episodic storm
events have contributed to habitat creation, and, in turn, optimal rufa
red knot habitat conditions. The bay islands and associated wetlands
are managed for wildlife, which provides some limits to the amount of
disturbance that rufa red knots or their habitat may experience from
recreation, dredging, and dredge spoil deposition activities.
Threats identified within Unit NY-3 include: (1) Sea level rise;
(2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., jetty maintenance; dredging
that could remove habitat, preclude the formation of habitat such as
exposed shoals, and impact adjacent shoreline habitats by altering
currents and sediment transport/deposition patterns); (3) predation in
nonbreeding areas; and (4) human disturbance (e.g., recreational
fishing and driving, and motorized boat traffic or aircraft that create
noise disturbance). Special management considerations or protection
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include reducing
disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles, and watercraft), conducting
predator control, and implementing conservation measures that help
reduce modification or loss of habitat from hard and soft beach
stabilization efforts (e.g., time-of-year restrictions for beach
nourishment and dredging activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries
and management during certain times of year to address erosion) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). The Federal
lands are managed by the NPS via the NPS Gateway National Recreation
Area Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
dated April 2014 (NPS 2014a, entire), which provides a management plan
for Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (included, in part, in the proposed
critical habitat designation).
Unit NJ-1: Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets
Unit NJ-1 consists of 9,719 ac (3,933 ha) of beach, dune, shoals,
open water, and tidal marsh associated with two inlets (i.e., small
arms of the ocean) in Ocean and Atlantic Counties, New Jersey,
extending from the northern boundary of the Holgate Unit of Edwin B.
Forsythe (Forsythe) NWR, west to the ``Seven Islands'' portion of Great
Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, and south nearly to 15th Street
North in
[[Page 37437]]
Brigantine City. To the north, the unit encompasses the Holgate Unit of
the Forsythe NWR and includes several areas within the Great Bay
Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, owned by the State of New Jersey
(e.g., Seven Islands and other islands on either side of Great Bay
Boulevard south of Big Sheepshead Creek). The unit also includes
portions of Little Beach Island within the Forsythe NWR, and portions
of the North Brigantine Natural Area owned by the State of New Jersey.
This unit includes extensive areas of shoals and sand or mud flats,
which are generally owned by the State. Lands within this unit include
approximately 1,560 ac (632 ha; 16 percent) in Federal ownership, 3,187
ac (1,291 ha; 32 percent) in State ownership, 10 ac (4 ha; less than 1
percent) in private/other ownership, and 4,961 ac (2,006 ha; 51
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit is
almost entirely undeveloped and managed for wildlife and other natural
resource values, as well as recreation.
Unit NJ-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. This unit has an undeveloped
character that provides protection from intensive human uses. The lack
of hard structures and other coastal engineering practices in this unit
allows optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions to be created and
maintained by natural coastal processes, which is a condition that is
rare in the mid-Atlantic. The Little Egg Inlet is the only unmodified
inlet in New Jersey and one of only two unmodified inlets between
Montauk, New York, and Chincoteague, Virginia, a shoreline distance of
nearly 350 mi (563 km) (Rice 2016, pp. 24-25). Nearly all the lands in
the unit are managed for wildlife, which limits disturbance of rufa red
knots from recreation and other human activities.
Threats identified within Unit NJ-1 include: (1) Sea level rise
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural
coastal processes; (2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., ongoing
updrift beach nourishment; proposed enlargement of a terminal groin
immediately adjacent to the unit's northern limit; ongoing and proposed
dredging that could remove habitat (e.g., exposed shoals), preclude
habitat formation, and/or impact adjacent shoreline habitats by
altering sediment transport/deposition patterns); (3) aquaculture
leases; (4) predation in nonbreeding areas; and (5) human disturbance
(e.g., recreational fishing and driving in the fall, motorized boat
traffic and aircraft year round). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
managing sources of disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles,
watercraft, and aircraft), managing predator populations, and
implementing conservation measures to abate habitat impacts from
coastal engineering projects and from sea level rise (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this
unit are managed under the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (Service 2004a, entire). State lands within the North
Brigantine Natural Area are covered by a Beach Management Plan (Service
and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 2019, entire).
Unit NJ-2: Seven Mile Beach
Unit NJ-2 consists of 536 ac (217 ha) of sandy ocean-front beach in
Avalon and Stone Harbor Boroughs, Cape May County, New Jersey, from the
jetty at 8th Street in Avalon near Townsends Inlet and extending south
to 102nd Street in Stone Harbor. The western boundary of the unit is
landward of the beach and primary dune along the vegetation line where
the habitat changes from sandy beach or dune with little vegetation to
dense herbaceous or shrub vegetation or along developed structures when
present. The eastern boundary includes emergent sand shoals and sand
flats exposed at low tide. All lands within this unit are in private/
other ownership. General land use within this unit includes tourism and
recreation; the beach abuts high-density residential and commercial
development and features many private and public beach access points.
Unit NJ-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound
stopover site.
Threats identified within Unit NJ-2 include: (1) Coastal
engineering activities (e.g., existing hard stabilization structures,
ongoing beach nourishment and sediment backpassing, ongoing sand
fencing and vegetation planting); (2) existing coastal development that
may block beach migration as sea level rise accelerates; (3) beach
cleaning; (4) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., human-supported
feral cat concentrations and other human-commensal predators such as
gulls and domestic cats); and (5) human disturbance (e.g., life-guarded
bathing beaches in late spring and summer, recreational fishing and
driving in fall, personal watercraft, aircraft including low and slow-
flying ``banner'' (advertisement) planes). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include sediment management to maintain habitat features
such as wide beaches and high prey densities, managing predator
populations, addressing beach management practices such as beach
cleaning and sand fencing, and managing disturbance from recreation and
other human activities (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). All beaches in this unit are covered by Beach
Management Plans (Avalon Borough Department of Public Works and the
Avalon Environmental Commission 2008, entire; Stone Harbor Borough
2009, entire).
Unit NJ-3: Hereford Inlet
Unit NJ-3 consists of 1,631 ac (660 ha) of sandy oceanfront
beaches, unstabilized barrier peninsula, undeveloped marsh islands, and
several areas of tidal flats and shoals in Cape May County, New Jersey,
extending along the ocean from 111th Street in Stone Harbor Borough
south to 22nd Avenue in North Wildwood City. The unit also includes
areas behind the barrier island in Middle Township, Stone Harbor, and
North Wildwood extending from Stone Harbor Boulevard south along Great
Channel to Nummy Island and the southern shoreline of Grassy Sound
Channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 175 ac (71 ha; 11
percent) in State ownership, 735 ac (297 ha; 45 percent) in private/
other ownership, and 721 ac (292 ha; 44 percent) that are
uncategorized. General land use within this unit varies from
intensively developed recreational beaches along parts of the ocean
front, to mixed management (i.e., the Stone Harbor Point municipal
conservation area managed for both wildlife and lower intensity,
passive recreation), to conservation lands (i.e., the Cape May Coastal
Wetlands Wildlife Management Area owned by the State of New Jersey).
The unit also includes privately and municipally owned undeveloped
marshes, as well as tidal shoals and flats that are generally owned by
the State.
Unit NJ-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of
[[Page 37438]]
rufa red knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as
an important northbound and southbound stopover site on the mid-
Atlantic Coast portion of the subspecies range. This unit also has
extensive areas of conservation lands that offer protection from
disturbance, as well as the unstabilized Stone Harbor Point peninsula.
The peninsula not only supports migrants moving primarily along the
Atlantic Coast, but is also well documented as among the most important
roosting areas for those spring migrants that forage primarily in
Delaware Bay (Sitters 2005, pp. 1-12).
Threats identified within Unit NJ-3 include: (1) Sea level rise
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural
coastal processes; (2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., existing
hard stabilization structures, ongoing beach nourishment, dredging for
beach nourishment and navigation); (3) existing coastal development
that may block habitat migration as sea level rise accelerates; (4)
beach cleaning; (5) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., peregrine
falcons, human-commensal predators); and (6) human disturbance (e.g.,
life-guarded bathing beaches, fishing, motorized boat traffic including
personal watercraft, aircraft including low and slow-flying banner
planes). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include implementing sediment
management to maintain habitat features such as tidal flats, overwash
areas, and high prey densities; managing predator populations;
addressing beach management practices such as beach cleaning; and
managing disturbance from recreation and other human activities (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Portions of
the municipal beaches within Stone Harbor Borough, and all municipal
beaches within North Wildwood City, are covered by Beach Management
Plans (Terwilliger Consulting, Inc. 2008, entire; North Wildwood City
2018, entire).
Unit NJ-4: Two Mile Beach
Unit NJ-4 consists of 128 ac (52 ha) of sandy oceanfront beach in
Cape May County, New Jersey, from the northeastern boundary of the Two
Mile Beach Unit of Cape May NWR extending southwest to include all
beach portions of the U.S. Coast Guard Loran Support Unit, ending at
the eastern jetty of the Cape May Inlet. All lands within this unit are
in Federal ownership (NWR and U.S. Coast Guard). General land use
within this unit is primarily managed for wildlife, but also includes
compatible recreation and public access on the NWR beach, and certain
activities of the U.S. Coast Guard Loran Support Unit. Under an inter-
agency agreement, Cape May NWR staff manage sensitive beach species on
both the NWR and U.S. Coast Guard portions of the beach.
Unit NJ-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
along the mid-Atlantic Coast's portion of the subspecies range during
the winter period, providing important wintering habitat for foraging
and roosting. This area is significant as the northern-most winter
concentration area documented to date. Birds using this unit during the
late fall and early winter may be more vulnerable to disturbance due to
molting of the flight feathers.
Threats identified within Unit NJ-4 include: (1) Sea level rise,
(2) coastal engineering (e.g., existing hard structures, an overly
stabilized dune system), (3) predation in nonbreeding areas, and (4)
human disturbance (e.g., pedestrians, aircraft including low- and slow-
flying banner planes). Special management considerations or protection
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include management of
dunes, vegetation, predator populations, and human activity, including
foot and air traffic (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the
Cape May NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2004b, entire).
Unit NJ-5: Cape May Bayshore
Unit NJ-5 consists of 1,202 ac (487 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches,
flats, and shoals in Cape May County, New Jersey, from approximately
Cloverdale Avenue in Lower Township to the jetty on the south shore of
the mouth of Bidwell Creek in Middle Township. Lands within this unit
include approximately 133 ac (54 ha; 11 percent) in Federal ownership,
44 ac (18 ha; 4 percent) in State ownership, 167 ac (67 ha; 14 percent)
in private/other ownership, and 858 ac (347 ha; 71 percent) that are
uncategorized. Areas with narrow beaches adjoining developed human
communities (e.g., Pierces Point, Reeds Beach) are not included in the
unit. General land use within this unit includes residential
development, recreation, wildlife conservation, aquaculture, and
research.
Unit NJ-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This unit also has high concentrations of horseshoe crab
eggs, and wide tidal flats that are important foraging habitat.
Threats identified within Unit NJ-5 include: (1) Sea level rise
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural
coastal processes; (2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., existing
hard stabilization structures); (3) existing coastal development that
may block habitat migration as sea level rise accelerates; (4)
aquaculture; (5) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., peregrine
falcons); (6) vulnerable food resources (e.g., past overharvest of
horseshoe crabs), (7) timing asynchronies (e.g., warming bay waters or
erratic storms that change the peak timing of horseshoe crab spawning);
(8) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum port); and (9) human
disturbance (e.g., from personal watercraft and other motorized boats,
aircraft including low- and slow-flying banner planes; pedestrian
traffic is minimal due to a seasonal beach closure to public access).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, facilitated shoreline migration); management
of predator populations, aquaculture activities, and horseshoe crab
fisheries; oil spill response planning; and management of human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). Management plans are in place and
being actively implemented to address the horseshoe crab bait harvest
(ASMFC 2012, entire) and structural aquaculture of oysters and other
native bivalves (Service 2016a, entire). Federal lands in this unit are
managed under the Cape May NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service
2004b, entire).
Unit NJ-6: Dennis Creek
Unit NJ-6 consists of 279 ac (113 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches,
flats, and shoals in Cape May County, New Jersey, from the northern
shore of Bidwell Creek north to about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) north of Dennis
Creek. All lands within this unit are in State ownership, managed by
the State of New Jersey as the Dennis Creek Wildlife Management Area.
General land use within this unit
[[Page 37439]]
includes natural resource conservation and recreation.
Unit NJ-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This unit also has high concentrations of horseshoe crab
eggs and an undeveloped character that allows the operation of natural
coastal processes and limits disturbance of rufa red knots from human
activity.
Threats identified within Unit NJ-6 include: (1) Sea level rise
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural
coastal processes; (2) marsh loss and accelerated beach erosion from
historical agriculture practices (e.g., impoundments such as for salt
hay farming) (Smith et al. 2017b, p. 36); (3) predation in nonbreeding
areas (e.g., peregrine falcons); (4) vulnerable food resources (e.g.,
past overharvest of horseshoe crabs), (5) timing asynchronies (e.g.,
warming bay waters or erratic storms that change the peak timing of
horseshoe crab spawning); (6) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum
port); and (7) human disturbance. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
habitat management or restoration (e.g., living shorelines, raising
marsh elevations, facilitated shoreline migration); management of
predator populations and horseshoe crab fisheries; oil spill response
planning; and management of human activities that disturb foraging rufa
red knots (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
A management plan is in place and being actively implemented to address
the horseshoe crab bait harvest (ASMFC 2012, entire).
Unit NJ-7: Heislerville
Unit NJ-7 consists of 1,110 ac (449 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches,
flats, shoals, tidal marsh, and open waters in Cape May and Cumberland
Counties, New Jersey, from approximately 2,000 feet (ft) (0.6
kilometers (km)) east of West Creek in Dennis Township, Cape May County
and extending west to the eastern end of Bay Avenue in Maurice River
Township, Cumberland County. The developed area along Bay Avenue is
excluded from the unit. West of Bay Avenue, Unit NJ-7 continues north
to the mouth of Andrews Ditch in Maurice River Township. This unit also
includes a man-made impoundment within the Heislerville Wildlife
Management Area, which is owned by the State. Lands within this unit
include approximately 524 ac (211 ha; 47 percent) in State ownership,
459 ac (186 ha; 41.5 percent) in private/other ownership, and 127 ac
(52 ha; 11.5 percent) that are uncategorized. All State-owned lands in
this unit are managed by the State of New Jersey as the Heislerville
Wildlife Management Area. General land use within this unit is
undeveloped and includes natural resource conservation and recreation.
Unit NJ-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Specifically, the bayfront portions of this unit support
high concentrations of horseshoe crab eggs, and its undeveloped
character allows the operation of natural coastal processes and limits
disturbance of rufa red knots from human activity. Additionally, the
Heislerville impoundment portion of the unit serves as a critical
alternative to bayside habitats, for roosting during high tides when
bayfront beaches are narrow or submerged, or for foraging on
invertebrates at lower tides during times when horseshoe crab egg
availability on bayfront beaches is reduced.
Threats identified within Unit NJ-7 include: (1) Sea level rise
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural
coastal processes; (2) marsh loss and accelerated beach erosion from
historical agriculture practices (e.g., impoundments such as for salt
hay farming) (Smith et al. 2017b, p. 36); (3) predation in nonbreeding
areas (e.g., peregrine falcons) particularly at the Heislerville
impoundment; (4) vulnerable food resources (e.g., past overharvest of
horseshoe crabs), (5) timing asynchronies (e.g., warming bay waters or
erratic storms that change the peak timing of horseshoe crab spawning);
(6) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum port); and (7) human
disturbance (e.g., from personal watercraft and other motorized boats,
aircraft including low and slow-flying banner planes; pedestrian
traffic is minimal due to a seasonal beach closure to public access).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration; maintenance of the berms and water control
structures at the Heislerville impoundment); management of predator
populations and horseshoe crab fisheries; oil spill response planning;
and management of human activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). A
management plan is in place and being actively implemented to address
the horseshoe crab bait harvest (ASMFC 2012, entire).
Unit NJ-8: Egg Island
Unit NJ-8 consists of 1,955 ac (791 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches,
flats, shoals, tidal marsh, and open waters in Downe Township,
Cumberland County, New Jersey, from the mouth of Oranoaken Creek
extending south to Egg Island point, and then northwest to about 850 ft
(259 meters (m)) past Budney Avenue in the community of Fortescue.
Lands within this unit include approximately 1,908 ac (773 ha; 97
percent) in State ownership, 32 ac (13 ha; 2 percent) in private/other
ownership, and 14 ac (5 ha; less than 1 percent) that are
uncategorized. All State-owned lands in this unit are managed by the
State of New Jersey as the Egg Island Wildlife Management Area. General
land use within this unit is mostly undeveloped and includes natural
resource conservation and recreation, but with some areas adjoining
residential development.
Unit NJ-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit has a very high concentration of rufa red knot
during spring migration, serving as an important northbound stopover
site. This unit also has an undeveloped character that allows the
operation of natural coastal processes and limits disturbance of rufa
red knots from human activity, serving as one of two significant
primary roosting areas (along with Hereford Inlet) used by those rufa
red knots that forage in Delaware Bay each spring (Sitters 2005, pp. 1-
12).
Threats identified within Unit NJ-8 include: (1) Sea level rise
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural
coastal processes; (2) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., peregrine
falcons); (3) vulnerable food resources (e.g., past overharvest of
horseshoe crabs); (4) timing asynchronies (e.g., warming bay waters or
erratic storms that change the peak timing of horseshoe crab spawning);
(5) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum port); and (6) human
disturbance (e.g., from personal watercraft and other motorized boats,
aircraft including low and slow-flying banner planes). Special
management
[[Page 37440]]
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include habitat management or restoration (e.g., living
shorelines, facilitated shoreline migration), management of predator
populations and horseshoe crab fisheries, oil spill response planning,
and management of human activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). A
management plan is in place and being actively implemented to address
the horseshoe crab bait harvest (ASMFC 2012, entire).
Unit NJ-9: Newport Neck
Unit NJ-9 consists of 472 ac (191 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches,
flats, shoals, and tidal marsh in Downe and Lawrence Townships,
Cumberland County, New Jersey, from the north bank of the mouth of
Fortescue Creek extending northwest to include both sides of the mouth
of Nantuxent Creek. Beaches adjacent to the developed community of
Gandys Beach are not included in this unit. Lands within this unit
include approximately 202 ac (82 ha; 43 percent) in State ownership,
176 ac (71 ha; 37 percent) in private/other ownership, and 93 ac (38
ha; 20 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this
unit is undeveloped and includes natural resource conservation and
recreation, with much of the unit managed by the State of New Jersey as
the Fortescue Wildlife Management Area.
Unit NJ-9 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit has high concentrations of
horseshoe crab eggs, and its undeveloped character allows the operation
of natural coastal processes and limits disturbance of rufa red knots
from human activity.
Threats identified within Unit NJ-9 include: (1) Sea level rise
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural
coastal processes, (2) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., peregrine
falcons), (3) vulnerable food resources (e.g., past overharvest of
horseshoe crabs), (4) timing asynchronies (e.g., warming bay waters or
erratic storms that change the peak timing of horseshoe crab spawning),
(5) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum port), and (6) human
disturbance (e.g., from personal watercraft and other motorized boats,
aircraft including low and slow-flying banner planes; pedestrian
traffic is limited by a seasonal closure of certain beaches to public
access). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include habitat management or
restoration (e.g., living shorelines, facilitated shoreline migration),
management of predator populations and horseshoe crab fisheries, oil
spill response planning, and management of human activities that
disturb foraging rufa red knots (see Special Management Considerations
or Protection, above). A management plan is in place and being actively
implemented to address the horseshoe crab bait harvest (ASMFC 2012,
entire).
Unit DE-1: St. Jones River
Unit DE-1 consists of two subunits comprising 46 ac (19 ha) of the
St. Jones River area in Kent County, Delaware. This unit consists of
lands owned by the State of Delaware and private landowners.
Subunit DE-1A: St. Jones North
Subunit DE-1A consists of 43 ac (18 ha) of land in Kent County,
Delaware. The subunit begins in the north along the shoreline at the
end of South Bay Drive in South Kitts Hummock where there is a jetty
into Delaware Bay, and continues to the south where it meets the St.
Jones River inlet. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay
(i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide) and the western boundary runs
along the dune line where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated,
sandy beach to densely vegetated dunes or marsh. Lands within this
subunit are approximately 37 ac (15 ha; 86 percent) in State ownership
(Ted Harvey Wildlife Area), 3 ac (1 ha; 7 percent) of undeveloped beach
privately owned by Delaware Wildlands, a conservation organization, and
3 ac (1 ha; 7 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within
this subunit includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses
(e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and
scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for shorebirds).
Subunit DE-1A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site for foraging birds.
Threats identified within Subunit DE-1A include disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(i.e., beach nourishment and sediment disposal activities), and
modification or loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated
erosion of the beach. Special management considerations or protection
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include management of
beach nourishment projects to ensure work is done outside the time when
rufa red knots are present to avoid disturbing birds and offset losses
from sea level rise (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands in this subunit are managed as part of
the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area (Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife
(DDFW) 2020a; entire), which restricts off-leash dogs, and provides
designated hunting and access points that do not include the beach area
used by foraging birds. This area is also designated as a National
Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) (Delaware NERR 2012, entire), which
provides for long-term research and monitoring of the site conditions.
Subunit DE-1B: St. Jones South
Subunit DE-1B consists of approximately 3 ac (1 ha) of shoreline at
the south side of the inlet to the St. Jones River, Kent County,
Delaware. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e.,
the highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide), and the western boundary is where
the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within this subunit
include approximately 1 ac (0.5 ha; 47 percent) in State ownership and
approximately 2 ac (0.6 ha; 53 percent) in private/other ownership.
General land use within this subunit includes low-impact,
noncommercial, recreational day uses (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf
fishing, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., surveys and
monitoring for shorebirds).
Subunit DE-1B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site for foraging birds.
Threats identified within Subunit DE-1B include modification or
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the
beach. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include management of beach
nourishment and
[[Page 37441]]
sediment disposal on eroding beaches with the project design and timing
of work designed to minimize bird disturbance, and offset losses from
sea level rise (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above).
Unit DE-2: Brokonbridge Gut
Unit DE-2 consists of two subunits comprising 163 ac (66 ha) in the
area where Brokonbridge Gut enters the Delaware Bay in Kent County,
Delaware. This unit consists of lands owned by the State of Delaware
and private landowners.
Subunit DE-2A: North Brokonbridge Gut
Subunit DE-2A consists of approximately 93 ac (37 ha) of shoreline
between the north side of the Brokonbridge Gut inlet to the south side
of the Murderkill River inlet, Kent County, Delaware. The eastern
boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly dynamic
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide), and the western boundary is where the sandy
beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within this subunit are primarily
in private/other ownership (91 ac (37 ha); 98 percent) with a small
portion (2 ac; 1 ha; 2 percent) owned by the State. Approximately 15
percent of the shoreline is in front of private homes and includes
South Bowers Beach; the remaining 85 percent is undeveloped beach that
is privately owned. General land use within this unit includes low-
impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses (e.g., hiking, bird
watching, surf fishing, and photography) and scientific research (e.g.,
surveys and monitoring for shorebirds).
Subunit DE-2A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site for foraging birds.
Threats identified within Subunit DE-2A include disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(i.e., beach nourishment and sediment disposal activities), and
modification or loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated
erosion of the beach. Special management considerations and protection
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include management of
beach nourishment and sediment disposal on eroding beaches with the
project design and timing of work designed to minimize bird
disturbance, and offset losses from sea level rise (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Subunit DE-2B: South Brokonbridge Gut
Subunit DE-2B consists of approximately 70 ac (29 ha) of shoreline
at the south side of the inlet to Brokonbridge Gut, Kent County,
Delaware. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e.,
the highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide), and the western boundary is where
the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. All lands within this subunit
are private/other ownership. This private land area is primarily owned
and protected by a private conservation organization (Delaware
Wildlands) 52 ac (21 ha; 74 percent), with the remaining approximately
18 ac (7 ha; 16 percent) as private, undeveloped land. This is a long
stretch of undeveloped beach. General land use within this subunit
includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses (e.g.,
hiking, bird watching, and photography) and scientific research (e.g.,
surveys and monitoring for shorebirds).
Subunit DE-2B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site for foraging birds.
Threats identified within Subunit DE-2B include modification or
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the
beach, and recreational activities. Special management considerations
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include:
(1) Beach nourishment and sediment disposal on eroding beaches with the
project design and timing of work designed to minimize bird
disturbance, and offset losses from sea level rise; and (2) minimizing
disturbance from recreational activities (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above).
Unit DE-3: Mispillion Harbor
Unit DE-3 consists of three subunits comprising 1,949 ac (789 ha)
in the Mispillion Harbor area where the Mispillion River and Cedar
Creek enter the Delaware Bay in Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware.
This unit consists of lands owned primarily by the State of Delaware,
with minor ownership by Federal and private/other.
Subunit DE-3A: Main Harbor
Subunit DE-3A consists of approximately 61 ac (25 ha) of shoreline
within the main harbor area and includes the rock sill and back beach
areas of Mispillion Harbor, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. The
eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly
dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) and the east side of the rock sill, and the
western boundary is where the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat and
the west side of the rock sill. Lands within this subunit include
approximately 32 ac (13 ha; 53 percent) in State ownership and 29 ac
(12 ha; 47 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within
this subunit includes recreational boat traffic related to the harbor
and birding and photography from the property of the Dupont Nature
Center. No walking or fishing from harbor structures is allowed.
Subunit DE-3A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. This location also provides high
concentrations of horseshoe crabs during the rufa red knot's spring
migration period, resulting in the Mispillion Harbor area supporting
the highest number of foraging rufa red knots of any area along the
Delaware coast.
Threats identified within Subunit DE-3A include modification or
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the
shoreline or harbor structures, and recreational activities. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats include beach nourishment and repairs to harbor structures
with the project design and timing of work designed to avoid bird
disturbance, and minimizing recreational disturbance (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands in this
subunit are managed as part of the Mispillion Marine Reserve with
restrictions that prevent fishing, crabbing, hunting, or walking on the
harbor structures and beach area, preventing disturbance to rufa red
knots (DDFW 2020b, entire).
Subunit DE-3B: Rawley Island Roost
Subunit DE-3B consists of approximately 1,298 ac (525 ha) of
shoreline and marsh on the north side
[[Page 37442]]
of the Mispillion River, extending north to Graco's Canal, Kent County,
Delaware. The western boundary is Crooked Gut, and the eastern boundary
is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). Lands within this subunit include approximately 1,139 ac (461
ha; 88 percent) in State ownership, 153 ac (62 ha; 12 percent) in
private/other ownership, and 6 ac (2 ha; less than 1 percent) that are
uncategorized. Private lands are owned by a combination of a private
conservation organization--The Nature Conservancy (TNC; 148 ac (60
ha))--with a small area of private, undeveloped land that has a
conservation easement. General land use within this subunit includes
low-impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses (e.g., hiking, bird
watching, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., surveys and
monitoring for shorebirds). Hunting occurs on the State land but
hunters are not present in the spring when rufa red knots are present.
Subunit DE-3B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site, and includes expansive wetlands for roosting
adjacent to the highest concentration of rufa red knots along the
Delaware coast (Zimmerman 2010, entire). This subunit also has high
concentrations of horseshoe crab eggs, and its undeveloped character
allows the operation of natural coastal processes that limit
disturbance of rufa red knots from human activity.
Threats identified within Subunit DE-3B include modification or
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the
beach, and recreational activities. Special management considerations
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing recreational disturbance and beach nourishment and sediment
disposal on eroding beaches, but as part of the Milford Neck Wildlife
Area, beach nourishment projects would be designed to minimize bird
disturbance (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). State lands in this subunit are managed by the Delaware
Division of Wildlife as part of their Milford Neck Wildlife Area (DDFW
2020c, entire).
Subunit DE-3C: Slaughter Beach
Subunit DE-3C consists of approximately 590 ac (239 ha) of beach
shoreline, marsh, and harbor structures in Sussex County, Delaware. The
subunit extends from the eastern tip of the dike that outlines the
outer tip of the Mispillion Harbor, south along the sandy beach of
Slaughter Beach to the southern end of Isaacs Shore Drive. The western
boundary is where the lightly vegetated beach becomes marsh in the
northern portions of this subunit, or where property parcels end in the
southern portion of this subunit. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of
the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). Lands
within this subunit include approximately 1 ac (0.25 ha; less than 1
percent) in Federal ownership, 59 ac (24 ha; 10 percent) in State
ownership, 2 ac (1 ha; less than 1 percent) in private/other ownership,
and 528 ac (213 ha; 89 percent) that are uncategorized. General land
use within this subunit includes low-impact, noncommercial,
recreational day uses (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and
photography) and scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for
shorebirds).
Subunit DE-3C is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site.
Threats identified within Subunit DE-3C include modification or
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the
beach, and recreational activities. Special management considerations
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
beach nourishment and sediment disposal on eroding beaches, and
minimizing recreational disturbance (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). This area is a public beach owned
by the State of Delaware and while it does not have a specific
management plan, it has been designated a horseshoe crab sanctuary by
the Ecological Research and Development Group, a non-profit
conservation organization.
Unit DE-4: Prime Hook
Unit DE-4 consists of approximately 549 ac (222 ha) of beach
shoreline and associated marsh in Sussex County, Delaware. The northern
boundary is about 1 mi (1.6 km) north of Fowler Beach road, the
southern boundary is the end of South Bayshore Drive, the eastern
boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly dynamic
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide), and the western boundary in the northern
portion of the unit runs along the dune line where the habitat changes
from lightly vegetated sandy beach to densely vegetated dunes or marsh.
The western boundary of the central portion of this unit includes marsh
and shallow open water areas where birds can roost overnight and
forage. The western edge of the southern portion of the unit is where
property parcels end at the beach. Lands within this unit include
approximately 480 ac (195 ha; 87 percent) in Federal ownership (Prime
Hook NWR), 6 ac (2 ha; 1 percent) in private/other ownership, and 63 ac
(25 ha; 12 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within
this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses
(e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and
scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for shorebirds).
Unit DE-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site.
Threats identified within Unit DE-4 include modification or loss of
habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the beach, and
recreational activities. Special management considerations or
protection measures include a commitment to shorebird conservation and
management (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above), including implementation of the Prime Hook NWR Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (Service 2013, entire). Any projects on the refuge
would be designed and timed to avoid the time of year rufa red knots
are present.
Unit VA-1: Assateague Island
Unit VA-1 consists of 2,817 ac (1,140 ha) of Assateague Island in
Accomack County, Virginia, from the Virginia-Maryland State line south
to the area known as ``The Hook,'' a wide peninsula that curves
northwest. The western boundary is along the dune line where the
habitat changes from sandy beach with little vegetation to densely
vegetated dunes or marshland, as well as densely vegetated forested or
herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and primary dune. The
eastern
[[Page 37443]]
boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in
(7.6 cm) of water. With the exception of a 27-ac (11-ha) tract owned by
the NPS, the remainder of the unit is owned by the Service's
Chincoteague NWR. The NPS also manages an overlay easement within the
NWR as a public beach that is part of the Assateague Island National
Seashore. All lands within this unit are federally owned. General land
use within this unit includes low-impact recreational day use (e.g.,
hiking, bird watching, photography, and shell collecting), and high-
impact recreational beach use within designated areas (e.g., swimming,
sunbathing, fishing, and ORVs). In addition, scientific research (e.g.,
survey and monitoring of natural resources, such as federally listed
species) may occur year-round.
Unit VA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, rufa red knots
have been documented during the winter period at this location during
the time of year that birds are seeking to build energy sources for
migration; however, the number of birds observed during this period are
not large enough to also meet the winter criteria.
Threats identified within Unit VA-1 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g.,
swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and ORVs), (2) natural (e.g.,
hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (3)
accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in
response to sea level rise. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities), and establishing temporary
sanctuaries and management during certain times of year to address
erosion) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Currently, Chincoteague NWR addresses some of these threats in their
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2015, entire) and the
Memorandum of Understanding between the NWR and NPS (Service and NPS
2017, entire).
Unit VA-2: Wallops Island
Unit VA-2 comprises two subunits (totaling 571 ac (231 ha)) owned
and managed by NASA as part of the Wallops Flight Facility located in
Accomack County. This unit (including both subunits) are being
considered for exclusion under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.
Subunit VA-2A: Wallops Island North
Subunit VA-2A consists of 540 ac (218 ha) of Wallops Island in
Accomack County, Virginia. The north and east boundaries of the subunit
are Chincoteague Inlet and seaward past the MLLW line, including
dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3
in (7.6 cm) of water. The western boundary is along the marsh line
where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and
exposed peat with little vegetation to densely vegetated marshland,
peat banks, or densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation
landward of the beach and primary dune. The southern boundary tapers to
a point ending at the northern end of the facility's sea wall
structure, extending past the MLLW line and including the areas that
are slightly inundated with less than 3 in (7.5 cm) of water. All lands
within this subunit are federally owned by NASA. General land use
within this subunit includes rocket and drone launches, drone and
aircraft flights, recreational beach uses (e.g., swimming, sunbathing,
ORVs), beach renourishment and seawall repair, protected species
management, facility maintenance and construction, and educational use.
Subunit VA-2A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site.
Threats identified within Subunit VA-2A include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots from recreational beach use (e.g.,
swimming, sunbathing, ORVs), (2) natural disasters (i.e., hurricanes),
(3) predation, (4) noise disturbance from overflights of unmanned
aerial vehicles and rocket launches, and (5) accelerated loss of
shoreline habitat from erosional processes in response to climate
change and sea level rise. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities), conducting predator control,
implementing conservation measures that help reduce modification or
loss of habitat from hard and soft beach stabilization efforts (e.g.,
time-of-year restrictions for beach nourishment and dredging
activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during
certain times of year to address erosion) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). This area is currently managed
under the Wallops Island Protected Species Management Plan (NASA 2020a,
entire).
Subunit VA-2B: Wallops Island South
Subunit VA-2B consists of 31 ac (13 ha) of Wallops Island in
Accomack County, Virginia. The northern boundary is the end of the road
south of the old runway, the southern boundary is Assawoman Creek, the
western boundary is along the marsh line where the habitat changes from
lightly vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat with little vegetation
to densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or densely forested or
herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and primary dune, and the
eastern boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in
(7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this subunit are federally owned by
NASA. General land use within this subunit includes rocket and drone
launches, drone and aircraft flights, beach renourishment and seawall
repair, protected species management, facility maintenance and
construction, ORV activity, and educational use.
Subunit VA-2B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Rufa red knots are observed in Subunit VA-2B,
however, specific counts within the subunit were not available and
given the high concentrations of rufa red knots on abutting Assawoman
Island (Unit VA-3), this subunit was included.
Threats identified within Subunit VA-2B include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by ORVs, (2) natural (e.g.,
hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, (3) noise
disturbance from overflights of unmanned aerial vehicles and rocket
launches, and (4) accelerated loss of
[[Page 37444]]
shoreline habitat from erosional processes in response to climate
change and sea level rise. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities), conducting predator control,
implementing conservation measures that help reduce modification or
loss of habitat from hard and soft beach stabilization efforts (e.g.,
time-of-year restrictions for beach nourishment and dredging
activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during
certain times of year to address erosion (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). This area is currently managed
under the Wallops Island Protected Species Management Plan (NASA 2020a,
entire).
Unit VA-3: Assawoman Island
Unit VA-3 consists of 633 ac (256 ha) of Assawoman Island in
Accomack County, Virginia, from Assawoman Creek south to Kegotank Creek
and Gargathy Inlet and extends east past the MLLW line, including
dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3
in (7.6 cm) of water. The western boundary is formed by Houseboat
Creek, a section of Egg Marsh, and Kegotank Bay. All lands within this
unit are federally owned by Chincoteague NWR. General land use within
this unit includes low-impact recreational day use (during those times
of year when permitted) such as hiking, bird watching, photography, and
surf fishing. Under current management, the island is closed to
recreation March 15th to September 15th to provide undisturbed habitat
for nesting birds. Scientific research (e.g., survey and monitoring of
natural resources, such as federally listed species) may occur year-
round.
Unit VA-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Rufa red knots have also been documented at this
location during the fall migration period, although not in large enough
numbers to also meet the fall migration period criteria.
Threats identified within Unit VA-3 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots, including recreational beach use
(e.g., surf fishing), (2) natural (e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused
(e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (3) modification or loss of habitat
including accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional
processes in response to climate change and sea level rise. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). This area is currently managed under the
Chincoteague and Wallops Island NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(Service 2015, entire).
Unit VA-4: Metompkin Island
Unit VA-4 consists of 1,467 ac (594 ha) of Metompkin Island in
Accomack County, Virginia, from Kegotank Creek and Gargathy Inlet south
to the mouth of Folly Creek. The western boundary is formed by the
Virginia Inside Passage of the Intercoastal Waterway and Metompkin Bay
and includes extensive areas of overwash and low marsh areas along the
western boundary. The eastern boundary extends seaward past the MLLW
line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated
with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include
approximately 64 ac (26 ha; 5 percent) in Federal ownership
(Chincoteague NWR), 56 ac (22 ha; 4 percent) in State ownership, and
1,239 ac (502 ha; 84 percent) in private/other (TNC) ownership, and 110
ac (44 ha; 7 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within
this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational beach use
(e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and
scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for nesting
shorebirds).
Unit VA-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
(one of the highest in Virginia) during the spring migration period,
serving as an important northbound stopover site. Rufa red knots also
use this island during the fall migration period as a southbound
stopover site, as well as during the winter period to build energy
sources for migration, but not in large enough numbers to also meet the
criteria for fall and winter periods. Additionally, this area harbors
peat banks, which are heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
Threats identified within Unit VA-4 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g.,
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) natural
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and
(3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The majority of the island is part of the Virginia
Coast Reserve (i.e., reserve lands owned and managed by TNC),
management of which is identified in a Conservation Action Plan that
outlines priorities and strategies for conservation activities (Wilke
2020, pers. comm.). During the shorebird breeding season (March 15 to
August 31), the southern islands are managed in partnership with the
Commonwealth of Virginia, TNC, and the Service to reduce disturbance,
thereby increasing productivity (Service 2015, pp. 2-9). The State-
owned portion of this unit is ungranted State land managed by the
Virginia Marine Resources Commission under the Virginia Administrative
Code (Va. Code Sec. 4-1030).
Unit VA-5: Cedar Island
Unit VA-5 consists of 2,274 ac (920 ha) of Cedar Island in Accomack
County, Virginia, from an inlet between Cedar Island and the southern
end of Metompkin Island south to Wachapreague Inlet. The western
boundary is along the marsh line where the habitat changes from lightly
vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat with little vegetation to
densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or densely vegetated forested
or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and primary dune, or
open water including Burtons Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward
past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well
[[Page 37445]]
as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of
water. Lands within this unit include approximately 203 ac (82 ha; 9
percent) in Federal ownership, 77 ac (31 ha; 4 percent) in State
ownership, 920 ac (372 ha; 40 percent) in private/other ownership, and
1,074 ac (434 ha; 47 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use
within this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational beach
use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and
scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for nesting
shorebirds).
Unit VA-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this location harbors peat banks, which
are heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
Threats identified within Unit VA-5 include: (1) Recreational beach
use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2)
natural (e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills)
disasters, and (3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional
processes in response to climate change and sea level rise. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The majority of the island is part of TNC's
Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.). During the shorebird
breeding season (March 15 to August 31), the southern islands are
managed in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, TNC, and the
Service to reduce disturbance, thereby increasing productivity (Service
2015, pp. 2-9). The State-owned portion of this unit is ungranted State
land managed by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission under the
Virginia Administrative Code (Va. Code Sec. 4-1030).
Unit VA-6: Parramore Island
Unit VA-6 consists of 6,802 ac (2,753 ha) of Parramore Island in
Accomack County, Virginia, from Wachapreague Inlet south to Quinby
Inlet. The western boundary is Horseshoe Lead, Drawing Channel, Swash
Bay, and Revel Island Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward past
the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit
include approximately 5,631 ac (2,280 ha; 83 percent) in private/other
ownership and 1,171 ac (473 ha; 17 percent) that are uncategorized.
General land use within this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial,
recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and
photography), and scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for
nesting shorebirds).
Unit VA-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this location harbors peat banks, which
are heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
Threats identified within Unit VA-6 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g.,
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) natural
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and
(3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times
of year to address erosion) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The island is managed by TNC as part of TNC's
Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).
Unit VA-7: Chimney Pole Marsh
Unit VA-7 consists of 2,004 ac (811 ha) of Chimney Pole Marsh and
the southern portion of Sandy Island in Accomack County, Virginia,
within the area of Quinby Inlet and west of the gap between Parramore
and Hog Islands. This unit is composed of mud flats, low marsh, sandy
beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. The boundary of the unit
on all sides extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in
(7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,224
ac (496 ha; 61 percent) in State ownership, 285 ac (116 ha; 14 percent)
in private/other ownership, and 495 ac (200 ha; 25 percent) that are
uncategorized. General land use of ungranted State lands in this unit
include recreational activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, clamming,
oystering, crabbing, picnicking, beachcombing, birdwatching).
Unit VA-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this location is a presumed night roost
site (Cohen et al. 2010b in Heller 2020, p. 90).
Threats identified within Unit VA-7 include: (1) Recreational use
(e.g., hunting, trapping, camping), (2) natural (e.g., hurricanes) or
human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (3) accelerated loss of
shoreline habitat from erosional processes in response to climate
change and sea level rise. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities), and establishing temporary
sanctuaries and management during certain times of year to address
erosion (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
This unit is primarily ungranted State land managed by the Virginia
Marine Resources Commission under the Virginia Administrative Code (Va.
Code Sec. 4-1030). Sandy Island is managed by TNC as part of TNC's
Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).
Unit VA-8: Hog Island
Unit VA-8 consists of 3,235 ac (1,309 ha) of Hog Island in
Northampton County, Virginia, bounded by the Quinby Inlet to the north
and Great Machipongo Inlet to the south. The
[[Page 37446]]
western boundary is along the marsh line where the habitat changes from
lightly vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat with little vegetation
to densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or densely vegetated
forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and primary
dune, or open water including Hog Island Bay. The eastern boundary
extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as
shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of
water. Lands within this unit include approximately 16 ac (7 ha; less
than 1 percent) in State ownership, 2,966 ac (1,201 ha; 92 percent) in
private/other ownership, and 253 ac (101 ha; 7.8 percent) that is
uncategorized. General land use within this unit includes low-impact,
noncommercial, recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird watching,
surf fishing, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., surveys
and monitoring for nesting shorebirds).
Unit VA-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this location harbors peat banks, which
are heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
Threats identified within Unit VA-8 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g.,
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) natural
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and
(3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The island is managed by TNC as part of TNC's
Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.). The State-owned
portion of this unit is ungranted State land managed by the Virginia
Marine Resources Commission under the Virginia Administrative Code (Va.
Code Sec. 4-1030).
Unit VA-9: Cobb Island
Unit VA-9 consists of 2,342 ac (948 ha) of Cobb Island in
Northampton County, Virginia, bounded by Great Machipongo Inlet to the
north and Sandy Shoal Inlet to the south. The western boundary is
formed by Hog Island Bay, Spidercrab Bay, and Cobb Bay. The eastern
boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in
(7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include approximately 16 ac
(7 ha; less than 1 percent) in State ownership, 1,778 ac (720 ha; 76
percent) in private/other ownership, and 547 ac (221 ha; 23 percent)
that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit includes low-
impact, noncommercial, recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird
watching, surf fishing, and photography) and scientific research (e.g.,
surveys and monitoring for nesting shorebirds).
Unit VA-9 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site.
Threats identified within Unit VA-9 include: (1) Predation
(especially from peregrine falcons), (2) disturbance of foraging and
roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird
watching, surf fishing, and photography), (3) natural (e.g.,
hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (4)
accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The island is primarily managed by TNC as part of
TNC's Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.). The State-owned
portion of this unit is ungranted State land managed by the Virginia
Marine Resources Commission under the Virginia Administrative Code (Va.
Code Sec. 4-1030).
Unit VA-10: Little Cobb Island
Unit VA-10 consists of 82 ac (33 ha) of Little Cobb Island in
Northampton County, Virginia, and lies just west of the southern end of
Cobb Island and within the waters of Cobb Bay. The boundary of this
small island in all directions is the waters of Cobb Bay and the extent
of the boundary seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in
(7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this unit are in private/other
ownership. General land use within this unit is scientific research
(e.g., surveys and monitoring for nesting shorebirds); this area is
closed to visitor use at all times for scientific research and safety
reasons (TNC 2017, p. 1).
Unit VA-10 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site.
The threats identified within Unit VA-10 include: (1) Natural
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and
(2) erosional processes and accelerated loss of shoreline habitat in
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing scientific research activity access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during migration, and establishing temporary sanctuaries and management
during certain times of year to address erosion (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). The island is owned and managed
by TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is
identified in a Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and
strategies for conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).
Unit VA-11: Wreck Island
Unit VA-11 consists of 1,270 ac (514 ha) of Wreck Island in
Northampton County, Virginia, is bounded to the north by Sandy Shoal
Inlet and Red Drum Drain and New Inlet to the south. The western
boundary is South Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward
[[Page 37447]]
past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that
are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within
this unit are State owned and managed as Wreck Island Natural Area
Preserve. General land use within this unit includes recreational beach
use (e.g., fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and natural resource
surveys and monitoring.
Unit VA-11 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this area is a presumed night roost site
(Cohen et al. 2010 in Heller 2020).
Threats identified within Unit VA-11 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g.,
fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing), (2) invasive species, (3) natural
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and
(4) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Unit VA-11 is managed by the Virginia Department of
Conservation and Recreation under the Wreck Island Natural Area
Preserve Management Abstract (Field 2014, entire).
Unit VA-12: Myrtle Island
Unit VA-12 consists of 1,416 ac (573 ha) of Myrtle Island in
Northampton County, Virginia, and is composed of extensive mud flats,
low marsh, sandy beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. The north
boundary is Ship Shoal Inlet, the south boundary is Little Inlet, the
west boundary is Main Ship Shoal Channel and Big Creek Marsh, and the
east boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. The boundary for the island and
marsh complex extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in
(7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include 1,028 ac (417 ha; 73
percent) that are in private/other ownership and 388 ac (156 ha; 27
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit
includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational beach use (e.g.,
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and scientific
research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for nesting shorebirds).
Unit VA-12 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit harbors peat banks, which are
heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
Threats identified within Unit VA-12 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
including recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf
fishing, photography), (2) natural (e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused
(e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (3) accelerated loss of shoreline
habitat from erosional processes in response to climate change and sea
level rise. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of
activities), and establishing temporary sanctuaries and management
during certain times of year to address erosion (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). The island is owned and managed
by TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is
identified in a Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and
strategies for conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).
Unit VA-13: Smith Island
Unit VA-13 consists of 2,529 ac (1,024 ha) of Smith Island in
Northampton County, Virginia. It is bounded to the north by Little
Inlet, to the south by Smith Island Inlet, and to the west along the
dune line where the habitat changes from sandy beach with little
vegetation to densely vegetated dunes or marshland, as well as densely
vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and
primary dune, or open water including Magothy Bay. The eastern boundary
extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as
shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of
water. All lands within this unit are in private/other ownership.
General land use within this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial,
recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and
photography), and scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for
nesting shorebirds).
Unit VA-13 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Rufa red knots also use this island during the fall
migration period as a southbound stopover site, as well as during the
winter season period to build energy sources for migration, but not in
large enough numbers to also meet the criteria for fall and winter
periods.
Threats identified within Unit VA-13 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g.,
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) natural
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and
(3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The island is owned and managed by TNC as part of
the Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).
Unit NC-1: Outer Banks
Unit NC-1 consists of two subunits comprising 11,367 ac (4,600 ha)
in Dare and Hyde Counties, North Carolina. This unit consists of
Federal lands owned by the NPS and Service, and lands owned by the
State of North Carolina. This unit overlaps with occupied habitat and
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.
[[Page 37448]]
Subunit NC-1A: Hatteras Island and Shoals
Subunit NC-1A consists of 5,754 ac (2,329 ha) of Hatteras Island in
Dare County, North Carolina, from the southeast side of Oregon Inlet,
south along the ocean-facing side of the island (including Pea Island
NWR) to Cape Point in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. From Cape Point,
the subunit stretches along the ocean side of the island about 13.25 mi
(21 km) west to the east side of Hatteras Inlet. This subunit includes
from MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, that are associated
with the northeast side of Hatteras Inlet's navigable channel) to the
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the
rufa red knot, begins. Lands within this subunit include approximately
4,940 ac (1,999 ha; 86 percent) in Federal ownership (Cape Hatteras
National Seashore and Pea Island NWR), along with 814 ac (329 ha; 14
percent) that are uncategorized. Some portions of this subunit include
ocean-facing beaches in front of the villages of Rodanthe, Waves,
Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. General land use within this
subunit includes beach access for seasonal rental and residential
communities, recreational day uses (e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird
watching, swimming, surfing, surf fishing, horseback riding and
photography), commercial fishing, natural resource conservation, and
open space.
Subunit NC-1A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to conservation of the
species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period, providing an important wintering habitat
location in the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 936 ac
(379 ha) of this subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001; 73
FR 62816, October 21, 2008).
Threats identified within Subunit NC-1A include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Pamlico Sound (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands
within this subunit are managed under the 2006 Pea Island NWR
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2006a, entire) and under the
2016 Cape Lookout National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/
Environmental Impact Statement (National Park Service 2016, entire).
Subunit NC-1B: Ocracoke Island
Subunit NC-1B consists of 5,613 ac (2,271 ha) of Ocracoke Island in
Hyde County, North Carolina, from the southwest side of Hatteras Inlet
along the ocean-facing side of the island to the northeast side of
Ocracoke Inlet. This subunit also encompasses shallow areas and
mudflats within Pamlico Sound on the west side of Ocracoke Island near
Ocracoke Village. This subunit includes from MLLW (i.e., the highly
dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins, including the
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwest side of
Hatteras Inlet and the northeast side of Ocracoke Inlet, and the sand
and mud islands identified in Pamlico Sound northeast of Ocracoke
Village. Lands within this subunit include approximately 1,427 ac (577
ha; 25 percent) in Federal ownership (i.e., the entire ocean-facing
side of the Ocracoke Island, which is part of Cape Hatteras National
Seashore), 3,612 ac (1,462 ha; 65 percent) in State ownership (i.e.,
the shallow islands in Pamlico Sound on the north side of Ocracoke),
and 575 ac (233 ha; 10 percent) that are uncategorized. General land
use within this subunit includes recreational day uses (e.g.,
sunbathing, walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing, surf fishing,
horseback riding and photography), commercial fishing, natural resource
conservation, and open space.
Subunit NC-1B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound migration stopover site. Approximately 471 ac (190 ha) of
the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001; and 73 FR 62816,
October 21, 2008).
Threats identified within Subunit NC-1B include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Pamlico Sound (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands
within this subunit are managed under the 2010 Cape Hatteras National
Seashore ORV Management Plan and EIS (NPS 2010, entire), and State
lands are managed under the 2015 North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan
(State of North Carolina 2015, entire).
Unit NC-2: Core Banks
Unit NC-2 consists of two subunits comprising 11,281 ac (4,565 ha)
in Carteret County, North Carolina. This unit consists of Federal lands
owned by the NPS (Cape Lookout National Seashore). This unit partially
overlaps with occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover.
Subunit NC-2A: North Core Banks
Subunit NC-2A consists of 8,187 ac (3,313 ha) in Carteret County,
North Carolina. The north boundary of the subunit is the North Core
Banks side of the Ocracoke Inlet channel and the
[[Page 37449]]
south boundary is the North Core Banks side of the New Drum Inlet
channel, the west boundary is the toe of the primary dune or dense
vegetation line (where the physical or biological features do not
occur), and the east boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the
highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide). This subunit also includes MLLW on
Core Sound to the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean in washover areas
associated with Old Drum Inlet, all emergent sand shoals within the
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the North Core Banks
side of the Ocracoke Inlet channel, and the emergent sand shoals within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the North Core
Banks side of the New Drum Inlet channel. Lands within this unit
include 6,534 ac (2,644 ha; 80 percent) that are Federal ownership
(Cape Lookout National Seashore) and 1,654 ac (669 ha; 20 percent) that
are uncategorized. General land use within this subunit includes
camping, recreational day uses (e.g., walking, bird watching, swimming,
surfing, surf fishing, and photography), natural resource conservation,
and open space.
Subunit NC-2A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for foraging and
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to
build energy sources for migration. Approximately 5,493 ac (2,223 ha)
of this subunit overlaps with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Subunit NC-2A include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Core and Pamlico Sound
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal
lands within this subunit are managed under the 2016 Cape Lookout
National Seashore ORV Management Plan/EIS (NPS 2016, entire).
Subunit NC-2B: South Core Banks
Subunit NC-2B consists of 3,094 ac (1,252 ha) in Carteret County,
North Carolina. The north boundary of the subunit is the South Core
Banks side of the New Drum Inlet Channel, the south boundary is at the
Power Squadron Spit excluding the jetty, the west boundary is at the
toe of the primary dune or dense vegetation line where the physical or
biological features do not occur, and the east boundary is MLLW on the
Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This subunit
also includes MLLW on Core Sound to the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean in
emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with the South Core Banks side of the New Drum Inlet
channel, and all emergent sand shoals associated with Cape Point. All
of the lands within this subunit are under Federal ownership (Cape
Lookout National Seashore). General land use within this subunit
includes camping, recreational day uses (e.g., walking, bird watching,
swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and photography), natural resource
conservation, and open space.
Subunit NC-2B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Approximately 873 ac (353 ha) of this subunit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001; and 73 FR 62816, October 21,
2008).
Threats identified within Subunit NC-2B include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration); managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Core Sound (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands within
this subunit are managed under the 2016 Cape Lookout National Seashore
ORV Management Plan/EIS (NPS 2016, entire).
Unit NC-3: Shackleford Island
Unit NC-3 consists of 4,972 ac (2,012 ha) including all of
Shackleford Island in Carteret County, North Carolina. The north
boundary is MLLW along Back Sound, Bald Hill, Johnson and Lighthouse
Bays south to dense vegetation where the physical or biological
features do not occur. The east boundary is the Shackleford Island side
of Barden Inlet channel, the south boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic
Ocean, and the west boundary is the Shackleford Island side of Beaufort
Inlet Channel. This unit includes emergent sand shoals within the
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Shackleford Island
side of the Barden Inlet channel, and the emergent sand shoals within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west side of
the Beaufort Inlet channel (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent
sand shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide).
All lands within this unit are in Federal ownership (Cape Lookout
National Seashore). General land use within this unit includes camping,
recreational day uses (e.g., walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing,
surf fishing, and photography), natural resource conservation, and open
space.
Unit NC-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This
[[Page 37450]]
unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the spring
migration period, serving as an important northbound stopover site.
Approximately 2,120 ac (858 ha) of this unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit NC-3 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Back Sound (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands within
this unit are managed under the 2016 Cape Lookout National Seashore ORV
Management Plan/EIS (NPS 2016, entire).
Unit NC-4: Emerald Isle-Atlantic Beach
Unit NC-4 consists of 2,030 ac (822 ha) of barrier island in
Carteret County, North Carolina, stretching about 23 mi (37 km) from
the Beaufort Inlet channel and Fort Macon State Park west to the
eastern side of the Bogue Inlet channel. Unit NC-4 includes from MLLW
to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by
the rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological features
no longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand shoals
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west
side of the Beaufort Inlet channel, not including the jetty, as well as
the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on
the east side of the Bogue Inlet channel. Lands within this unit
include approximately 1,908 ac (772 ha; 94 percent) in State ownership
and 122 ac (50 ha; 6 percent) in private/other ownership (which
includes 1 ac (0.5 ha) in local government ownership and 121 ac (49 ha)
in private ownership). General land use within this unit includes beach
access for seasonal rental and residential communities, recreational
day uses (e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing,
surf fishing, and photography), commercial fishing, and natural
resource conservation and open space.
Unit NC-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering
habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 258 ac
(104 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and
1,220 ac (494 ha) overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10,
2014).
Threats identified within Unit NC-4 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Bogue Sound (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands within
this unit are managed under the 2015 North Carolina Wildlife Action
Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).
Unit NC-5: New Topsail Inlet-Topsail Beach
Unit NC-5 consists of 1,612 ac (652 ha) of barrier island in Onslow
and Pender Counties, North Carolina, stretching about 23 mi (37 km)
from the west side of the New River Inlet channel west to the east side
of the New Topsail Inlet channel. This unit includes from MLLW to the
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the
rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological features no
longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand shoals within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west side of
the New River Inlet channel, as well as the emergent sand shoals within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of the New
Topsail Inlet channel. All lands within this unit are in private/other
ownership. General land use within this unit includes beach access for
seasonal rental and residential communities, recreational day uses
(e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing, surf
fishing, and photography), commercial fishing, and natural resource
conservation and open space.
Unit NC-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering
habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 121 ac (49
ha) of this unit overlap designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and
approximately 972 ac (393 ha) overlap with designated habitat for the
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10,
2014).
Threats identified within Unit NC-5 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; (4)
modification or loss of habitat or both due to residential and
commercial development; and (5) response to natural and human-caused
disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil spills). Special
[[Page 37451]]
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of
activities), conducting habitat management or restoration (e.g., living
shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated shoreline migration),
managing predator populations, managing human activities that disturb
foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment sources both within the
unit and the adjacent Topsail Sound (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above).
Unit NC-6: Cape Fear-Fort Fisher
Unit NC-6 consists of 1,986 ac (804 ha) of coastal barrier island
from Carolina Beach Inlet in New Hanover County, North Carolina to the
mouth of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The
north boundary of this unit is the northeast tip of Pleasure Island
south of Carolina Beach Inlet and the south boundary extends from the
tip of Cape Fear west approximately 3.4 mi (5 km) to the mouth of the
Cape Fear River. The west boundary is the toe of the primary dune or
where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins
and where the physical or biological features no longer occur. The east
boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean excluding groins and jetties.
This unit also includes all emergent sand shoals associated with the
tip of Cape Fear, the Cape Fear River south of Military Ocean Terminal
Sunny Point, and the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and
ebb-tidal deltas associated with southwest side of Carolina Beach Inlet
channel and the southwest tip of Bald Head Island. Lands within this
unit include approximately 1,713 ac (693 ha; 86 percent) in State
ownership and 274 ac (111 ha; 14 percent) in private/other ownership.
State lands in this unit contain parts of Fort Fisher State Recreation
Area and Zeke's Island Estuarine Reserve. General land use within this
unit includes beach access for seasonal rental and residential
communities, recreational day uses (e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird
watching, swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and photography), commercial
fishing, and natural resource conservation and open space.
Unit NC-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Approximately 480 ac (194 ha) of the unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and approximately 1,009 ac (408 ha)
overlap with designated habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead
sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit NC-6 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Myrtle Sound/Cape Fear
River (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
State lands within this unit are managed under the 2015 North Carolina
Wildlife Action Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).
Unit NC-7: Ocean Isle Beach
Unit NC-7 consists of 298 ac (120 ha) of barrier island in
Brunswick County, North Carolina, stretching about 6 mi (10 km) from
the west side of Shallotte Inlet to the east side of Tubbs Inlet. The
east boundary of this unit is the west side of Shallotte Inlet. The
south boundary is the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean, the west boundary is
the east side of Tubbs Inlet and the north boundary is the toe of the
primary dune or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa
red knot, begins and where the physical or biological features no
longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand shoals within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west side of
the Shallotte Inlet channel, as well as the emergent sand shoals within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of the Tubbs
Inlet channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 182 ac (73
ha; 61 percent) in State ownership and 116 ac (47 ha; 39 percent) in
private/other (municipal) ownership. General land use within this unit
includes beach access for seasonal rental and residential communities,
recreational day uses (e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird watching,
swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and photography), commercial fishing,
and natural resource conservation and open space.
Unit NC-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Approximately 29 ac (12 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit NC-7 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources within the unit (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands within this unit are managed under the
2015 North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).
Unit NC-8: Sunset Beach-Bird Island
Unit NC-8 consists of 384 ac (155 ha) of barrier island in
Brunswick County, North Carolina, stretching about 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from
the west side of Tubbs Inlet to the east side of Little River Inlet.
The east boundary of this unit is the west side of Tubbs Inlet. The
south boundary is the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean, the west boundary is
the east side of Little River Inlet and the north boundary is the toe
of the primary dune or where densely vegetated habitat, not
[[Page 37452]]
used by the rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological
features no longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand
shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the
west side of the Tubbs Inlet channel, as well as the emergent sand
shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of
the Little River Inlet channel, excluding the jetty. Lands within this
unit include approximately 345 ac (139 ha; 90 percent) in State
ownership and 39 ac (16 ha; 10 percent) in private/other ownership.
General land use within this unit includes beach access for seasonal
rental and residential communities, recreational day uses (e.g.,
sunbathing, walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing, surf fishing,
and photography), commercial fishing, and natural resource conservation
and open space.
Unit NC-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Approximately 61 ac (25 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit NC-8 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment
sources within the unit (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands within this unit are managed under the
Management Plan for the Bird Island Component of the North Carolina
Coastal Reserve (North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural
Resources Division of Coastal Management 2003, entire) and the 2015
North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).
Unit SC-1: Garden City Beach
Unit SC-1 consists of 616 ac (249 ha) of Garden City Beach in
Georgetown and Horry Counties, South Carolina. The northern boundary of
the unit begins at the Garden City pier in Horry County and extends
southwest to the northern side of Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County.
The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which includes the
highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. This unit
also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) within the
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the northeastern side
of Murrells Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include
approximately 267 ac (108 ha; 43 percent) in State ownership and 349 ac
(141 ha; 57 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use
within this unit includes residential development, tourism, and outdoor
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating).
Unit SC-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the
subspecies range during the winter period, providing important
wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
Approximately 57 ac (23 ha) of this unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit SC-1 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, running/walking/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with the response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of red knot
migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Unit SC-2: Huntington Beach State Park/Litchfield Beach
Unit SC-2 consists of 1,634 ac (661 ha) of Huntington Beach State
Park and Litchfield Beach in Georgetown County, South Carolina. The
unit boundary begins on the southern side of Murrells Inlet southwest
and extends southwest to the northern side of Midway Inlet. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW (which includes the highly dynamic
shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. This unit also
includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of
Murrells Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of Midway
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include approximately
80 ac (32 ha; 5 percent) in State ownership, which includes Huntington
Beach State Park, and 1,554 ac (629 ha; 95 percent) in private/other
ownership. General land use within this unit includes residential
development, tourism, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing,
boating, fishing, birdwatching, and hiking).
Unit SC-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the
subspecies range during the winter period, providing important
wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
Approximately 371 ac (150 ha) of this unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit SC-2 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, powered boats, running/walking/biking through or too
close to flocks of rufa red knots); (2) depredation by native and
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
[[Page 37453]]
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with the response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of red knot
migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed
under the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism's
(SCDPRT) 2019 South Carolina State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation
Plan (SCDPRT 2019, entire).
Unit SC-3: Sand and South Island Beaches
Unit SC-3 consists of 8,256 ac (3,341 ha) of Sand and South
Islands, barrier islands off the coast in Georgetown County, South
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the northeastern edge of South
Island in North Inlet behind North Island following the shoreline to
include Sand Island and continuing southwest to the southern tip of
South Island. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins.
This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed
inlet between Sand and South Islands and the northeastern side of North
Santee River Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include
approximately 7,843 ac (3,174 ha; 95 percent) in State ownership, 129
ac (52 ha; 2 percent) in private/other ownership, and 283 ac (115 ha; 3
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit
includes wildlife management as part of South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources' (SCDNR) Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Preserve
and outdoor recreational use (e.g., boating, fishing, birdwatching,
wildlife viewing).
Unit SC-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
migration stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S.
portion of the subspecies range. This unit also has remote boat-only
access and an undeveloped character that provides protection from
intensive human uses. Approximately 664 ac (269 ha) of this unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 475 ac (192 ha) of the
unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-3 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, running/walking through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion,
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with the response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing access to red knot foraging and
roosting habitat during migration, such as through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). State lands and waters within
this unit are managed under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan
(SCDNR 2015, entire).
Unit SC-4: Murphy Island Beach
Unit SC-4 consists of 8,312 ac (3,364 ha) and includes all of
Murphy Island, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County,
South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the South Santee River
shoreline of Murphy's Island and extends to the Alligator Creek
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins.
This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed
inlets along the shoreline of Murphy Island. Lands within this unit are
entirely in State ownership and SCDNR manages Murphy Island as part of
the Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area. General land use
within this unit includes wildlife management and outdoor recreational
use (e.g., boating, hunting, fishing, birdwatching).
Unit SC-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this
unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. This unit also has remote boat-only
access and an undeveloped character that provides protection from
intensive human uses. Approximately 253 ac (102 ha) of this unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-4 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa
red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands
and waters within this unit are managed under the SCDNR's State
Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).
Unit SC-5: North Cape Island Beach
Unit SC-5 consists of 1,270 ac (514 ha) of the entire northern
portion of Cape Island, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston
County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Cape Romain
Harbor shoreline of Cape Island and extends south to the shoreline
along the unnamed inlet between North Cape and South Cape Islands. The
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes
[[Page 37454]]
or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the northern side
of the navigable channel of the unnamed inlet between North Cape Island
and South Cape Island. Lands within this unit include approximately 775
ac (313 ha; 61 percent) in Federal ownership and 495 ac (200 ha; 39
percent) in State ownership. General land use within this unit includes
wildlife management as part of the Service's Cape Romain NWR and
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, hiking,
and birdwatching). North Cape Island is also classified as a Class I
Wilderness Area.
Unit SC-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of
the subspecies range. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses. Approximately 49 ac (20 ha) of this unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79
FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-5 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the
2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010a,
entire).
Unit SC-6: South Cape and Lighthouse Island Beaches
Unit SC-6 consists of 2,037 ac (824 ha) of the entire southern
portion Cape Island and all of Lighthouse Island, barrier islands off
the coast in Charleston County, South Carolina. The unit boundary
begins at the northern tip of South Cape Island in the unnamed inlet
between North Cape and South Cape Islands and extends to the western
tip of Lighthouse Island in Key Inlet. The unit includes all emergent
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southern side of the navigable channel
of the unnamed inlet between North Cape Island and South Cape Island
and the emergent sand shoals associated with Key Inlet. Lands within
this unit include approximately 1,552 ac (628 ha; 76 percent) in
Federal ownership and 485 ac (196 ha; 24 percent) in State ownership.
General land use within this unit includes wildlife management as part
of the Service's Cape Romain NWR and outdoor recreational use (e.g.,
beachgoing, boating, fishing, and birdwatching). South Cape Island is
also classified as a Class I Wilderness Area.
Unit SC-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of
the subspecies range. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses. Approximately 745 ac (302 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 324 ac (131 ha) of this unit overlap
with the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July
10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-6 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the
2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010a,
entire).
Unit SC-7: Raccoon Key Complex and White Banks Beaches
Unit SC-7 consists of 5,324 ac (2,154 ha) of the entire Raccoon Key
complex and White Banks, islands off the coast in Charleston County,
South Carolina. The unit boundary begins at the intersection of the
Romain River and Key Inlet side of Raccoon Key and extends to the
western edge of White Banks in Bulls Bay. The unit includes all
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed inlets in the
Raccoon Key complex. Lands within this unit are all in Federal
ownership. General land use within this unit includes wildlife
management as part of the Service's Cape Romain NWR and outdoor
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, and
birdwatching).
Unit SC-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site on the Southeastern U.S.
portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this unit contains a
high concentration of rufa red knots during
[[Page 37455]]
the winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the
northern Gulf coast for foraging and roosting during a time of the year
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
This unit is one of three units in South Carolina that supports rufa
red knots throughout the entire nonbreeding season (fall, winter, and
spring). The area also has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped
character that provides protection from intensive human uses.
Approximately 119 ac (48 ha) of this unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001), and 41 ac (17 ha) of this unit overlap with the
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10,
2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-7 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the
2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010a,
entire).
Unit SC-8: Marsh Island
Unit SC-8 consists of 415 ac (168 ha) of all of Marsh Island, an
island in Bulls Bay in Charleston County, South Carolina. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Marsh Island. Lands within
this unit include are all in Federal ownership. General land use within
this unit includes wildlife management as part of the Service's Cape
Romain NWR and seasonal outdoor recreational use (e.g., boating,
fishing, and birdwatching).
Unit SC-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of red knots
during the spring migration period, particularly in the spring when
horseshoe crabs are spawning, as well as a high concentration of rufa
red knots during the fall migration period (i.e., one of six units in
South Carolina that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots
during fall migration). The habitat in this unit serves as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site, in addition to the area having
remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that provides
protection from intensive human uses.
Threats identified within Unit SC-8 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities despite
the island being seasonally closed (e.g., off leash dogs, walking/
running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered boats);
(2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) modification or
loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled recreational access,
erosion and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with
response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
wintering and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access
to key rufa red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration
through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and
managing the collection of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use
(e.g., limiting location and timing of collection) (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this
unit are managed under the 2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (Service 2010a, entire).
Unit SC-9: Bulls Island Beach
Unit SC-9 consists of 6,141 ac (2,485 ha) of all of Bulls Island, a
barrier island of the coast in Charleston County, South Carolina. The
unit boundary begins on the Bulls Bay shoreline of Bulls Island and
extends southwest to the Price Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the northeastern side of
Price Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include
approximately 5,200 ac (2,104 ha; 85 percent) in Federal ownership and
941 ac (381 ha; 15 percent) in State ownership. General land use within
this unit includes wildlife management as part of the Service's Cape
Romain NWR and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating,
hunting, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching).
Unit SC-9 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of
the subspecies range. This unit also contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering
habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa
red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
Additionally, this unit has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped
character that provides protection from intensive human uses.
Approximately 206 ac (83 ha) of this unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit SC-9 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of
[[Page 37456]]
spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the
2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010a,
entire).
Unit SC-10: Capers Island Beach
Unit SC-10 consists of 2,534 ac (1,026 ha) of all of Capers Island,
a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South Carolina.
The unit boundary begins on the Price Inlet shoreline of Capers Island
and extends southwest to the Capers Inlet shoreline. The unit includes
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of
Price's Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of Capers
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit are entirely in State
ownership. General land use within this unit includes resource
management as part of SCDNR's Capers Island Natural Heritage Preserve
and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, hunting,
fishing, camping, and birdwatching).
Unit SC-10 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of
the subspecies range. This unit also contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering
habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa
red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
Additionally, this unit has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped
character that provides protection from intensive human uses.
Approximately 160 ac (65 ha) of this unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit SC-10 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).
Unit SC-11: Dewees Island Beach
Unit SC-11 consists of 1,812 ac (733 ha) of all of Dewees Island, a
barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South Carolina. The
unit boundary begins on the Capers Inlet shoreline of Dewees Island and
extends to the Dewees Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of Caper's Inlet's
navigable channel and the northeastern side of Dewees Inlet's navigable
channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 265 ac (107 ha;
15 percent) in State ownership and 1,547 ac (626 ha; 85 percent) in
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes
low-level residential development and outdoor recreational use (e.g.,
beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
Unit SC-11 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
in South Carolina and the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies
range during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat
for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots
are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
Threats identified within Unit SC-11 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed
under the 2015 Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan for
Unincorporated Charleston County (Charleston County 2015, entire).
Unit SC-12: Isle of Palms Beach
Unit SC-12 consists of 4,117 ac (1,666 ha) of all of the Isle of
Palms, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South
Carolina. The unit boundary begins at the Dewees Inlet shoreline of the
Isle of Palms and extends southwest to the Breach Inlet shoreline. The
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern
side of Dewees Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of
Breach Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include
approximately 754 ac (305 ha; 18 percent) in State ownership and 3,363
ac (1,361 ha; 82 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use
within this unit includes beach access for seasonal rental and
residential communities, and recreational day uses (e.g., beachgoing,
boating, fishing,
[[Page 37457]]
birdwatching) within the municipality of the City of Isle of Palms.
Unit SC-12 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site.
Threats identified within Unit SC-12 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed
under the 2017 Isle of Palms Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan
(City of Isle of Palms 2017, entire).
Unit SC-13: Sullivan's Island Beach
Unit SC-13 consists of 1,782 ac (721 ha) of all of Sullivan's
Island, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Breach Inlet shoreline of
Sullivan's Island and extends southwest to the Charleston Harbor
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot)
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the
southwestern side of Breach Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within
this unit include approximately 83 ac (34 ha; 5 percent) in Federal
ownership as part of the NPS's Ft. Moultrie (which is part of the Ft.
Sumter National Monument), 694 ac (281 ha; 39 percent) in State
ownership, and 1,005 ac (407 ha; 56 percent) in private/other
ownership. General land use within this unit includes beach access for
seasonal rental and residential communities, and recreational day uses
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, birdwatching) within the
municipality of the Town of Sullivan's Island.
Unit SC-13 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range.
Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration.
Threats identified within Unit SC-13 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Federal lands are managed under the Ft. Sumter
National Monument General Management Plan (NPS 2003, entire). Private/
other lands within this unit are managed under the 2019 Sullivan's
Island Comprehensive Plan (Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of
Governments 2019, entire).
Unit SC-14: Folly Beach
Unit SC-14 consists of 1,989 ac (805 ha) of the entire island of
Folly Beach, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Lighthouse Inlet shoreline of
Folly Beach and extends southwest to the Folly River shoreline. The
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern
side of Lighthouse Inlet's navigable channel and the Folly Beach side
of the Folly River Inlet's navigable channel between Folly Beach and
Bird Key. Lands within this unit are entirely in private/other land
ownership within the city limits of municipality of the City of Folly
Beach. General land use within this unit includes residential/
commercial development, county parks, tourism, and outdoor recreational
use (e.g., beachgoing, surfing, fishing, and boating).
Unit SC-14 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern
U.S. portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this unit contains
a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration. Approximately 254 ac (103 ha) of this unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-14 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
[[Page 37458]]
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed
under the 2015 City of Folly Beach Local Comprehensive Beach Management
Plan (City of Folly Beach 2015, entire).
Unit SC-15: Bird Key-Stono
Unit SC-15 consists of 294 ac (119 ha) of all of Bird Key-Stono, an
island in the mouth of the Stono Inlet in Charleston County, South
Carolina. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot)
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the
southwestern side of the Folly River Inlet. Lands within this unit are
entirely in State ownership. SCDNR manages Bird Key-Stono as a State
Seabird Sanctuary. General land use within this unit includes wildlife
management and outdoor recreational use (e.g., boating, fishing).
Unit SC-15 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This
unit also has remote boat-only access, seasonal closure, and an
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses. Approximately 70 ac (28 ha) of this unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001), and 1.4 ac (0.6 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-15 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).
Unit SC-16: Kiawah and Seabrook Island Beaches
Unit SC-16 consists of 11,250 ac (4,553 ha) of all of Kiawah Island
and a portion of Seabrook Island, barrier islands off the coast in
Charleston County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the
Stono Inlet shoreline of Kiawah Island and extends southwest to the tip
of the Seabrook Island shoreline in the North Edisto River. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the western side of the
Stono Inlet and all of Captain Sam's Inlet. Lands within this unit
include approximately 1,399 ac (566 ha; 5 percent) in State ownership
and 9,850 ac (3,986 ha; 95 percent) in private/other ownership within
the Town limits of the Town of Kiawah Island and the Town of Seabrook
Island. General land use within this unit includes residential
development, tourism, golf resorts, and outdoor recreational use (e.g.,
beachgoing, boating, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing).
Unit SC-16 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of
the subspecies range (i.e., the most important known spring migration
staging area in the Southeast). Additionally, this unit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period, providing
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. Approximately 1,591 ac (644 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 2,067 ac (836 ha) of this unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-16 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed
under the 2020 Town of Kiawah Island Local Comprehensive Beach
Management Plan (Town of Kiawah Island 2020, entire) and 2019 Town of
Seabrook Island Beach Management Plan (Town of Seabrook Island 2019,
entire).
Unit SC-17: Deveaux Bank
Unit SC-17 consists of 1,328 ac (538 ha) of all of Deveaux Bank, an
island in the mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County,
South Carolina. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the
rufa red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with
the mouth of the North Edisto River. Lands within this unit are
entirely in State ownership. General land use within this unit
[[Page 37459]]
includes wildlife management as a SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary and outdoor
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
Unit SC-17 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This
unit also has remote boat-only access, partial seasonal closure, and an
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses. Approximately 459 ac (186 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 664 ac (269 ha) of this unit overlap
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-17 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).
Unit SC-18: Edisto Island Beaches
Unit SC-18 consists of 1,743 ac (705 ha) of the beaches of Edisto
Island, a barrier island off the coast, including all of Botany Bay
Island, all of Botany Bay Plantation, all of Interlude Beach, all of
Edingsville Beach, and a portion of Edisto Beach State Park in
Charleston and Colleton Counties, South Carolina. The unit boundary
begins on the North Edisto River shoreline of Botany Bay Island and
extends southwest to the undeveloped eastern half of the beachfront
portion of Edisto Beach State Park southwest of Jeremy Inlet. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Frampton and Jeremy Inlets
and the unnamed inlet separating Interlude Beach and Botany Bay
Plantation. Lands within this unit include approximately 650 ac (263
ha; 37 percent) in State ownership and 1,093 ac (442 ha; 63 percent) in
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes
residential development, tourism, Edisto Beach State Park, and wildlife
management as part of SCDNR's Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife
Management Area, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing,
boating, and fishing).
Unit SC-18 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this
unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. This unit is one of three units in South
Carolina that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout
the entire nonbreeding season (fall, winter, and spring). Approximately
201 ac (81 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat
for the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July
10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-18 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed
under the 2015 Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan for
Unincorporated Charleston County (Charleston County 2015, entire).
State lands and waters within this unit are managed under the SCDNR's
State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).
Unit SC-19: Pine and Otter Island Beaches
Unit SC-19 consists of 6,302 ac (2,550 ha) of all of Pine and Otter
Islands, sea islands in St. Helena Sound in Colleton County, South
Carolina. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot)
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Fish Creek
Inlet. Lands within this unit include approximately 6,296 ac (2,548 ha;
99 percent) in State ownership and 6 ac (2 ha; less than 1 percent) in
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes
natural areas and wildlife management as part of the Ashepoo-Combahee-
Edisto Basin NERR and SCDNR's St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve/
Wildlife Management Area, and outdoor recreational use (e.g.,
beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
Unit SC-19 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range, particularly when
horseshoe crabs are spawning in the spring. This unit is one of six
units in South Carolina that supports high concentrations of the
subspecies during
[[Page 37460]]
the fall migration period. The location also has remote boat-only
access and an undeveloped character that provides protection from
intensive human uses. Approximately 247 ac (100 ha) of this unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 324 ac (131 ha) of this
unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-19 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire) and
the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto Basin NERR Management Plan (SCDNR 2011,
entire).
Unit SC-20: Harbor and Hunting Island Beaches
Unit SC-20 consists of 4,066 ac (1,645 ha) of Harbor and Hunting
Islands, barrier islands off the coast in Beaufort County, South
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Harbor River shoreline of
Harbor Island and extends southwest to the Fripp Inlet shoreline of
Hunting Island. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with
Johnson Creek Inlet. Lands within this unit include approximately 3,246
ac (1,313 ha; 80 percent) in State ownership and 820 ac (331 ha; 20
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit
includes residential development (Harbor Island), tourism (Hunting
Island State Park), and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing,
boating, fishing, birdwatching, camping).
Unit SC-20 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site on the Southeastern U.S.
portion of the subspecies range, particularly in the spring when
horseshoe crabs are spawning. Additionally, this unit is one of only
six units in South Carolina that supports high concentrations of rufa
red knots during the fall migration period. Approximately 194 ac (78
ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and
662 ac (268 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat
for the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July
10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit SC-20 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed
under SCDPRT's 2019 South Carolina State Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan (SCDPRT 2019, entire).
Unit SC-21: Fripp Island Beach
Unit SC-21 consists of 734 ac (297 ha) of Fripp Island, a barrier
island off the coast in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The unit
boundary begins on the Fripp Inlet shoreline of Fripp Inlet and extends
southwest to the Skull Creek Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Fripp Inlet. Lands within
this unit include approximately 305 ac (124 ha; 42 percent) in State
ownership and 429 ac (174 ha; 58 percent) in private/other ownership.
General land use within this unit includes residential development,
tourism, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and
fishing).
Unit SC-21 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site.
Threats identified within Unit SC-21 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed
under the 2020 Fripp Island Beach Management Plan (Beaufort County
2020, entire).
[[Page 37461]]
Unit SC-22: Hilton Head Island Beach
Unit SC-22 consists of 1,682 ac (681 ha) of the heel of Hilton Head
Island, a barrier island off the coast in Beaufort County, South
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Port Royal Sound shoreline
beginning at Oyster Shell Lane, continues southeast then turns
southwest along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and continues to the
undeveloped portion of Singleton Beach southwest of Folly Beach. The
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the rufa red knot) begins
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Fish Haul Creek
and unnamed inlets within the unit boundary. Lands within this unit
include approximately 1,015 ac (411 ha; 60 percent) in State ownership
and 667 ac (270 ha; 40 percent) in private/other ownership. General
land use within this unit includes beach access for seasonal rental and
residential communities, and recreational day uses (e.g., beachgoing,
boating, fishing, birdwatching) within the municipality of the Town of
Hilton Head.
Unit SC-22 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this
unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. This unit is one of three units in South
Carolina that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout
the entire nonbreeding season (fall, winter, and spring). Approximately
73 ac (29 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit SC-22 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed
under the 2017 Town of Hilton Head Island Local Comprehensive Beach
Management Plan (Town of Hilton Head 2017, entire).
Unit SC-23: Daufuskie Island Beach
Unit SC-23 consists of 6,370 ac (2,578 ha) of all of Daufuskie
Island, a sea island in Calibogue Sound in Beaufort County, South
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Calibogue Sound shoreline of
Daufuskie Island and extends southwest to the Mungen Creek shoreline.
The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes
or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the unit boundary. All lands within this unit are in private/other
ownership. General land use within this unit includes residential
development, tourism, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing,
boating, and fishing).
Unit SC-23 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This unit also includes remote boat-only access and has
a low-level of development, preventing the subspecies from experiencing
intensive human uses.
Threats identified within Unit SC-23 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Unit SC-24: Turtle Island Beach
Unit SC-24 consists of 1,798 ac (728 ha) of all of Turtle Island, a
sea island in Calibogue Sound in Jasper County, South Carolina. The
unit boundary begins on the New River shoreline of Turtle Island and
extends southwest to the Wright River shoreline. The unit includes all
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed inlet in the
center of the island shoreline. Lands within this unit are entirely in
State ownership as SCDNR's Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area.
General land use within this unit includes wildlife management and
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
Unit SC-24 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This
unit also has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that
provides protection from intensive human uses.
Threats identified within Unit SC-24 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and
[[Page 37462]]
human activities (e.g., off leash dogs, walking/running through or too
close to flocks of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native
and nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both
due to uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise;
and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and human-
caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).
Unit SC-25: Jones Island Beach
Unit SC-25 consists of 3,025 ac (1,224 ha) of all of Jones Island,
a sea island along the Savannah River and Calibogue Sound in Jasper
County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Wright River
shoreline of Jones Island to the Savannah River shoreline. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Wright River Inlet. Lands
within this unit include approximately 785 ac (318 ha; 26 percent) in
Federal ownership, which includes the Service's Tybee Island NWR, and
2,240 ac (907 ha; 74 percent) in State ownership. General land use
within this unit includes wildlife management and outdoor recreational
use (e.g., boating, fishing).
Unit SC-25 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This
location also includes restrictions on public access and has an
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses.
Threats identified within Unit SC-25 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the
2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(Service 2011, entire).
Unit GA-1: Tybee Island Beach
Unit GA-1 consists of 2,046 ac (828 ha) of Tybee Island (including
north, mid, and south beaches), a barrier island off the coast in
Chatham County, Georgia. The northern boundary of the unit begins at
the Savannah River shoreline of Tybee Island and extends south to Tybee
Creek Inlet, which separates Tybee Island from Little Tybee Island, and
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the eastern side of Tybee
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include approximately
6 ac (2 ha; less than 1 percent) in State ownership, 1,721 ac (697 ha;
84 percent) in private/other ownership, and 319 ac (129 ha; 15 percent)
that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit includes
beach access for seasonal rental and residential communities, and
recreational day uses (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing,
birdwatching) within the municipality of the City of Tybee Island.
Unit GA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering
habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 179 ac (73
ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit GA-1 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, running/walking/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with the response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of red knot
migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Private/other lands are managed by the City of
Tybee Island's Best Management Practices (City of Tybee Island 2014,
entire).
Unit GA-2: Little Tybee Island Complex
Unit GA-2 consists of 8,265 ac (3,345 ha) of the entire Little
Tybee Island complex, a series of barrier islands off the coast in
Chatham County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins on the western side
of Tybee Creek Inlet and extends southwest to Wassaw Sound and includes
Little Tybee Island, Williamson Island, and all emergent land from MLLW
to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by
the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy
intertidal zone that are covered at high
[[Page 37463]]
tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the western side of Tybee Inlet's
navigable channel, Little Tybee Slough, and Little Tybee Creek. All
lands within this unit are in State ownership and comprise the Little
Tybee Island State Heritage Preserve. General land use within this unit
includes outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, kayaking,
camping, birdwatching, fishing, and shelling) and wildlife management
(e.g., biological monitoring/surveys).
Unit GA-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering
habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. This unit also has
remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that provides
protection from intensive human uses. Approximately 2,138 ac (865 ha)
of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 1,178 ac
(479 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10,
2014).
Threats identified within Unit GA-2 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa
red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands in
this unit are managed as a preserve by the TNC, which holds a permanent
conservation easement, in cooperation with the Georgia Department of
Natural Resources (GDNR) State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire;
TNC 2020, entire).
Unit GA-3: Wassaw Island Beach
Unit GA-3 consists of 4,296 ac (1,738 ha) of Wassaw Island, a
barrier island off the coast in Chatham County, Georgia. The unit
boundary begins on the southwestern side of Wassaw Sound off the
northern tip of Wassaw Island and extends southwest to Ossabaw Sound
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins.
This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the
southwestern side of Wassaw Sound off the northern tip of Wassaw
Island. Lands within this unit include approximately 3,001 ac (1,215
ha; 70 percent) in Federal ownership, 274 ac (111 ha; 6 percent) in
private/other ownership, and 1,020 ac (412 ha; 24 percent) that are
uncategorized. General land use within this unit includes wildlife
management as part of the Service's Wassaw Island NWR and outdoor
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, fishing, boating, and
birdwatching).
Unit GA-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses. Approximately 627 ac (254 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 667 ac (270 ha) of this unit overlap
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit GA-3 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
running/walking through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3)
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion, and sea level
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with the response to natural and
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and
migrating red knots (e.g., managing access to red knot foraging and
roosting habitat during migration, such as through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are
managed under the 2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex Comprehensive
Conservation Plan (Service 2011, entire).
Unit GA-4: Raccoon Key
Unit GA-4 consists of 1,599 ac (647 ha) of all of Raccoon Key, an
island in Ossabaw Sound in Chatham County, Georgia. The unit includes
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within Ossabaw Sound
associated with Raccoon Key. All lands within this unit are in State
ownership. General land use within this unit includes outdoor
recreational use (e.g., boating, fishing).
Unit GA-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses.
Threats identified within Unit GA-4 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
running/walking through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3)
modification or loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled
recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance
associated with the response to natural and human-caused disasters
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating red knots (e.g.,
managing access to red knot foraging and roosting habitat during
migration, such as through restrictions on timing,
[[Page 37464]]
locations, and types of activities) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). State lands within this unit are
managed under the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire).
Unit GA-5: Ossabaw Island Beach
Unit GA-5 consists of 32,357 ac (13,095 ha) of Ossabaw Island, a
barrier island off the coast in Chatham County, Georgia. The unit
boundary begins at the Ogeechee River shoreline of Ossabaw Island and
extends southwest to the St. Catherine's Sound shoreline. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Ossabaw Sound off the
northeastern tip of the island and St. Catherine's Sound off the
southwestern tip of the island. Lands within this unit include
approximately 28,621 ac (11,591 ha; 88 percent) in State ownership and
3,736 ac (1,503 ha; 12 percent) that are uncategorized. General land
use within this unit includes wildlife management as part of the
Ossabaw Island Wildlife Management Area and outdoor recreational use
(e.g., boating, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing).
Unit GA-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses. Approximately 1,571 ac (636 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 2,224 ac (900 ha) overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit GA-5 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
walking/running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3)
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion and sea level
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and
migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red
knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands
within this unit are managed under the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan
(GDNR 2015, entire).
Unit GA-6: St. Catherine's Island Beach
Unit GA-6 consists of 15,962 ac (6,460 ha) of St. Catherine's
Island, a barrier island off the coast in Liberty County, Georgia. The
unit boundary begins at the St. Catherine's Sound shoreline of St.
Catherine's Island and extends southwest to the Sapelo Sound shoreline.
The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes
or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with St. Catherine's
Sound entrance off the northern tip of the island, McQueen Inlet, and
Sapelo Sound entrance off the southern tip of the island. Lands within
this unit include approximately 2,106 ac (853 ha; 13 percent) in State
ownership, 11,810 ac (4,783 ha; 74 percent) in private/other ownership,
and 2,046 ac (824 ha; 13 percent) that are uncategorized. General land
use within this unit includes private research and outdoor recreational
use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
Unit GA-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period, providing important wintering habitat on the Southeastern U.S.
portion of the subspecies range for foraging and roosting during a time
of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. This location serves as one of five units in Georgia that
supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout the entire
nonbreeding season. Additionally, the location includes remote boat-
only access and has an undeveloped character that provides protection
from intensive human uses. Approximately 1,321 ac (535 ha) of this unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 3,148 ac (1,274 ha) of
this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit GA-6 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa
red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Unit GA-7: Blackbeard Island Beach
Unit GA-7 consists of 6,321 ac (2,558 ha) of Blackbeard Island, a
barrier island off the coast in McIntosh County, Georgia. The unit
boundary begins at the Sapelo Sound shoreline of Blackbeard Island and
extends southwest to the Cabretta Inlet shoreline. The unit includes
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Sapelo Sound entrance
off the northern tip of the island and the northeastern side of
Cabretta Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include
approximately 4,954 ac (2,006 ha; 78 percent) in Federal ownership, 80
ac (32 ha; 2 percent) in State ownership, and 1,287 ac (519 ha; 20
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit
includes wildlife management as part of the Service's Blackbeard Island
NWR and outdoor recreational
[[Page 37465]]
use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, and birdwatching).
Unit GA-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This unit also includes remote boat-only access and has
an undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human
uses. Approximately 517 ac (209 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 1,400 ac (567 ha) overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit GA-7 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
walking/running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3)
modification or loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled
recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance
associated with response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating red knots (e.g.,
managing recreational access to key rufa red knot foraging and roosting
habitat during migration through restrictions on timing, locations, and
types of activities) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the
2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(Service 2011, entire).
Unit GA-8: Sapelo Island Beach
Unit GA-8 consists of 2,482 ac (845 ha) of Sapelo Island, a barrier
island off the coast in McIntosh County, Georgia. The unit boundary
begins at the Cabretta Inlet shoreline of Sapelo Island and extends
southwest to the Doboy Sound shoreline. The unit includes all emergent
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of Cabretta Inlet's
navigable channel. The lands within this unit are State-owned and
comprise the Sapelo Island WMA and Sapelo Island NERR. General land use
within this unit includes wildlife and coastal resource management and
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
Unit GA-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period, providing important wintering habitat on the Southeastern U.S.
portion of the subspecies range for foraging and roosting during a time
of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. This location serves as one of five units in Georgia that
supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout the entire
nonbreeding season, and is also important due to its low-level
development, remote boat-only access, and protection from intensive
human uses. Approximately 167 ac (68 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 282 ac (114 ha) overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit GA-8 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks of red
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa
red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands in
this unit are managed under the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan and
Sapelo Island NERR Management Plan (GDNR 2015, entire; Sapelo Island
NERR 2008, entire).
Unit GA-9: Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island, and Little Egg
Island Bar
Unit GA-9 consists of 5,308 ac (2,148 ha) of Wolf, Egg, and Little
Egg Islands and Little Egg Island Bar, islands at the mouth of the
Altamaha River in McIntosh County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins at
the South River shoreline of Wolf Island and extends south to the
southern side of Altamaha Sound. The unit includes all emergent land
from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat
(not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline
and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the entrance to Altamaha Sound and Beacon
Creek. Lands within this unit include approximately 2,975 ac (1,204 ha;
56 percent) in Federal ownership, 240 ac (97 ha; 5 percent) in State
ownership, and 2,093 ac (847 ha; 39 percent) that are uncategorized.
General land use within this unit includes wildlife management and
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, and
birdwatching). Federal land use includes management of both Wolf and
Egg Islands as part of Wolf Island NWR. Additionally, Wolf Island is a
Class I designated wilderness area.
Unit GA-9 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period, providing important wintering habitat on the Southeastern U.S.
portion of the subspecies range for foraging and roosting during a time
of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. This location serves as one of five units in Georgia that
supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout the entire
nonbreeding season, and is also important due to its low-level
development, remote boat-only access, and protection from intensive
human uses. Approximately 893 ac (361 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
[[Page 37466]]
Threats identified within Unit GA-9 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
walking/running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3)
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion and sea level
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and
migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red
knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands
in this unit are managed under the 2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2011, entire), and State lands
are managed under the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015,
entire).
Unit GA-10: Little St. Simon's Island Beach
Unit GA-10 consists of 9,053 ac (3,664 ha) of Little St. Simon's
Island, a barrier island off the coast in Glynn County, Georgia. The
unit boundary begins at the Altamaha Sound shoreline of Little St.
Simon's Island and extends south to the Hampton River shoreline. The
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Altamaha Sound
off the northeastern tip of the island, Mosquito Creek, and the
northern side of Hampton River Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within
this unit include approximately 113 ac (46 ha; 1 percent) in State
ownership, 7,462 ac (3,022 ha; 83 percent) in private/other ownership,
and 1,479 ac (596 ha; 16 percent) that are uncategorized. General land
use within this unit includes ecotourism and outdoor recreational use
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, birdwatching).
Unit GA-10 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for foraging and
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to
build energy sources for migration. This location serves as one of five
units in Georgia that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots
throughout the entire nonbreeding season (spring, fall, and winter),
and is also important due to its low-level development, remote boat-
only access, and protection from intensive human uses. Approximately
2,422 ac (980 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat
for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10,
2001).
Threats identified within Unit GA-10 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks of red knots,
powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3)
modification or loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled
recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance
associated with response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating red knots (e.g.,
managing recreational access to key rufa red knot foraging and roosting
habitat during migration through restrictions on timing, locations, and
types of activities) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands in this unit are managed under the GDNR
State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire). Private lands in this
unit are managed under the Little St. Simon's Island Ecological
Management Program and TNC (Sterling 2020, pers. comm.).
Unit GA-11: Sea and St. Simon's Island Beaches
Unit GA-11 consists of 4,033 ac (1,632 ha) of all of Sea Island and
a portion of St. Simon's Island, barrier islands off the coast in Glynn
County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins at the Hampton River
shoreline of Sea Island and extends southwest to the St. Simon's Sound
shoreline of St. Simon's Island. The unit includes all emergent land
from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat
(not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline
and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with Gould's Inlet. Lands within this unit
include approximately 4 ac (2 ha; less than 1 percent) in State
ownership, 3,448 ac (1,395 ha; 85 percent) in private/other ownership,
and 581 ac (235 ha; 14 percent) that are uncategorized. General land
use within this unit includes residential development, tourism, and
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
Unit GA-11 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for foraging and
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to
build energy sources for migration. Approximately 627 ac (254 ha) unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit GA-11 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of rufa red
knot migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Unit GA-12: Jekyll Island Beach
Unit GA-12 consists of 6,287 ac (2,544 ha) of Jekyll Island, a
barrier island off the coast in Glynn County, Georgia. The unit
boundary begins at the St. Simon's Sound shoreline of Jekyll Island and
extends south to St. Andrew Sound shoreline. The unit includes all
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
[[Page 37467]]
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southern side of St.
Simon's Sound off the northern tip of the island. Lands within this
unit include approximately 5,944 ac (2,406 ha; 94 percent) in State
ownership, which includes Jekyll Island State Park, and 343 ac (139 ha;
6 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit
includes tourism and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing,
fishing, wildlife viewing).
Unit GA-12 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat in
Georgia and the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 144 ac (58
ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit GA-12 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4)
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of rufa red
knot migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands within this unit are managed under the
2011 Jekyll Island Conservation Plan and GDNR State Wildlife Action
Plan (Jekyll Island Authority 2011, entire; GDNR 2015, entire).
Unit GA-13: Little Cumberland and Cumberland Island Beaches
Unit GA-13 consists of 28,136 ac (11,386 ha) of Little Cumberland
Island and Cumberland Island, a barrier island complex off the coast in
Camden County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins at the St. Andrew
Sound shoreline of Little Cumberland Island and extends west across the
Cumberland River and marsh to the East River and continues south to the
St. Mary's River shoreline of Cumberland Island. The unit includes all
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with St. Andrew Sound off the
northern tip of Little Cumberland Island and Christmas Creek Inlet
between Little Cumberland and Cumberland Islands. Lands within this
unit include approximately 23,367 ac (9,464 ha; 83 percent) in Federal
ownership, 1,685 ac (682 ha; 6 percent) in State ownership, and 3,085
ac (1,241 ha; 11 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use
within this unit includes tourism and outdoor recreational use (e.g.,
beachgoing, boating, fishing, birdwatching). Federal land use includes
management of the majority of Cumberland Island as the Cumberland
Island National Seashore. Additionally, portions of Cumberland Island
are designated wilderness area.
Unit GA-13 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for foraging and
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to
build energy sources for migration. This location serves as one of five
units in Georgia that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots
throughout the entire nonbreeding season, and is also important due to
its low-level development, remote boat-only access, and protection from
intensive human uses. Approximately 4,761 ac (1,927 ha) of this unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 2,004 ac (811 ha) of
this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit GA-13 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks of red knots,
powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3)
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion and sea level
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and
migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red
knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands
in this unit are managed under the NPS's Cumberland Island National
Seashore Foundation Document (NPS 2014b, entire).
Unit FL-1: Nassau Sound-Fort George Sound-Fort George Inlet Complex
Unit FL-1 consists of 4,324 ac (6,742 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Nassau and Duval Counties, Florida, from the
north shore of Nassau Sound in Nassau County south to the north shore
of the St. Johns River at Huguenot Memorial Park in Duval County. The
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense
vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide. The majority of this unit is within the Talbot Islands State
Parks Complex and Huguenot Memorial Park, which is a Federal and State-
owned parcel leased to the City of Jacksonville. Lands within this unit
include approximately 996 ac (404 ha; 23 percent) in Federal ownership,
522 ac (211 ha; 12 percent) in State ownership, 27 ac (11 ha; less than
1 percent) in private/other ownership, and 2,779 ac (6,116 ha; 64
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit
includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and
surfing).
Unit FL-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter and spring migration periods, serving as an
[[Page 37468]]
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Approximately 2,381
ac (963 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001),
and 0.9 ac (0.4 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical
habitat for the federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840,
September 22, 1977).
Threats identified within Unit FL-1 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by
humans and human activities, including but not limited to fishing,
hiking, and wildlife viewing. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating rufa red knots, such
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
upland roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). The City of Jacksonville at
Huguenot Memorial Park has a shorebird management plan that includes
mandatory and volunteer conservation measures intended to minimize
impacts to wintering and migrating aggregations of rufa red knots and
their habitat (England-Thims and Miller, Inc. 2008, pp. 44-45). The
Talbot Islands State Parks complex implements conservation measures
intended to minimize impacts to wintering and migrating aggregations of
shorebirds and their habitat, including rufa red knots (Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) 2008a, pp. 48-56 and 64-
66).
Unit FL-2: Ponce Inlet Complex
Unit FL-2 consists of 19,683 ac (7,965 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Volusia and Brevard Counties, Florida, from
approximately Ocean Edge Drive in Ormond Beach south to the south end
of Merritt Island NWR along the Atlantic Ocean. This unit includes
Smyrna Dunes State Park and Merritt Island NWR. The landward boundary
is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit
include approximately 16,660 ac (6,742 ha; 85 percent) in Federal
ownership, 3,005 ac (1,216 ha; 15 percent) in State ownership, and 18
ac (7 ha; less than 1 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use
within this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running,
fishing, and surfing).
Unit FL-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period on the Southeastern U.S.
portion of the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat
for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots
are seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 298 ac
(120 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), 1,626
ac (658 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10,
2014), and 210 ac (85 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical
habitat for the federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840,
September 22, 1977).
Threats identified within Unit FL-2 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by
humans and human activities, including but not limited to fishing,
hiking, and wildlife viewing. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating rufa red knots, such
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
upland roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and using best management
practices during beach restoration activities to limit disturbance and
impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach
invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). Merritt Island NWR lands in this unit are managed under the
2008 Merritt Island NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2008a,
entire). Volusia County has an HCP for nesting sea turtles and
wintering piping plovers, and implementation of this plan provides some
protection to wintering and migrating rufa red knots and to beach
habitat (Volusia County Environmental Management 2008, pp. 23, 109-110,
122, 125, 141, 156-157, 160-161, 163, 174-180).
Unit FL-3: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Impoundments
Unit FL-3 consists of 6,947 ac (2,811 ha) of managed impoundment
and intertidal mudflats in Brevard County, Florida, entirely within
Merritt Island NWR (Federal ownership). The landward boundary is the
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. General land use within
this unit includes recreational use including fishing, hunting, and
wildlife viewing.
Unit FL-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period on the Southeastern U.S.
portion of the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat
for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots
are seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 646 ac
(261 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22,
1977).
Threats identified within Unit FL-3 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by
humans and human activities, including but not limited to fishing,
hiking, and wildlife viewing. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
maximizing rufa red knot habitat with impoundment management
particularly during critical migratory periods (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). All lands within this unit are
managed under the 2008 Merritt Island NWR Comprehensive Conservation
Plan (Service 2008a, entire).
Unit FL-4: Cape Romano and Marco Island
Unit FL-4 consists of two subunits comprising 26,629 ac (10,776 ha)
in Collier County, Florida. This unit consists of Federal (Ten Thousand
Islands NWR), State, and private landowners. This unit partially
overlaps
[[Page 37469]]
with occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover, loggerhead sea turtle, and West Indian
manatee.
Subunit FL-4A: Cape Romano Complex
Subunit FL-4A consists of 26,213 ac (10,608 ha) of beach and
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, in the wetland complex
south of Marco Island and the community of Goodland. The landward
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit include
approximately 13,138 ac (5,321 ha; 50 percent) in Federal ownership,
12,605 ac (5,105 ha; 48 percent) in State ownership, and 470 ac (182
ha; 2 percent) that are uncategorized. Federal ownership includes Ten
Thousand Islands NWR, and State ownership includes Rookery Bay NERR.
General land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g.,
fishing, crabbing, and boating).
Subunit FL-4A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. The subspecies also resides at this
location year round, which indicates use by juveniles. Approximately
2,673 ac (1,082 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical
habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR
39756, July 10, 2014), and 14,668 ac (5,936 ha) of the subunit overlap
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened West
Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 1977).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-4A include loss of habitat due
to sea level rise, disturbance from human-caused or natural disasters
(e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking,
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and identifying restoration measures to minimize beach
loss (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Federal lands within this subunit are managed under Ten Thousand
Islands NWR (Service 2000, entire). State lands include Rookery Bay
NERR, which has shorebirds including rufa red knots as a target for
their research, monitoring, and management activities (Rookery Bay NERR
2014, entire).
Subunit FL-4B: Marco Island
Subunit FL-4B consists of 416 ac (168 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, from the south side of
the inlet north of Marco Island south along the Gulf of Mexico
approximately 4 mi (6.5 km). The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit include
approximately 408 ac (165 ha; 98 percent) in State ownership and 8 ac
(3 ha; 2 percent) in private/other ownership. The majority of lands
within this subunit are the Rookery Bay NERR. General land use within
this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing,
and surfing).
Subunit FL-4B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the fall migration period, serving as an important
southbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. Approximately 384 ac (155 ha) of the subunit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2021), and 372 ac (151 ha) of the subunit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 1977).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-4B include loss of habitat due
to sea level rise, disturbance from human-caused or natural disasters
(e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking,
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration measures to minimize
beach loss (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). State lands within this subunit are managed under the Rookery
Bay NERR, which has shorebirds including rufa red knots as a target for
their research, monitoring, and management activities (Rookery Bay NERR
2014, entire).
Unit FL-5: Marco Bay Complex
Unit FL-5 consists of 3,589 ac (1,453 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, from the north side of
the inlet north of Marco Island north along the Gulf of Mexico
approximately 3.7 mi (6 km) and inclusive of the wetland complex inland
to the east side of Rookery Bay. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent,
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide. Lands within this unit include approximately 3,531 ac (1,429
ha; 98 percent) in State ownership and 58 ac (24 ha; 2 percent) in
private/other ownership. The majority of lands within this unit are
within the Rookery Bay NERR. General land use within this unit includes
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Unit FL-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
[[Page 37470]]
energy sources for migration. Approximately 77 ac (31 ha) of the unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 1,956 ac (791
ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22,
1977).
Threats identified within Unit FL-5 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes),
harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including
but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State
lands within this unit are managed under the Rookery Bay NERR, which
has shorebirds including rufa red knots as a target for their research,
monitoring, and management activities (Rookery Bay NERR 2014, entire).
Unit FL-6: Cocohatchee Inlet Complex and Barefoot Beach
Unit FL-6 consists of two subunits comprising 48 ac (20 ha) in
Collier County, Florida. This unit consists of Delnor-Wiggins Pass
State Park and private landowners. This unit partially overlaps with
occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened loggerhead sea turtle.
Subunit FL-6A: Cocohatchee Inlet Complex
Subunit FL-6A consists of 9 ac (4 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, from the south side of
the Cocohatchee Inlet south along the Gulf of Mexico approximately
3,281 ft (1 km). The landward boundary is the line indicating the
beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to
MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands
within this subunit are entirely under State ownership under Delnor-
Wiggins Pass State Park. General land use within this subunit includes
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-6A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 4 ac (1 ha) of the subunit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-6A include loss of habitat due
to sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes),
harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including
but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by
identifying restoration measures to minimize beach loss using best
management practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands within this subunit are managed under
the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2009,
entire).
Subunit FL-6B: Barefoot Beach
Subunit FL-6B consists of 39 ac (16 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, from the north side of
the Cocohatchee Inlet north along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3.1
mi (5 km). The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning
of dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide. Lands within this subunit include approximately 18 ac (7 ha; 46
percent) in State ownership and 21 ac (9 ha; 54 percent) in private/
other ownership. General land use within this subunit includes
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-6B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 20 ac (8 ha) of the subunit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-6B include loss of habitat due
to sea level rise, disturbance to foraging and roosting rufa red knots
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes),
harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including
but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by
identifying restoration measures to minimize beach loss using best
management practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Unit FL-7: Lovers Key and Estero Island
Unit FL-7 consists of two subunits comprising 175 ac (70 ha) in Lee
County, Florida. This unit consists of portions of Lovers Key State
Park and Estero Island. This unit partially overlaps with occupied
habitat and designated critical habitat for the
[[Page 37471]]
federally threatened piping plover and West Indian manatee.
Subunit FL-7A: Lovers Key
Subunit FL-7A consist of 4 ac (1 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Lee County, Florida, at the north point of
Lovers Key. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning
of dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide. Land within this subunit is entirely in State ownership under
management of Lovers Key State Park. General land use within this
subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and
surfing).
Subunit FL-7A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 2.5 ac (1 ha) of the
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 1977).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-7A include loss of habitat due
to sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes),
shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red tide, and
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration measures to minimize
beach loss using best management practices during beach replenishment/
restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands within
this subunit are managed under the Lovers Key State Park Unit
Management Plan (FDEP 2005, entire).
Subunit FL-7B: Estero Island
Subunit FL-7B consist of 171 ac (69 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Lee County, Florida, from Key West Court on
Fort Myers Beach south along the Gulf of Mexico to the southern point
of the island. The landward boundary is the line indicating the
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, including
emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State
ownership. General land use within this subunit includes recreational
use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-7B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 72 ac (29 ha) of the
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 140 ac (57
ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22,
1977).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-7B include loss of habitat due
to sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes),
shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red tide, and
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration measures to minimize
beach loss using best management practices during beach replenishment/
restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Unit FL-8: Bunche Beach
Unit FL-8 consists of 334 ac (135 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Lee County, Florida, in San Carlos Bay south of
the Sanibel Causeway in Fort Myers. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit include
approximately 23 ac (9 ha; 7 percent) in Federal ownership, 264 ac (107
ha; 79 percent) in State ownership, and 47 ac (19 ha; 14 percent) in
private/other ownership. Federal ownership includes Matlacha Pass NWR
and State ownership includes Bunche Beach Preserve. General land use
within this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running,
fishing, and surfing).
Unit FL-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration. Approximately 328 ac (133 ha) of the unit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 278 ac (112 ha) of the
unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 27840, September 22, 1977).
Threats identified within Unit FL-8 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes),
shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red tide, and
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or
protection measures to
[[Page 37472]]
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by
identifying restoration measures to minimize beach loss (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal and State
lands within this unit are managed under the Pine Island, Matlacha
Pass, Island Bay, and Caloosahatchee NWR's Comprehensive Conservation
Plan (Service 2010b, entire). County lands are managed under the Lee
County San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach Preserve Land Management Plan (Lee
County 2013, entire).
Unit FL-9: Sanibel Island Complex
Unit FL-9 consists of two subunits comprising 3,759 ac (1,521 ha)
in Lee County, Florida. This unit consists of Federal lands that are
part of the J.N. ``Ding'' Darling NWR and State lands of Sanibel
Island. This unit partially overlaps with occupied habitat and
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle and West Indian manatee, and the federally endangered aboriginal
prickly-apple.
Subunit FL-9A: J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge
Subunit FL-9A consists of 3,451 ac (1,397 ha) of beach, inlet,
intertidal sandflats, and managed impoundments in Lee County, on
Sanibel Island, Florida. The landward boundary is the line indicating
the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, including
emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in
Federal ownership under J.N. ``Ding'' Darling NWR. General land use
within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running,
fishing, and wildlife viewing).
Subunit FL-9A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 11 ac (4 ha) of the subunit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally endangered
aboriginal prickly-apple (81 FR 3866, January 22, 2016), and 2,182 ac
(883 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 27840, September
22, 1977).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-9A include loss of habitat due
to sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes),
harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including
but not limited to fishing and wildlife viewing. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities) and by maximizing rufa red knot
habitat with impoundment management particularly during winter and
migratory periods (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). Federal lands within this subunit are managed under the J.N.
``Ding'' Darling NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010c,
entire).
Subunit FL-9B: Sanibel Island
Subunit FL-9B consists of 307 ac (124 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Lee County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico
shoreline on Sanibel Island. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely
in State ownership. General land use within this subunit includes
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-9B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 90 ac (37 ha) of the
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756; July 10, 2014), 265 ac
(107 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September
22, 1977, and 49 ac (20 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally endangered aboriginal prickly-apple
(81 FR 3866, January 22, 2016).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-9B include loss of habitat due
to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking,
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach
replenishment/restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red
knots and their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Unit FL-10: Don Pedro Complex
Unit FL-10 consists of two subunits comprising 158 ac (64 ha) in
Charlotte County, Florida. This unit consists of State lands, a portion
of which are part of the Don Pedro Island State Park and Stump Pass
Beach State Park. This unit partially overlaps with occupied habitat
and designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead
sea turtle and the federally endangered aboriginal prickly-apple.
Subunit FL-10A: Don Pedro
Subunit FL-10A consists of 147 ac (60 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Charlotte County, Florida, on the Gulf of
Mexico shoreline on Don Pedro Island. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within
[[Page 37473]]
this subunit are entirely in State ownership, a portion of which
includes Don Pedro Island State Park. General land use within this
subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and
surfing).
Subunit FL-10A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 89 ac (36 ha) of the
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-10A include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
upland roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities) and by identifying
restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss using best
management practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands within this subunit are managed under
the Don Pedro Island State Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2013a,
entire).
Subunit FL-10B: Stump Pass Beach State Park
Subunit FL-10B consists of 11 ac (4 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Charlotte County, Florida, on the Gulf of
Mexico at the southern point of Manasota Key. The landward boundary is
the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including
emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State
ownership under Stump Pass Beach State Park. General land use within
this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing,
and surfing).
Subunit FL-10B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 6 ac (2 ha) of the subunit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 5 ac (2 ha) of
the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
endangered aboriginal prickly-apple (81 FR 3866, January 22, 2016).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-10B include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
upland roosting habitat during winter and migratory periods (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss
using best management practices during beach restoration to limit
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). State lands within this subunit are managed under
the Stump Pass Beach State Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2013b,
entire).
Unit FL-11: Siesta Key
Unit FL-11 consists of 53 ac (21 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Sarasota County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico
shoreline on Siesta Key, Florida, from Avenida Messina (road) south to
Avenida del Mare. The landward boundary is the line indicating the
beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to
MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands
within this unit are entirely in State ownership. General land use
within this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running,
fishing, and surfing).
Unit FL-11 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration. Approximately 24 ac (10 ha) of the unit overlap
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
Threats identified within Unit FL-11 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking,
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management
practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit disturbance
and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach
invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above).
Unit FL-12: Lido-Longboat Keys Complex
Unit FL-12 consists of two subunits comprising 450 ac (182 ha) in
Sarasota County, Florida. This unit consists of
[[Page 37474]]
State lands. This unit partially overlaps with occupied habitat and
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle and the federally endangered aboriginal prickly-apple.
Subunit FL-12A: Lido Key
Subunit FL-12A consists of 81 ac (33 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Sarasota County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico
shoreline on Lido Key, Florida. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent,
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State ownership.
General land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g.,
walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-12A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration.
Threats identified within Subunit FL-12A include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
upland roosting habitat during winter and migratory periods (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss
using best management practices during beach replenishment/restoration
to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food
resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above).
Subunit FL-12B: Longboat Key
Subunit FL-12B consists of 369 ac (149 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Sarasota County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico
shoreline on Longboat Key, Florida. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely
in State ownership. General land use within this subunit includes
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-12B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. Approximately 233 ac (94 ha) of the subunit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 12 ac (5 ha) of the subunit
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally endangered
aboriginal prickly-apple.
Threats identified within Subunit FL-12B include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
upland roosting habitat during winter and migratory periods (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss
using best management practices during beach replenishment/restoration
to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food
resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above).
Unit FL-13: North Anna Maria Island
Unit FL-13 consists of 945 ac (383 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Manatee County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico
shoreline from the north point of Anna Maria Island, Florida, south to
Cortez Road West. The landward boundary is the line indicating the
beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to
MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands
within this unit include approximately 56 ac (23 ha; 6 percent) in
Federal ownership and 889 ac (360 ha; 94 percent) in State ownership.
Federal ownership consists of Passage Key NWR. General land use within
this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing,
and surfing).
Unit FL-13 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration.
Threats identified within Unit FL-13 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking,
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management
practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit disturbance
and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach
invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). Federal lands within
[[Page 37475]]
this unit are managed by Passage Key NWR, which is part of the Tampa
Bay Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010d, entire).
Unit FL-14: Egmont Key
Unit FL-14 consists of 15 ac (6 ha) of beach and intertidal
sandflats in Manatee County, Florida, on the south end of Egmont Key at
the mouth of Tampa Bay, Florida. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent,
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide. Lands within this unit are entirely under Federal ownership
under management of Egmont Key NWR. General land use within this unit
is classified as a wildlife sanctuary (and no pedestrian use).
Unit FL-14 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration. The subspecies also resides at this location
year round, which indicates use by juveniles. Approximately 14 ac (5.5
ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit FL-14 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans
and human activities, including but not limited to unauthorized access
to closed areas. Special management considerations or protection
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include supporting and
maximizing enforcement of closed areas and by identifying restoration
and protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management
practices during beach restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to
rufa red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates)
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal
lands within this unit are managed by the Egmont Key NWR, which is part
of the Tampa Bay Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service
2010d, entire).
Unit FL-15: Fort De Soto Complex
Unit FL-15 consists of three subunits comprising 856 ac (346 ha) in
Pinellas County, Florida. This unit consists of State lands and
private/other ownership. This unit partially overlaps with occupied
habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover.
Subunit FL-15A: Fort De Soto County Park
Subunit FL-15A consists of 427 ac (173 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, in Fort De Soto
County Park from North Beach south along the Gulf of Mexico to the Fort
De Soto Fishing Pier at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The landward boundary
is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
subunit are entirely in county ownership (which is captured under the
private/other ownership category). General land use within this subunit
includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and
surfing).
Subunit FL-15A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Finally, this is also an important
location that supports juveniles year round. Approximately 244 ac (99
ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-15A include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
upland roosting habitat during winter and migratory periods (through
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss
using best management practices during beach replenishment/restoration
to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food
resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above).
Subunit FL-15B: Shell Key Preserve
Subunit FL-15B consists of 322 ac (130 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, on Shell Key
Preserve. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
subunit are entirely in State/county ownership and management. General
land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/
running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-15B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Finally, this is also an important
location that supports juveniles year round. Approximately 252 ac (102
ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-15B include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other
beach-
[[Page 37476]]
related activities. Special management considerations or protection
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing
disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot
foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach
restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and
their food resources (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Subunit FL-15C: Saint Petersburg Beach
Subunit FL-15C consists of 107 ac (43 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, on Saint Petersburg
Beach from 46th Avenue south to 1st Avenue inclusive of the inlet. The
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
subunit are entirely in State ownership. General land use within this
subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and
surfing).
Subunit FL-15C is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site.
Threats identified within Subunit FL-15C include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management
practices during beach replenishment or restoration to limit
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Unit FL-16: Indian Shores/Redington Beach
Unit FL-16 consists of 196 ac (79 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, from the Indian
Shores Florida Coastal Range Monument R-086 at the north end of the
unit to the Redington Beach Long Pier at the south end of the unit. The
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit
are entirely in State ownership. General land use within this unit
includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and
surfing).
Unit FL-16 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration.
Threats identified within Unit FL-16 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities,
including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach
replenishment to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Unit FL-17: Belleair Beach
Unit FL-17 consists of 123 ac (50 ha) of beach, inlet, and
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, on Belleair Beach
from the north point (Sand Key) south to 19th Street. The landward
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit are entirely in
State ownership. General land use within this unit includes
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Unit FL-17 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period on the northern Gulf coast
portion of the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat
for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots
are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
Threats identified within Unit FL-17 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities,
including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach
replenishment to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Unit FL-18: Saint Joseph Sound Complex
Unit FL-18 consists of three subunits comprising 888 ac (360 ha) in
Pinellas County, Florida. This unit consists of State lands. This unit
partially overlaps with occupied habitat and designated
[[Page 37477]]
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.
Subunit FL-18A: Caladesi Island
Subunit FL-18A consists of a total of 259 ac (105 ha) of beach and
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida. This subunit includes
shoreline from the southern boundary of Caladesi Island State Park to
Dunedin Pass. The landward boundary is the line indicating the
beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to
MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands in
this subunit are entirely State ownership. General land use within this
subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and
surfing).
Subunit FL-18A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. The entire subunit overlaps with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-18A include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management
practices during beach replenishment or restoration to limit
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources)
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). The State
lands within this subunit are managed under the Caladesi Island State
Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2007a, entire).
Subunit FL-18B: Honeymoon Island
Subunit FL-18B consists of a total of 294 ac (119 ha) of beach and
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida. This subunit includes
the Gulf of Mexico shoreline in Honeymoon Island State Park from
Dunedin Pass to Hurricane Pass. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent,
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide. Lands in this subunit are entirely State ownership. General
land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/
running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-18B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 127 ac (51 ha) of this
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-18B include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management
practices during beach replenishment or restoration to limit
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources)
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). The State
lands within this subunit are managed under the Honeymoon Island State
Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2007b, entire).
Subunit FL-18C: Three Rooker Bar
Subunit FL-18C consists of a total of 335 ac (136 ha) of beach and
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, on Three Rooker
Island. Three Rooker Island includes shoreline from Hurricane Pass to
the northern tip of Three Rooker Island and is part of the Three Rooker
Bar Wildlife Management Area. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent,
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide. Lands in this subunit are entirely State ownership. General
land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/
running, fishing, and surfing).
Subunit FL-18C is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. Approximately 94 ac (38 ha) of this
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-18C include loss of habitat
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management
practices during beach replenishment or restoration to limit
disturbance and impacts to rufa red
[[Page 37478]]
knots and their food resources (see Special Management Considerations
or Protection, above). The State lands within this subunit are managed
under the Anclote Key Preserve State Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP
2014, entire).
Unit FL-19: Anclote Key
Unit FL-19 consists of 1,547 ac (626 ha) of beach and intertidal
sandflats in Pasco County, Florida, on Anclote Key. The landward
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit are entirely in
State ownership under Anclote Key Preserve State Park. General land use
within this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running,
fishing, and surfing).
Unit FL-19 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration. Finally, this is also an important location that
supports juveniles year round. Approximately 351 ac (142 ha) of the
unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit FL-19 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities,
including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach
restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). The State lands within
this unit are managed under the Anclote Key Preserve State Park Unit
Management Plan (FDEP 2014, entire).
Unit FL-20: Cedar Keys Complex
Unit FL-20 consists of 35,626 ac (14,417 ha) of beach and
intertidal sandflats in Levy County, Florida, on Cedar Key and the
complex of sandbars and flats seaward. The landward boundary is the
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit
include approximately 2,498 ac (1,012 ha; 7 percent) in Federal
ownership, 7,792 ac (3,153 ha; 22 percent) in State ownership, 5,928 ac
(2,293 ha; 17 percent) in private/other ownership, and 19,407 ac (7,959
ha; 54 percent) that are uncategorized. Federal ownership consists of
Cedar Keys NWR, and State ownership includes Waccasassa Preserve State
Park. General land use within this unit includes recreational use
(e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
Unit FL-20 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration. Finally, this is also an important location that
supports juveniles year round. Approximately 5,658 ac (2,290 ha) of
thus unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Unit FL-20 include loss of habitat due to
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills,
hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities,
including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach
replenishment or restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa
red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands
within this unit are managed under the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys
NWR's Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2001, entire), and State
lands are managed under the Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park Unit
Management Plan (FDEP 2019, entire).
Unit FL-21: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge
Unit FL-21 consists of 2,074 ac (839 ha) of beach, inlets, shoals,
intertidal sand and mud flats and impoundments within the St. Marks
NWR, Wakulla County, Florida. The unit extends from the eastern
boundary of Big Cove inlet west to the inlet west of Lighthouse Pool
and includes areas to the north up to 1.25 mi (2 km) into East River
Pool. This unit includes from the base of the berm road to the lowest
water level and areas up to 4 in (10 cm) of water depth within
Lighthouse Pool, Picnic Pond, Tower Pond, Headquarters Pond, Mounds
Pools 1 and 2, Stoney Bayou Pool 1, and within the open water and
emergent marsh portion of East River Pool and all shoals and shoreline
habitats within Sand Cove and Minnie Cove. Areas to the east of
Lighthouse Road between Lighthouse Pool and Picnic Pond, and areas to
the east of Picnic and Tower Ponds that have the physical or biological
features, are also included. This unit includes lands from MLLW to the
landward limit of the physical or biological features and any ephemeral
pools, or natural brackish ponds and any emergent sand shoals in
Apalachee Bay appearing near shore within 3 mi (4.8 km) of the critical
habitat boundary found along the southernmost portion of Lighthouse
Road and Lighthouse Levee Trail that parallels Apalachee Bay. Lands
within this unit are entirely in Federal ownership. General land use
within this unit includes management of impoundments for waterfowl and
shorebirds and passive recreational uses (e.g., birdwatching).
Unit FL-21 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the
[[Page 37479]]
physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the
species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site (although the subspecies also resides at this location
year round, which indicates use by juveniles). This unit is located
adjacent (within 1,000 ft (305 m)) to critical habitat units for the
federally threatened frosted flatwoods salamander (74 FR 6700, February
10, 2009), noting that projects within the area should consider impacts
for both rufa red knot and flatwoods salamander due to close proximity.
There is no overlap with designated critical habitat for any listed
species.
Threats identified within Unit FL-21 include: (1) Loss of bay
habitat due to sea level rise, (2) disturbances of foraging and
roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., vehicle
movements along the impoundment roads, beach goers along the bay
shorelines), and (3) mammalian and avian predation. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include water level management within impoundments to find
a multi-species balance to maximize seasonal use by rufa red knots,
reduction of human disturbances on a seasonal basis, and predator
control and management such as removing perches used by avian predators
in proximity to impoundments and the shoreline (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands are managed under
St. Marks NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2006b, entire).
Unit FL-22: Eastern Franklin County Complex
Unit FL-22 consists of three subunits comprising 1,429 ac (578 ha)
in Wakulla and Franklin Counties, Florida. This unit consists of
beaches within the areas of Apalachee Bay, Dickson Bay, Ochlockonee
Bay, and Alligator Point. This unit partially overlaps with occupied
habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover. This unit consists of State lands and private/other
ownership.
Subunit FL-22A: Mashes Sands
Subunit FL-22A consists of 262 ac (106 ha) of beach, inlet, shoals,
and intertidal sandflats at Mashes Sands Park beach and the inlet and
shoals of Apalachee Bay, Dickson Bay, and Ochlockonee Bay in Wakulla
County, Florida, from near Ochlockonee Point in Ochlockonee Bay north
towards Dickson Bay. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e.,
highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by
the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. This area
includes any ephemeral pools, lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and
any adjacent or near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this
subunit are all in State ownership but leased and managed by Wakulla
County. General land use within this subunit includes recreational
activities (e.g., walking, dog walking, and kayaking).
Subunit FL-22A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Rufa red knots also reside at this location
at lower concentrations during the fall migration period and winter
period.
Threats identified within Subunit FL-22A include: (1) Loss of
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise and shoreline
hardening, (2) avian and mammalian predation, and (3) disturbance of
rufa red knots from both humans and pets (dogs). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include minimizing or restricting human use (keeping dogs
leashed, including those walking dogs especially during spring
migration), and managing placement of kayak, canoe, and boat launches
as needed (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
The County is currently drafting a management plan for this unit (which
is expected to include shorebird protective recommendations (e.g.,
keeping dogs on leashes)).
Subunit FL-22B: Bald Point State Park
Subunit FL-22B consists of 445 ac (180 ha) of Bald Point beaches
and shoals in Franklin County, Florida, from a dirt road 0.35 mi (0.56
km) north of Marlin Street to the north near Bald Point, and including
shoals within Ochlockonee Bay approximately 0.9 mi (1.4 km) north of
Bald Point. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. It includes any
ephemeral pools, lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or
near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit include
approximately 439 ac (178 ha; 99 percent) in State ownership and 6 ac
(2 ha; 1 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within
this subunit includes recreational activities (e.g., walking, dog
walking, and kayaking).
Subunit FL-22B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. This location also supports rufa red knots
year round, which indicates it is important for juvenile survival.
Threats identified within Subunit FL-22B include: (1) Loss of
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) avian
and mammalian predation, and (3) disturbance of roosting and foraging
rufa red knots from human activities (e.g., walking, kayak/canoe
launch, boaters, and pets (dogs)). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing or restricting human use (e.g., keeping dogs leashed,
especially during spring migration) (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). State land in this subunit is
managed under FDEP's Division of Recreation and Parks, Unit Management
Plan (FDEP 2006, entire).
Subunit FL-22C: Alligator Point
Subunit FL-22C consists of 722 ac (292 ha) of Alligator Point
beaches and John S. Phipps Preserve beaches and shoals in Franklin
County, Florida, from 0.07 mi (0.11 km) east of Florida Coastal Range
Monument 210 west to the shoals associated with the northwestern end of
the point. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. It includes any
ephemeral pools, lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or
near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit are entirely
in private/other ownership (TNC). General land use within this subunit
includes recreational activities (e.g., walking, dog walking, kayaking,
canoeing, and fishing).
Subunit FL-22C is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring
[[Page 37480]]
migration period, serving as an important northbound stopover site.
This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red knots year
round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. Approximately
361 ac (146 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat
for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10,
2001).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-22C include: (1) Loss of
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2)
shoreline hardening, (3) avian and mammalian predation, and (4)
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots from human
activities (e.g., walking, kayak/canoe launch, boaters, and dogs). The
Preserve portion of this subunit is closed to the public, but
trespassing is persistent via the intertidal zone, waters access, and
fence jumping. Special management considerations or protection measures
to reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing or
restricting human use (e.g., keeping dogs on leashes, including those
walking dogs especially during spring migration), and potential
enforcement of the no trespass rule within the Preserve (violators
access via boats, walking via intertidal around a jetty structure, and
crossing a fence (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). The Preserve lands are managed under the John S. Phipps
Preserve Management Plan (Seamon 2013a, entire).
Unit FL-23: Central Franklin County Complex
Unit FL-23 consists of seven subunits comprising 4,175 ac (1,689
ha) in Franklin County, Florida. This unit consists of beaches and
barrier island areas of St. George Sound shoreline, the Carrabelle
River outlet, Boggy Jordan Bayou outlet, Dog Island, and St. George
Island. Lands within each subunit are either completely State-owned
(five subunits) or private/other owned (two subunits). This unit
partially overlaps with occupied habitat and designated critical
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover and loggerhead sea
turtle, and the federally endangered Gulf sturgeon.
Subunit FL-23A: Turkey Point Shoal
Subunit FL-23A consists of approximately 531 ac (215 ha) of an
emergent, isolated shoal within the Gulf of Mexico and St. George
Sound, Franklin County, Florida. This subunit includes emergent shoals
approximately 1 mi (1.5 km) south of Turkey Point. This subunit
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the
landward limit of the physical or biological features, including any
ephemeral pools, lagoons, and emergent sand shoals adjacent to the
island or reef. All lands within this subunit are in State ownership.
General land use within this subunit includes occasional recreational
fishing.
Subunit FL-23A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. Habitat at this location also supports rufa red knots year
round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival.
Threats identified within Subunit FL-23A include: (1) Loss of
shoals and foraging habitat, including prey resources, from sea level
rise; (2) disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots from
human activities (i.e., recreational fishing, including with boats);
and (3) avian predation. Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
minimizing or restricting human use, especially during spring migration
and winter months (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above).
Subunit FL-23B: Lanark Reef
Subunit FL-23B consists of approximately 865 ac (350 ha) of Lanark
Reef in the Gulf and St. George Sound, Franklin County, Florida. This
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide) to the landward limit of the physical or biological features,
including any ephemeral pools, lagoons, and emergent sand shoals within
3 mi (4.8 km) of the island or reef. Lands within this subunit include
805 ac (326 ha) in State ownership and 61 ac (25 ha) in private/other
ownership. General land use activity in this subunit should be minimal
given the area was purchased strictly for bird protection and is closed
to the public; however, there are unauthorized recreational activities
occurring (i.e., fishing, kayaking/canoeing, boating, walkers, dog
walkers).
Subunit FL-23B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site (although the habitat also supports rufa red
knots during the fall migration period at lower numbers). Additionally,
this subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. The entire subunit overlaps with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and approximately 364 ac (147 ha) of the
western half of the island overlap designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi) (68
FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-23B include: (1) Loss of the
entire island reef, habitat, and prey resources associated with sea
level rise; (2) disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots
from human activities (e.g., boaters, walkers, dogs); and (3) avian
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include enforcement to minimize
human disturbance especially during spring migration and winter months,
and predator management (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). No specific resources management plan exists for
Lanark Reef, although the Audubon does conduct predator management and
debris cleanup when staffing and funding allow (Vandeventer 2020, pers.
comm.; Korosy and Samuelsen 2020, pers. comm.).
Subunit FL-23C: East Dog Island
Subunit FL-23C consists of approximately 771 ac (312 ha) of East
Dog Island in Franklin County, Florida, from midway between Florida
Coastal Range Monuments 168 and 169 east to the tip of the island and
extending around the tip to include St. George Sound shoreline and
shoals approximately horizontal to Florida Coastal Range Monument 190.
This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
[[Page 37481]]
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, and also includes
ephemeral pools, lagoons, natural brackish ponds, and any adjacent or
near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit are entirely
private/other ownership, which includes the Jeff Lewis Wilderness
Preserve (owned by TNC). General land use within this subunit includes
recreational use by local landowners and vacationers for beach use
(e.g., walking, dog walking, and shell collecting). The Preserve is
closed to public access, although there is regular unauthorized use.
Subunit FL-23C is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red
knots year round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. The
Gulf of Mexico side of the subunit overlaps 140 ac (57 ha) of
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 270 ac (109 ha) of the subunit
overlap designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf
sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-23C include: (1) Loss of
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) avian
predation, and (3) disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots
from human disturbance (e.g., boaters, walkers, and dogs). Most of the
subunit is closed to the public, although unauthorized use still
occurs. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include enforcement efforts to
minimize rufa red knot disturbance from human activities, especially
during spring migration and winter months (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). A management plan is being
implemented on the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve (Seamon 2013b,
entire), a subset of the subunit.
Subunit FL-23D: West Dog Island
Subunit FL-23D consists of approximately 751 ac (304 ha) of West
Dog Island in Franklin County, Florida. This subunit includes the
entirety of West Dog Island from the eastern boundary at the Gulf of
Mexico shoreline midway between Florida Coastal Range Monuments 168 and
169 and west 3.1 mi (5 km) to East Pass. This subunit includes lands
from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward
boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, as well as ephemeral and emergent sand shoals appearing in
the near shore. Lands within this subunit are entirely in private/other
ownership, which includes the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve, owned by
the TNC. General land use within this subunit includes recreational
uses by local landowners and vacationers for beach use (e.g., walking,
dog walking, and shell collecting). The Preserve is closed to public
access although unauthorized use regularly occurs.
Subunit FL-23D is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red
knots year round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. The
Gulf of Mexico side of the subunit overlaps 141 ac (57 ha) of
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 347 ac (140 ha) of the subunit
overlap designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf
sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-23D include: (1) Loss of
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2)
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots as a result of
unauthorized human activities (e.g., boaters, walkers, dogs), and (3)
avian predation. Special management considerations or protection
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include enforcement
efforts to minimize rufa red knot disturbance from human activities,
especially during spring migration and winter months (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). A management plan is
being implemented on the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve (Seamon 2013b,
entire).
Subunit FL-23E: McKissack Beach, Carrabelle
Subunit FL-23E consists of approximately 117 ac (47 ha) of
McKissack Beach in Carrabelle and associated shoals in Franklin County,
Florida, from 0.18 mi (0.30 km) east of the intersection of U.S.
Highway 98 and Cape Street east to the cove that forms the outlet of
Boggy Jordan Bayou. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly
dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, as well as any
ephemeral and emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore. Lands
within this subunit include 114 ac (46 ha) in State ownership via the
Florida Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund (although the City of
Carrabelle retains a lease on McKissack Beach and Marsh), and 3 ac (1
ha) in private/other ownership. General land use within this subunit
includes passive recreation (e.g., beach walking, leashed dogs).
Subunit FL-23E is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red
knots year round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. The
subunit overlaps 104 ac (42 ha) of designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and
107 ac (43 ha) of the subunit overlap designated critical habitat for
the threatened Gulf sturgeon within Apalachicola Bay (68 FR 13370,
March 19, 2003).
[[Page 37482]]
Threats identified within Subunit FL-23E include: (1) Loss of
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2)
disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots from human
activities (e.g., walking, dogs), and (3) mammalian and avian
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include enforcement efforts to
minimize human disturbance and enforce unleashed dogs, especially
during spring migration and winter months, and efforts to control trash
that may attract predators in the area (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). Management is conducted in
accordance with the Florida Resilient Coastline Program's land
management plan for McKissack Beach and Marsh (Apalachee Regional
Planning Council 2021, entire), which includes a vulnerability
assessment and an adaptation plan.
Subunit FL-23F: East St. George Island State Park
Subunit FL-23F consists of 978 ac (396 ha) of Dr. Julian G. Bruce
St. George Island State Park Beach in Franklin County, Florida, from
Florida Coastal Range Monument 105 to the eastern tip of the island at
East Pass. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. All lands within
this subunit are in State ownership. General land use within this
subunit includes passive recreational activities (e.g., beach walking,
shell collecting, sunbathing, and fishing from the shoreline).
Subunit FL-23F is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the north
Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing important
wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red knots year
round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. The entire
subunit overlaps designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), the Gulf of
Mexico side of the subunit overlaps approximately 485 ac (196 ha) of
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 2014), and 426 ac (172 ha) of the subunit
overlap designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf
sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-23F include: (1) Loss of
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2)
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots from human
activities (e.g., fishing, walkers, dogs), and (3) avian and mammalian
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include posting concentrated areas
used by the birds, conducting enforcement efforts to minimize human
disturbance (especially during spring migration and winter months), and
controlling trash that may attract predators (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). State lands are managed under the
St. George Island State Park's 2016 Management Plan (FDEP 2016,
entire).
Subunit FL-23G: St. George Island State Park and Bayshore Shoals
Subunit FL-23G consists of 162 ac (65 ha) of Goose Island and
associated shoals within St. George Island State Park in Franklin
County, Florida. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly
dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the physical and
biological features, including ephemeral pools, lagoons, and any
emergent sand shoals adjacent to the island. All lands within this
subunit are in State ownership. General land use within this subunit
includes recreational activities (e.g., fishermen, oystermen, and
kayakers/canoers).
Subunit FL-23G is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red
knots year round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival.
This subunit overlaps 162 ac (65 ha) of designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001),
and 119 ac (48 ha) of designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-23G include: (1) Loss of
entire shoal, habitat, and prey resources associated with sea level
rise; (2) disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots as a
result of human activities (e.g., boaters); and (3) avian predation.
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include minimizing or restricting human use,
especially during spring migration and winter months (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State park lands are
managed under the St. George Island State Park Management Plan (FDEP
2016, entire).
Unit FL-24: St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Complex
Unit FL-24 consists of three subunits comprising 2,212 ac (895 ha)
in Franklin and Gulf Counties, Florida. This unit consists of beaches
of Apalachicola Bay, St. Vincent Sound, Indian Pass, St. Vincent
Island, and Flagg Island. Lands within this unit are Federal (one
subunit) and State (two subunits). This unit partially overlaps with
occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover and loggerhead sea turtle, and the federally
endangered Gulf sturgeon.
Subunit FL-24A: Little St. George Island State Park-West
Subunit FL-24A consists of 953 ac (386 ha) of Little St. George
Island beach and shoals in Franklin County, Florida, from West Pass
east to Florida Coastal Range Monument 25 and including bayside beach
from West Pass east to the point at the Marshall Dock. This subunit
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the
landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or
hardened structures, and includes ephemeral pools, natural brackish
ponds, and emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore of the Gulf
or Apalachicola Bay. All lands within this subunit are in State
ownership. General land use within this subunit includes recreational
activities (e.g., fishermen, oystermen, and kayakers/canoers).
Subunit FL-24A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the
[[Page 37483]]
physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the
species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the
subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging
and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking
to build energy sources for migration. This location also contains
habitat that supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it is
important for juvenile survival. The western tip of the subunit
overlaps 82 ac (33 ha) of designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), the Gulf of
Mexico side overlaps 279 ac (113 ha) of designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10,
2014), and approximately 502 ac (203 ha) of the subunit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf sturgeon
(68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-24A include: (1) Loss of
entire inlet spit, habitat, and prey resources associated with sea
level rise, (2) disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots
resulting from human activities (e.g., boaters), and (3) avian
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing or restricting
boat mooring on the inlet spit, especially during winter months, and
removing any unnatural perches to reduce avian predation (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands (Little
St. George State Park) in this subunit are managed under the
Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve Management Plan (FDEP and
Apalachicola NERR 2013, entire).
Subunit FL-24B: St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge
Subunit FL-24B consists of 742 ac (300 ha) of St. Vincent NWR beach
and shoals in Franklin and Gulf Counties, Florida, from the Refuge boat
house at the confluence of St. Vincent Sound and Indian Pass east to
0.60 mi (0.96 km) north of Shell Road. This subunit includes lands from
MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward
boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, and
emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore of the Gulf. Lands
within this subunit are all in Federal ownership. General land use
within this subunit includes recreational activities (e.g., nearby use
by fishermen, beach walkers, and kayakers/canoers).
Subunit FL-24B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of
the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. This location also
contains habitat that supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it
is important to juvenile survival. Both the eastern and western tip of
the subunit overlap a total of 206 ac (83 ha) of designated critical
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July
10, 2001), the Gulf of Mexico side of the subunit overlaps 394 ac (159
ha) of designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 2014), and approximately
374 ac (152 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat
for the federally threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19,
2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-24B include: (1) Loss of
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2)
disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots from human
activities (e.g., fishermen, walkers), and (3) avian and mammalian
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats may include posting concentrated areas
used by the birds and enforcement efforts to minimize human
disturbance, especially during winter months (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this subunit are
managed under the St. Vincent NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan
(Service 2006c, entire).
Subunit FL-24C: Flagg Island Shoals
Subunit FL-24C consists of 517 ac (209 ha) of the entire ebb-tidal
delta referred to as Flagg Island off the southernmost tip of St.
Vincent Island (near Oyster Pond outfall) in Franklin County, Florida.
This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide) to the landward limit of the physical or biological features,
including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, and emergent sand
shoals. All lands within this subunit (which constantly change in size
and shape due to the dynamic nature of the area) are in State
ownership. General land use within this subunit includes passive
recreational activities (e.g., boat mooring, tour guide boats, beach
walking, shell collecting, and fishing from the shoreline).
Subunit FL-24C is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of
the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. This location also
contains habitat that supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it
is important for juvenile survival. The majority of the subunit (487 ac
(197 ha)) overlaps designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 2014), and
approximately 476 ac (193 ha) of the subunit overlap designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR
13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-24C include: (1) Loss of the
shoals habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2)
disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots as a result of
human activities (e.g., fishermen, walkers), and (3) avian predation.
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include posting concentrated areas used by
the birds and enforcement efforts to minimize human disturbance,
especially during winter months (see Special Management Considerations
or Protection, above).
Unit FL-25: Gulf County Complex
Unit FL-25 consists of two subunits comprising 1,520 ac (616 ha) in
Gulf County, Florida. This unit consists of beaches of Cape San Blas,
Money, and Indian Pass beaches, and the southeastern portion of St.
Joseph Bay. Lands within this unit are State owned (one subunit) and
private/other ownership (one subunit). This unit partially overlaps
with occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened piping plover and federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle.
[[Page 37484]]
Subunit FL-25A: Cape San Blas to Indian Pass
Subunit FL-25A consists of 620 ac (251 ha) of Cape San Blas, Money
Bayou, and Indian Pass beaches in Gulf County, Florida, from the
southwestern point of Cape San Blas to 0.11 mi (0.18 km) northeast of
the Indian Pass Beach Boat Ramp. This subunit includes lands from MLLW
(i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the
physical or biological features, including ephemeral pools, natural
brackish ponds, and emergent sand shoals in the near shore. Lands
within this subunit include 133 ac (54 ha) in State ownership and 486
ac (197 ha) in private/other ownership. Adjacent Federal lands under
Eglin Air Force base jurisdiction were considered and are exempt under
section 4(a)(3) of the Act, but the shoal and any emergent shoal
formations that appear are considered part of this subunit, starting
from the MLLW south and up 0.5 mi (0.81 km) from Eglin Air Force Base
lands on the southern-most side of Cape San Blas. General land use
within this subunit includes recreational activities (e.g., a boat ramp
near Indian Pass, tour guide boats, beach walking, shell collecting,
and fishing from the shoreline). Beach driving permits are also issued
by Gulf County. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but enforcement of the
leash law is a persistent need.
Subunit FL-25A is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. This location also contains habitat that
supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it is important for
juvenile survival. The western-most tip of the island (Cape San Blas)
overlaps with 130 ac (53 ha) of designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), the
Gulf of Mexico side of the subunit overlaps with 345 ac (140 ha) of
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea
turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 2014), and approximately 326 ac (132 ha)
of the subunit overlap designated critical habitat for the federally
threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Subunit FL-25A include: (1) Loss of the
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2)
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots resulting from
human activities (e.g., golf carts, vehicles, fishermen, walkers, and
dogs on and off leash), and (3) avian predation. Additionally, sand
placement efforts are to occur soon via berms placement, but beach
nourishment is possible in the future. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include posting concentrated areas used by rufa red knots,
reducing the number of beach driving permits issued, and continuing to
enforce dog leash laws (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Subunit FL-25B: St. Joseph Bay-Eastern Shore
Subunit FL-25B consists of 827 ac (335 ha) of beaches and shoals
within the southeastern portion of St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County,
Florida, from 0.09 mi (0.14 km) east of the intersection of County Road
30A and Cape San Blas Road to the west 0.66 mi (1.1 km) and to the
north 2.4 mi (3.8 km). This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e.,
highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the physical
or biological features, including ephemeral pools, natural brackish
ponds, lagoons, and emergent sand shoals in the near shore. Lands
within this subunit include 761 ac (308 ha) in State ownership and 66
ac (27 ha) in private/other ownership. General land use within this
subunit includes recreational activities (e.g., nearby boat ramps, a
canoe/kayak launch). Additionally, scalloping and fishing in St. Joseph
Bay is popular during the fall season.
Subunit FL-25B is occupied by the species and contains one or more
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build
energy sources for migration. This location also contains habitat that
supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it is important for
juvenile survival.
Threats identified within Subunit FL-25B include: (1) Loss of the
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise; (2)
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots as a result of
human activities during low tides, which is likely the time this area
is most used by the rufa red knots; (3) disturbance of foraging rufa
red knots from boating and canoeing/kayaking; and (4) avian predation.
Special management considerations or protection measures may include
reducing human disturbance via educational materials (e.g., post at
boat ramps to request that boaters avoid coming near large flocks of
birds) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
State lands are managed under the FDEP's oversight of St. Joseph Bay
and some adjacent sand shoals and uplands area via the St. Joseph Bay
State Buffer Preserve's management plan (FDEP 2008b, entire).
Unit AL-1: Dauphin Island
Unit AL-1 consists of 5,164 ac (2,091 ha) in Mobile County,
Alabama, which is one of the Mississippi-Alabama barrier islands with
the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Mobile Bay to the north. The unit
includes all of Dauphin Island from the historic 19th Century Fort
Gaines site on the eastern side of the island, continuing approximately
16 mi (26 km) west to the MLLW on the westernmost tip, and all of
Little Dauphin Island (which is uninhabited) to MLLW. Lands within this
unit include approximately 484 ac (196 ha; 9 percent) in Federal
ownership, 848 ac (343 ha; 16 percent) in State ownership, and 3,834 ac
(1,552 ha; 74 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use
within this unit includes recreational activities (e.g., off-shore and
surf fishing, sunbathing, swimming, and walking), the incorporated
community of Dauphin Island, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary (164 ac (66
ha)) of woodland, swamp, and beach), the State's recently acquired
coastal habitat conservation area on the western end of Dauphin Island,
and the Little Dauphin Island unit of Bon Secour NWR.
Unit AL-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods. This location serves as
an important northbound and southbound stopover site, providing
multiple foraging and roosting habitats
[[Page 37485]]
for energy-depleted rufa red knots seeking to replenish their resources
during their migration to and from breeding grounds. Approximately
2,381 ac (963 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat
for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10,
2001).
Threats identified within Unit AL-1 include: (1) Human disturbance
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots from recreational activities
(e.g., pets and domestic animals, ORVs, golf carts, powered boats and
kayaks, and surf fishing), (2) predation (especially by raptors, red
fox, and feral cats), (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due
to residential and commercial development, (4) hard and soft beach
stabilization efforts (e.g., beach nourishment, fences, dredged
material disposal), (5) erosion, including from sea level rise; and (6)
human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot
foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration
(through law enforcement presence and through restrictions on timing,
locations, and types of activities), sediment management through
periodic beach nourishment, and addressing the impacts of potential oil
spills through facility placement, as well as spill response plans and
training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).
Federal lands are currently managed by Bon Secour NWR via the Refuge's
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2005, entire). State-owned
lands known as Shell Mound Park or Indian Mound Park are managed by
Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and
Natural Resources. The recently acquired habitat conservation area by
the State on the west end of Dauphin Island will be managed by Mobile
County and the Town of Dauphin Island.
Unit MS-1: Ship Island
Unit MS-1 consists of 2,452 ac (993 ha) in Harrison County,
Mississippi, consisting of emergent lands and intertidal area to MLLW
on Ship Island and its adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic
beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide). This unit is owned entirely by the Federal
Government as part of the NPS's Gulf Islands National Seashore. Ship
Island was breached by hurricane Camille in 1969, and the breach was
significantly widened by hurricane Katrina in 2005; however, the unit
is once again one island as a result of restoration work that occurred
in 2019 and 2020. General land use within this unit includes limited
recreation (e.g., fishing, birding), management for nesting and
wintering sea birds in addition to other wildlife species, and tourism
associated with the historic Fort Massachusetts, which is frequently
visited by people via a commercial ferry service. Portions of the
island are closed by NPS to the public during various times of the year
to prevent impacts to bird nesting. This island is also remotely
located approximately 8 mi (13 km) off shore.
Unit MS-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering
habitat on the northern Gulf coast for foraging and roosting during a
time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration. The entire 2,452-ac (993-ha) unit overlaps with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 1,666 ac (674 ha) of the unit overlap
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf
sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Unit MS-1 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities,
such as regional modification of the natural sediment transport
processes via navigation channel dredging and disturbance by powered
boats; (2) predation (native predators); (3) modification or loss of
habitat due to erosion and sea level rise; and (4) human-caused
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent island roosting habitat during
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of
activities), and managing sediment sources both within the unit and the
adjacent Mississippi Sound to offset erosion and sea level rise (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). These Federal
lands are currently managed under the Gulf Islands National Seashore
Management Plan (NPS 2014c, entire).
Unit MS-2: Cat Island
Unit MS-2 consists of 2,121 ac (858 ha) in Harrison County,
Mississippi, consisting of emergent lands and intertidal area to MLLW
on Cat Island and its adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic
beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide). Lands within this unit include approximately
686 ac (278 ha; 32 percent) in Federal ownership (Gulf Islands National
Seashore), 1,305 ac (528 ha; 62 percent) in State ownership (managed by
the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources), and 129 ac (52 ha; 6
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit
includes recreational use (e.g., fishing, birding, and rare visitation
by humans via boats) by locals and island residents. This island is
also remotely located approximately 8 mi (13 km) off shore.
Unit MS-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species for wintering and migration. This unit contains a high
concentration of rufa red knots during the spring and fall migration
periods, serving as an important northbound and southbound stopover
site on the northern Gulf coast. Additionally, this unit contains a
high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period,
providing important wintering habitat on the northern Gulf coast for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 2,087 ac
(845 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and
200 ac (81 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
Threats identified within Unit MS-2 include disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities such as
regional modification of the natural sediment transport processes via
navigation channel dredging and disturbance by powered boats;
modification or loss of habitat due to erosion and sea level rise; and
human-caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats may include conducting public outreach and education, managing
access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent
[[Page 37486]]
island roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities), and managing sediment
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Mississippi Sound to
offset erosion and sea level rise (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are
currently managed under Gulf Islands National Seashore Management Plan
(NPS 2014c, entire), and State lands in this unit are currently managed
according to Rules and Regulations For The Use of State-Owned Coastal
Preserve Areas (Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) 2009,
entire) and the Coastal Preserves Bureau Management Plan (Mississippi
DMR 2020, entire). These are not area-specific for lands in this unit,
but the Mississippi DMR does implement these goals at this time (Davis
2020, pers. comm.).
Unit LA-1: Chandeleur Islands
Unit LA-1 consists of 7,632 ac (3,088 ha) in St. Bernard Parish,
Louisiana. The unit includes all emergent lands to MLLW on the
Chandeleur Islands and their adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic
beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide). All lands in this unit are federally owned as
part of the Breton NWR and Wilderness Area, which was created as a
refuge and breeding ground for resident and migratory birds. General
land use within this unit includes recreational activities (e.g., bird
watching, fishing, and hiking) and occasionally biological research
activities (which require a Special Use Permit).
Unit LA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site on the northern Gulf coast. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period (i.e., the vast majority of the species' wintering population in
Louisiana), providing important wintering habitat for foraging and
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to
build energy sources for migration. This unit also has an undeveloped
character that provides protection from intensive human uses.
Approximately 4,734 ac (1,916 ha) of the unit overlap with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit LA-1 include human disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots (e.g., powered boats), natural
predators, and loss of habitat, including from erosion, sea level rise,
and response actions resulting from natural and human-caused disasters
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate threats may include habitat
management or restoration (e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh
elevations, and facilitated shoreline migration), management of
predator populations, oil spill response planning, and management of
human activities that disturb foraging and roosting rufa red knots (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Management
within this unit occurs via the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for
Breton NWR, which guides refuge management and resource conservation
pertaining to managing such activities, and any restoration actions
would be aimed at restoring habitat quality and quantity without
permanently affecting the natural coastal processes that maintain the
physical or biological features of critical habitat (Service 2008b,
entire). The Refuge's management objectives are to provide sanctuary
for nesting and wintering seabirds, protect and preserve the wilderness
character of the islands, and provide sandy barrier beach habitat for a
variety of wildlife species (Service 2008b, pp. 12, 25).
Unit LA-2: Barataria Barrier Islands and Headlands
Unit LA-2 consists of 7,795 ac (3,155 ha) within Plaquemines,
Jefferson, and Lafourche Parishes, Louisiana, including emergent lands
and/or sand shoals to MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
unit includes: (1) Emergent lands of Lanaux and Shell Islands to MLLW
in Plaquemines Parish; (2) emergent sand shoals of Grand Bayou Pass in
Plaquemines Parish; (3) the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to MLLW between
Grand Bayou Pass and Quatre Bayou Pass (known as the Chaland Headland
and Chenier Ronquille); (4) emergent sand shoals of Bastian Bay, Bay
Joe Wise, Chaland Pass, and Bayou Cheniere Ronquille in Plaquemines
Parish; (5) all emergent lands of the Grand Terre Islands and adjacent
unnamed island to MLLW between Quatre Bayou Pass and Barataria Pass in
Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes; (6) the Gulf of Mexico shoreline of
Grand Isle from the toe of the Gulf-side hurricane protection levee to
MLLW in Jefferson Parish; (7) the west side of the Caminada Pass
shoreline and the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to MLLW beginning just north
of Louisiana Highway 1 in Caminada Pass extending approximately 15 mi
(24 km) westward to the east side of Belle Pass (known as the Caminada
Headland, which includes the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries' (LDWF) Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge) in Jefferson and
Lafourche Parishes; and (8) all emergent lands of the West Belle Pass
peninsula to the MLLW. Lands within this unit include approximately 126
ac (51 ha; 2 percent) in State ownership, and 7,669 ac (3,104 ha; 98
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit
includes oil and gas activities (e.g., pipelines, wellheads, supply
boats), public beaches (i.e., Grand Isle, portions of the Caminada
Headland), public boat launches, residential development on Grand Isle
just north of the unit boundary line, Grand Isle State Park, Elmer's
Island Wildlife Refuge, and barrier island/headland habitats.
Unit LA-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast.
Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period on these barrier islands and headlands,
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy
sources for migration. The State's attention to restoring the barrier
islands and headlands in this unit, which adds much-needed sediment to
the system, in coordination with episodic storm events, have also
contributed to habitat creation (e.g., sand spits), and in turn,
optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions. Approximately 2,946 ac (1,192
ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit LA-2 include disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., pets,
ORVs/all-terrain vehicles, powered boats, and jet skis (specifically
for public beaches on Grand Isle and the Caminada Headland)); natural
predators; nonnative predators (specifically for public beaches on
Grand Isle and the Caminada Headland); modification or loss of habitat,
or both, due to
[[Page 37487]]
uncontrolled recreational access, beach cleaning, and/or beach
stabilization (specifically for public beaches on Grand Isle and the
Caminada Headland); loss of habitat due to erosion and sea level rise;
and response to natural and human-caused disasters. Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate threats
may include public outreach and education, educational signage, permits
for ORV use on public beaches; habitat management or restoration (e.g.,
living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated shoreline
migration); management of predator populations; oil spill response
planning; and management of human activities that disturb foraging and
roosting rufa red knots (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Unit LA-3: Terrebonne Barrier Islands
Unit LA-3 consists of 5,072 ac (2,052 ha) in Lafourche and
Terrebonne Parishes, Louisiana, including emergent lands and/or sand
shoals to MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal seashore
that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This unit
includes: (1) Emergent lands on East Timbalier Island in Lafourche
Parish; (2) emergent sand shoals at Little Pass Timbalier in Jefferson
Parish; (3) emergent lands of Timbalier Island (also known as Big or
West Timbalier Island) in Terrebonne Parish; and (4) emergent lands and
associated sand shoals on East, Trinity, Whiskey, and Raccoon Islands
(known as the LDWF Isles Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuge) in
Terrebonne Parish. Lands within this unit include approximately 2,890
ac (1,173 ha; 57 percent) in State ownership and 2,172 ac (879 ha; 43
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use in this unit
includes recreational activities (e.g., bird watching, fishing),
biological research activities (which require a permit), and oil and
gas activities (i.e., East Timbalier Island).
Unit LA-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast.
Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knot
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat for
foraging and roosting on the northern Gulf coast during a time of the
year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. This unit also has an undeveloped character that provides
protection from intensive human uses. The State's attention to
restoring the barrier islands in this unit, which adds much-needed
sediment to the system, in coordination with episodic storm events have
also contributed to habitat creation (e.g., sand spits), and in turn,
optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions. Approximately 4,077 ac (1,650
ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit LA-3 include disturbance of foraging
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., oil
and gas activities (for East Timbalier Island only), powered boats);
native predators; and modification of habitat, such as due to erosion,
sea level rise, and response to natural and human-caused disasters
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate threats may include habitat
management or restoration (e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh
elevations, and facilitated shoreline migration), management of
predator populations, oil spill response planning, and management of
human activities that disturb foraging and roosting rufa red knots (see
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). The State
lands of this unit are managed by the LDWF Isles Dernieres Barrier
Islands Refuge. The State's management of the majority of this unit
requires special permission and/or permits to access the State-owned
islands (State of Louisiana 2021, website).
Unit LA-4: Southwest Louisiana Beaches
Unit LA-4 consists of 6,130 ac (2,481 ha) in Cameron and Vermillion
Parishes, Louisiana. The unit includes land along the Gulf of Mexico
shoreline to the MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic intertidal seashore that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) from the eastern
Vermilion Parish line starting at the eastern boundary of the Audubon
Society's Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary, extending approximately
128 mi (206 km) westward and terminating at Louisiana Point, and also
including its associated sand/mud shoals on the east side of Sabine
Pass in Cameron Parish. Along its entire length, the unit includes the
shoreline beach from the MLLW line landward to the edge of where dense
vegetation begins. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,497
ac (606 ha; 24 percent) in State ownership and 4,633 ac (1,875 ha; 76
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit
includes recreational activities (e.g., bird watching, fishing), public
beaches (i.e., Rutherford Beach, Holly Beach), biological research
activities (which require a permit on State-owned lands), cattle
grazing (i.e., on some private lands), and oil and gas activities
(e.g., pipelines).
Unit LA-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast.
Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knot
during the winter period, providing an important wintering habitat
location on the northern Gulf coast within the subspecies' northern
wintering range. Approximately 2,499 ac (1,011 ha) of the unit overlap
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping
plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit LA-4 unit include disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans or human activities
(e.g., pets, vehicles on the beach, powerboats, and uncontrolled
recreational access on public beaches (e.g., Rutherford Beach, Holly
Beach)); disturbance from cattle grazing; disturbance from oil and gas
activities (e.g., pipelines, pipeline repairs); native predators as
well as nonnative predators (e.g., associated with public beaches); and
modification or loss of habitat, or both, due to installation of hard
structures, jetty maintenance, erosion, sea level rise, and responses
to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate threats may include public outreach/education, educational
signage, restricting vehicle access on public beaches; habitat
management or restoration (e.g., living shorelines, facilitated
shoreline migration); management of predator populations; oil spill
response planning; and management of human activities that disturb
foraging and roosting rufa red knots (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). The State portion is managed by
the LDWF Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge (Coastal Nongame Resources
Division) in Vermilion Parish. The LDWF allows trapping, fishing,
boating, birding, wildlife viewing, education, and
[[Page 37488]]
research activities on the Refuge (Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge 2021,
website).
Unit TX-1: Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats
Unit TX-1 consists of 1,264 ac (511 ha) in Galveston County, Texas.
This unit begins at the west side of Rollover Pass and extends
southwest ending at the north jetty on the Bolivar Peninsula. It
includes 17 mi (27 km) of Gulf shoreline. The landward boundary is the
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, and the gulf-side
boundary is the MLLW, including emergent lands and intertidal area
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. The west end of the unit includes lands
known as wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific
habitat types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass
mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are nearly
flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the
water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside)
sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation;
estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly or
regularly, depending upon the location, inundated by tides; and marine
sandy coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides,
depending upon the location (Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC)
2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within this unit include approximately 268
ac (108 ha; 21 percent) in State ownership and 996 ac (403 ha; 79
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit
includes multiple human uses for recreation including both pedestrian
and vehicle activity, and ongoing beach maintenance/nourishment
activities. The west end of the unit is a well-known birding site
(Bolivar Flats) that is protected by the Houston Audubon Society.
Unit TX-1 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period, providing an important wintering habitat
location on the northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of the rufa red knot
northern wintering range, especially for an area that also experiences
a low level of disturbance during this time period. The intertidal zone
and relatively undisturbed beach habitat provide multiple foraging and
roosting habitat areas during the time of year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy resources for migration. The west end portion
of the unit overlaps with 801 ac (324 ha) of designated critical
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July
10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-1 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, sport-utility
vehicles (SUVs), motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of
habitat due to residential and commercial development, beach
maintenance and nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3)
predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats include
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities),
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling
activities through facility placement, as well as spill response plans
and training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). The Texas General Land Office State lands are managed under The
Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 61 and The Dune
Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63. The Audubon
lands are managed under the Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary Management
Plan (Houston Audubon 2017, entire).
Unit TX-2: West Galveston Island
Unit TX-2 consists of 590 ac (238 ha) in Galveston County, Texas.
The unit is along the gulf with boundaries from the MLLW up to the
vegetation line, including emergent lands and intertidal area
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. The northeastern boundary is the end of
the Seawall Boulevard (end of the seawall), and the southwestern
boundary is San Luis Pass. Specific habitat types within this unit
include marine sandy coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly
inundated by tides, depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-12,
37). Lands within this unit include approximately 307 ac (124 ha; 52
percent) in State ownership and 283 ac (114 ha; 48 percent) in private/
other ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple
human uses for recreation including both pedestrian and vehicle
disturbance, and ongoing beach maintenance/nourishment activities.
Unit TX-2 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important southbound
stopover site. The west end portion of the unit overlaps with 106 ac
(43 ha) of designated critical habitat for the federally threatened
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-2 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs,
motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of habitat due to
residential and commercial development, beach maintenance and
nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3) predation (residential
and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused disasters and response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and education,
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion
and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills
or gas drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The Texas General Land Office State lands are
managed under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter
61 and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.
Unit TX-3: Cedar Lake to Colorado River
Unit TX-3 consists of 1,203 ac (487 ha) in Matagorda County, Texas.
The unit is along the gulf with boundaries from the MLLW up to the
vegetation line, including emergent lands and intertidal area
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. The northeastern boundary is the south
[[Page 37489]]
side of Cedar Lake Cut, and the southwestern boundary is near the
Colorado River. Specific habitat types within this unit include marine
sandy coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly inundated by
tides, depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-12, 37). Lands
within this unit include 1,075 ac (432 ha; 89 percent) in State
ownership and 128 ac (52 ha; 11 percent) in private/other ownership.
General land use within this unit includes multiple human uses for
recreation including both pedestrian and vehicle disturbance, and
ongoing beach maintenance/nourishment activities.
Unit TX-3 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing an important
wintering habitat location on the northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of
the rufa red knot northern wintering range. During the winter period,
this area provides foraging and roosting habitat during a time of the
year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for
migration. Portions of the unit overlap with 843 ac (341 ha) of five
designated critical habitat units for the federally threatened piping
plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-3 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs,
motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of habitat due to
residential and commercial development, beach maintenance and
nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3) predation (residential
and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused disasters and response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and education,
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion
and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills
or gas drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The Texas General Land Office State lands are
managed under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter
61 and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.
Unit TX-4: Mustang Island
Unit TX-4 consists of 648 ac (262 ha) in Nueces County, Texas. The
unit is along the gulf with boundaries from the MLLW up to the
vegetation line, including emergent lands and intertidal area
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. The northern boundary is the south
jetty at Port Aransas and the southern boundary is the north jetty of
Packery Channel. Specific habitat types within this unit include marine
sandy coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly inundated by
tides, depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-12, 37). Lands
within this unit include approximately 395 ac (160 ha; 61 percent) in
State ownership and 253 ac (102 ha; 39 percent) in private/other
ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple human
uses for recreation including both pedestrian and vehicle disturbance,
and ongoing beach maintenance/nourishment activities.
Unit TX-4 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound
stopover site. Portions of the unit overlap with 589 ac (238 ha) of two
designated critical habitat units for the federally threatened piping
plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-4 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs,
motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of habitat due to
residential and commercial development, beach maintenance and
nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3) predation (residential
and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused disasters and response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and education,
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion
and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills
or gas drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). The Texas General Land Office State lands are
managed under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter
61 and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.
Unit TX-5: Mollie Beattie Coastal Habitat
Unit TX-5 consists of a total of 723 ac (293 ha) in Nueces County,
Texas. This unit is located north of Packery Channel and extends along
the bayside west of Sylvan Beach Park west of Texas State Highway 361.
The northern boundary is the Corpus Christi Pass with the southern
boundary approximately 2 mi (3.2 km) south of Corpus Christi Pass. The
eastern boundary is where the dense vegetation begins, and the western
boundary is the MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
unit includes two hurricane washover passes known as Newport and Corpus
Christi Passes in areas where wind tidal flats are infrequently
inundated, and bayside flats that are exposed during low tide regimes
and wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. The unit does not
include densely vegetated habitat within these boundaries, but it
includes all seagrass beds exposed at low tides. Specific habitat types
within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) sandy shore/beach/sandbar
that is irregularly or regularly, depending upon the location,
inundated by tides; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar)
and spoils irregularly inundated by tides (FGDC 2013 pp. 11-13, 37).
Lands within this unit include approximately 505 ac (205 ha; 70
percent) in State ownership and 218 ac (88 ha; 30 percent) in private/
other ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple
human uses for recreation (e.g., fishing, boating).
Unit TX-5 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains high concentrations of rufa red knots
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound
[[Page 37490]]
stopover site. This entire unit (723 ac (293 ha)) overlaps with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-5 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities (e.g., fishing,
boating), domestic animals, and ORV activities; (2) modification or
loss of habitat due to residential and commercial development, and sea
level rise; (3) predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4)
human-caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats include conducting public outreach and education, managing
access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea
level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas
drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above).
Unit TX-6: North Padre Island
Unit TX-6 consists of 2,817 ac (1,140 ha) in Nueces, Kleberg,
Kenedy, and Willacy Counties, Texas. The unit is along the gulf with
boundaries from the MLLW up to the vegetation line, to include emergent
lands and intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The
northern boundary is the south side of Packery Channel extending along
the Gulf shoreline to Port Mansfield East Cut. Specific habitat types
within this unit include marine sandy coastline beach that is
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the
location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-12, 37). Lands within this unit include
approximately 2,487 ac (1,007 ha; 88 percent) in Federal ownership, 68
ac (27 ha; 3 percent) in State ownership, and 262 ac (106 ha; 9
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit
includes multiple human uses for recreation, including both pedestrian
and vehicle activities. In addition, the Padre Island National Seashore
protects the majority of the area.
Unit TX-6 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter
period, providing an important wintering habitat location on the
northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of the rufa red knot northern
wintering range. This location provides foraging and roosting habitat
areas during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to
build energy sources for migration. This specific location harbors
approximately 17 percent of the Texas fall migration population. A
portion of the unit overlaps with 210 ac (86 ha) of designated critical
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July
10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-6 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs,
motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of habitat due to
residential and commercial development, beach maintenance, nourishment
activities, and sea level rise; (3) predation (residential and
migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused disasters and response to
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills).
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or
alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and education,
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations,
and types of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion
and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills
or gas drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Management of Federal lands occurs under the Padre
Island National Seashore Resources Management Plan (NPS 1996, entire).
Texas General Land Office State lands are managed in accordance with
The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 61 and The
Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.
Unit TX-7: Upper Laguna Madre/Nighthawk Bay
Unit TX-7 consists of a total of 1,157 ac (469 ha) in Kleberg
County, Texas. The unit is along the bayside of Texas Park Road 22. The
northeastern boundary is the northern edge of the Kleberg County line
in Nighthawk Bay, and the southwestern boundary ends bayside of Bird
Island Basin Road. This unit includes a series of small flats along the
bayside of Padre Island in the Upper Laguna Madre. The unit includes
bayside flats and seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide
regimes and wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific
habitat types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass
mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are nearly
flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the
water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside)
sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation;
and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly
or regularly inundated by tide, depending upon the location (FGDC 2013,
pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within this unit include approximately 273 ac
(111 ha; 24 percent) in Federal ownership, 816 ac (330 ha; 70 percent)
in State ownership, and 68 ac (28 ha; 6 percent) in private/other
ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple human
uses for recreation activities (e.g., fishing, boating). The Padre
Island National Seashore protects the southwestern half of the unit.
Unit TX-7 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat for
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are
seeking to build energy sources for migration. The northern half of the
unit overlaps with 560 ac (227 ha) of designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-7 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities (e.g., fishing,
boating); (2) habitat modification or erosion resulting from sea level
rise; (3) predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4) human-
caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats include
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red
knot
[[Page 37491]]
foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities),
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling
activities through facility placement, as well as spill response plans
and training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). Management of Federal lands occurs under the Padre Island
National Seashore Resources Management Plan (NPS 1996, entire). There
is no State resources management plan available for State lands in this
area.
Unit TX-8: Dagger Hill/Yarborough Pass/Nine Mile Hole
Unit TX-8 consists of 32,773 ac (13,270 ha) in Kleberg and Kenedy
Counties, Texas. The unit is located bayside along and within the
Laguna Madre adjacent to the west side of the Padre Island National
Seashore. The northern boundary of the unit is Dagger Hill, and the
southern boundary is approximately 6 mi (9.7 km) south of the land cut
at Nine Mile Hole. The eastern boundary of this unit is the dense
vegetation line on the bayside of the Padre Island National Seashore.
The western boundary extends toward the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to
the MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). The southern
portion of this unit extends across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
dredge spoil islands. The unit includes bayside flats and all seagrass
beds that are exposed during low tide regimes and wind tidal flats that
are infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within this unit
include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that are
subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand
substrate; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the
location; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) and
spoils irregularly inundated by tides (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands
within this unit include approximately 9,731 ac (3,938 ha; 30 percent)
in Federal ownership and 23,042 ac (9,332 ha; 70 percent) in State
ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple human
uses for recreational activities (e.g., fishing, boating). The Padre
Island National Seashore protects the eastern half of the unit.
Unit TX-8 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. Additionally, large sections of the area are remote and
difficult to access by foot or vehicles, which has likely contributed
to this area harboring a significant proportion of the Texas spring
migration population. The southwest section near Nine Mile Hole
overlaps with 4,827 ac (1,953 ha) of designated critical habitat for
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-8 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities (e.g., fishing,
waterfowl hunting, and boating); (2) wind energy development; (3)
habitat modification or erosion from sea level rise; (4) predation
(residential and migratory raptors); and (5) human-caused disasters and
response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to
reduce or alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and
education, managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and
adjacent roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on
timing, locations, and types of activities), managing sediment sources
to offset erosion and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of
potential oil spills or gas drilling activities through facility
placement, as well as spill response plans and training (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Management of Federal
lands occurs under the Padre Island National Seashore Resources
Management Plan (NPS 1996, entire).
Unit TX-9: Pintail Lake/Padre Island/La Punta Larga
Unit TX-9 consists of 94,171 ac (38,110 ha) in Kenedy, Willacy, and
Cameron Counties, Texas. The northern boundary is Pintail Cut,
extending south along the bay side of North Padre and South Padre
Islands, with the southern boundary being Andy Bowie County Park. The
center of the unit is approximately at Port Mansfield East Cut. North
of the East Cut the western boundary is the MLLW (i.e., the highly
dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide), and the eastern boundary is where dense
vegetation begins. South of East Cut the western boundary is the MLLW,
and the eastern boundary includes the beach side Gulf of Mexico out to
the MLLW. The unit includes bayside flats and seagrass beds that are
exposed during low tide regimes, and wind tidal flats that are
infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within this unit
include: Estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar)
regularly inundated by tides; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore
(beach/sandbar); and marine sandy coastline beach (irregularly or
regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the location) (FGDC 2013,
pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within this unit include approximately 25,881 ac
(10,482 ha; 27 percent) in Federal ownership, 34,165 ac (13,826 ha; 36
percent) in State ownership, and 34,125 ac (13,802 ha; 36 percent) in
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes
multiple human uses for recreational activities, including both
pedestrian and ORV activities along the gulf beach front and
recreational fishing and boating on the bayside. Large portions of the
unit are managed for wildlife habitat by the Laguna Atascosa NWR.
Unit TX-9 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site. This entire unit (94,171 ac (38,110 ha)) overlaps with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-9 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities, vehicle
disturbance, fishing, waterfowl hunting, and boating; (2) wind energy
development; (3) habitat modification or erosion from sea level rise;
(4) predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (5) human-caused
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats include
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities),
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling
activities through facility placement, as
[[Page 37492]]
well as spill response plans and training (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are
managed according to the Laguna Atascosa NWR Comprehensive Conservation
Plan (Service 2010e, entire). Texas General Land Office State lands in
this unit are managed according to The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural
Resource Code Chapter 61 and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural
Resource Code Chapter.
Unit TX-10: Peyton's Bay/Arroyo Colorado/Three Islands/Gabrielson
Island
Unit TX-10 consists of 35,651 ac (14,427 ha) in Willacy and Cameron
Counties, Texas. The northern boundary of this unit is approximately 11
mi (18 km) north of the Arroyo Colorado Cutoff and encompasses Peyton's
Bay (north being Chubby Island), and the southern boundary is
approximately 9 mi (14 km) south of the Arroyo Colorado Cutoff
encompassing Rattlesnake Bay (south edge near Gabrielson Island). The
eastern boundary is the western side of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway
dredge spoil islands, and the western boundary is where dense
vegetation begins. The unit includes bayside flats and seagrass beds
that are exposed during low tide regimes and wind tidal flats that are
infrequently inundated, and does not include densely vegetated habitat
within these boundaries. Specific habitat types within this unit
include: estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that are
subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand
substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats regularly
inundated by tides and are nearly flat areas with a layer of algae
growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are otherwise devoid of
vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar)
rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy
shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly or regularly inundated by
tides, depending upon the location; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore
(beach/sandbar), to include spoils irregularly inundated by tides (FGDC
2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within this unit include approximately
8,145 ac (3,296 ha; 23 percent) in Federal ownership, 25,316 ac (10,245
ha; 71 percent) in State ownership, and 2,190 ac (886 ha; 6 percent) in
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes
multiple human uses for recreational activities (e.g., fishing,
boating). The Federal portion of the unit is managed for wildlife
habitat by the Laguna Atascosa NWR.
Unit TX-10 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast.
This entire unit (35,651 ac (14,427 ha)) overlaps with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-10 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities (e.g., fishing,
waterfowl hunting, and boating); (2) disturbance and habitat
modification/erosion resulting from wind energy development and sea
level rise; (3) predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4)
human-caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the
threats include conducting public outreach and education, managing
access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types
of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea
level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas
drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection, above). Management of Federal lands occurs under the Laguna
Atascosa NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010e, entire).
Unit TX-11: South Bay/Boca Chica
Unit TX-11 consists of 15,243 ac (6,173 ha) in Cameron County,
Texas. The Boca Chica gulf shoreline portion of this unit begins south
of the Brownsville Ship Channel and extends approximately 6.5 mi (10
km) to the south. Within the South Bay, the northern boundary is south
of Brownsville Ship Channel dredge spoil placement areas, and the
southern boundary is north of the Rio Grande River. The eastern
boundary is the bayside of the Boca Chica Beach (Gulf of Mexico) up to
where dense vegetation begins, and the western boundary is west of the
Loma islands up to where dense vegetation begins along the wind tidal
flats. The unit includes wind tidal flats and all seagrass beds that
are infrequently inundated and/or exposed as low tides, and the tidal
flats within the area known as South Bay. Specific habitat types within
this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that
are subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand
substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats regularly
inundated by tides and are nearly flat areas with a layer of algae
growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are otherwise devoid of
vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar)
rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy
shore (beach/sandbar) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides,
depending upon the location; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/
sandbar), spoils irregularly inundated by tides; and marine sandy
coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides,
depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within
this unit include approximately 5,536 ac (2,242 ha; 36 percent) in
Federal ownership, 3,923 ac (1,589 ha; 26 percent) in State ownership,
and 5,784 ac (2,342 ha; 38 percent) in private/other ownership. General
land use within this unit includes rocket and drone launches and
associated Space X space exploration development, and multiple
recreational/beachside activities by humans, to include both pedestrian
and vehicle activities. This unit is also managed for migratory bird
use by the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR.
Unit TX-11 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast.
This entire unit (15,243 ac (6,169 ha)) overlaps with designated
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR
36038, July 10, 2001).
Threats identified within Unit TX-11 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as
a result of humans, including recreational activities, vehicle
disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs, motorcycles, etc.), fishing,
waterfowl hunting, and boating; (2) disturbance and habitat
modification/erosion resulting from wind energy development and sea
level rise; (3)
[[Page 37493]]
predation (residential and migratory raptors); (4) habitat modification
resulting from space exploration development; (5) and human-caused
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g.,
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats include
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red
knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities),
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling
activities through facility placement, as well as spill response plans
and training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection,
above). Federal lands are managed in accordance with the 1999
(reprinted) Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR land protection plan (Service
1993, entire). The Texas General Land Office State lands are managed
under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 61 and
The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.
Effects of Critical Habitat Designation
Section 7 Consultation
Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal agencies, including the
Service, to ensure that any action they fund, authorize, or carry out
is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered
species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse
modification of designated critical habitat of such species. In
addition, section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to
confer with the Service on any agency action which is likely to
jeopardize the continued existence of any species proposed to be listed
under the Act or result in the destruction or adverse modification of
proposed critical habitat.
We published a final regulation with a revised definition of
destruction or adverse modification on August 27, 2019 (84 FR 44976).
Destruction or adverse modification means a direct or indirect
alteration that appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat as
a whole for the conservation of a listed species.
If a Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical
habitat, the responsible Federal agency (action agency) must enter into
consultation with us. Examples of actions that are subject to the
section 7 consultation process are actions on State, Tribal, local, or
private lands that require a Federal permit (such as a permit from the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the Clean Water Act
(33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or a permit from the Service under section 10
of the Act) or that involve some other Federal action (such as funding
from the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation
Administration, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency). Federal
actions not affecting listed species or critical habitat--and actions
on State, Tribal, local, or private lands that are not federally
funded, authorized or carried out by a Federal agency--do not require
section 7 consultation.
Compliance with the requirements of section 7(a)(2) is documented
through our issuance of:
(1) A concurrence letter for Federal actions that may affect, but
are not likely to adversely affect, listed species or critical habitat;
or
(2) A biological opinion for Federal actions that may affect, and
are likely to adversely affect, listed species or critical habitat.
When we issue a biological opinion concluding that a project is
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species and/or
destroy or adversely modify critical habitat, we provide reasonable and
prudent alternatives to the project, if any are identifiable, that
would avoid the likelihood of jeopardy and/or destruction or adverse
modification of critical habitat. We define ``reasonable and prudent
alternatives'' (at 50 CFR 402.02) as alternative actions identified
during consultation that:
(1) Can be implemented in a manner consistent with the intended
purpose of the action,
(2) Can be implemented consistent with the scope of the Federal
agency's legal authority and jurisdiction,
(3) Are economically and technologically feasible, and
(4) Would, in the Service Director's opinion, avoid the likelihood
of jeopardizing the continued existence of the listed species and/or
avoid the likelihood of destroying or adversely modifying critical
habitat.
Reasonable and prudent alternatives can vary from slight project
modifications to extensive redesign or relocation of the project. Costs
associated with implementing a reasonable and prudent alternative are
similarly variable.
Regulations at 50 CFR 402.16 set forth requirements for Federal
agencies to reinitiate formal consultation on previously reviewed
actions. These requirements apply when the Federal agency has retained
discretionary involvement or control over the action (or the agency's
discretionary involvement or control is authorized by law) and,
subsequent to the previous consultation, we have listed a new species
or designated critical habitat that may be affected by the Federal
action, or the action has been modified in a manner that affects the
species or critical habitat in a way not considered in the previous
consultation. In such situations, Federal agencies sometimes may need
to request reinitiation of consultation with us, but the regulations
also specify some exceptions to the requirement to reinitiate
consultation on specific land management plans after subsequently
listing a new species or designating new critical habitat. See the
regulations for a description of those exceptions.
Application of the ``Adverse Modification'' Standard
The key factor related to the destruction or adverse modification
determination is whether implementation of the proposed Federal action
directly or indirectly alters the designated critical habitat in a way
that appreciably diminishes the value of the critical habitat as a
whole for the conservation of the listed species. As discussed above,
the role of critical habitat is to support physical or biological
features essential to the conservation of a listed species and provide
for the conservation of the species.
Section 4(b)(8) of the Act requires us to briefly evaluate and
describe, in any proposed or final regulation that designates critical
habitat, activities involving a Federal action that may violate section
7(a)(2) of the Act by destroying or adversely modifying such habitat,
or that may be affected by such designation.
Activities that the Service may, during a consultation under
section 7(a)(2) of the Act, find are likely to destroy or adversely
modify rufa red knot critical habitat include, but are not limited to:
(1) Actions that would significantly alter the configuration,
topography, or substrate of roosting (i.e., sheltering) or foraging
habitats. Such activities could include, but are not limited to,
construction of developments and associated infrastructure, including
roadways, commercial and residential development, hard stabilization
structures, electrical transmission lines from offshore wind turbines,
and oil and gas well pads; removal, placement, or redistribution of
sediments such as beach nourishment, backpassing (i.e.,
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mechanical reversal of natural sediment migration usually by trucks or
hydraulic pipelines), dredging of shoals or sand bars, and dredged
material disposition; planting or promoting dense, woody, or nonnative
vegetation; and mechanical beach raking. These activities may destroy
or degrade beach and intertidal habitats.
(2) Actions that would significantly alter the availability of prey
items. Such activities could include, but are not limited to,
deposition of sediment in intertidal areas; substantial levels of ORV
traffic or use of heavy equipment in intertidal areas; commercial or
illegal harvest of prey species; harvest of other marine or intertidal
species that may impact prey species; covering of foraging habitats
with permanent or temporary structures (e.g., aquaculture gear);
introductions of nonnative marine species; and removal, crushing, or
burial of Sargassum or other types of wrack (e.g., mechanical beach
raking) at times when rufa red knots are present. Deposition of dredged
material buries invertebrate prey species, altering their abundance,
distribution, or composition. Off-road vehicles have been shown to
decrease densities of invertebrates on intertidal flats. Harvest
activities directly remove prey, or can indirectly impact prey
populations by altering community composition. Sargassum and other
wrack contain mussel spat and other invertebrates consumed by rufa red
knots; thus, beach raking that removes wrack eliminates an important
microhabitat for foraging. Foraging flats covered by structures are
inaccessible to rufa red knots.
(3) Actions that would inhibit the natural ability of beaches and
intertidal flats to adapt to sea level rise. Such activities could
include, but are not limited to, construction of seawalls, bulkheads,
revetments, jetties, groins, and artificial dunes with rock or clay
cores or stabilized with sand/snow fencing or densely planted
vegetation. Such structures prevent the natural migration of barrier
beach and intertidal habitats, increasing the rate and aerial extent of
inundation and corresponding loss of rufa red knot habitats.
Under section 7(a)(2) of the Act, project timing often plays an
important role in the Service's jeopardy analysis, but typically plays
little to no role in the Service's analysis of adverse modification of
critical habitat. As part of the jeopardy analysis, the Service must
consider likely effects both to the habitat and to the species directly
(e.g., risk of accidental death or injury of individuals, or incidental
disturbance or displacement of individuals, from project activities).
To avoid or minimize adverse effects to individuals, the Service often
makes project timing recommendations in advance of the jeopardy
analysis (e.g., to avoid those times of year when the species is
typically present in the action area). In contrast, direct effects to
individuals (e.g., death, injury, displacement, disturbance) are not
part of the adverse modification analysis, which is focused on whether
implementation of the proposed Federal action directly or indirectly
alters the designated critical habitat in a way that appreciably
diminishes the value of the critical habitat as a whole for the
conservation of the listed species. As such, project timing is rarely
an important consideration in the adverse modification analysis. In
very general terms, we expect proposed Federal activities to fall into
three broad categories with regard to considerations around project
timing:
(a) Permanent or long-lived habitat modifications (such as the
categories of actions listed in (1) through (3), above, and depending
on type, extent, and severity) are likely to result in destruction or
adverse modification of critical habitat, regardless of what time of
year they are carried out (i.e., regardless of whether rufa red knots
are present during implementation). An example might be a series of new
sea walls.
(b) Activities that may disturb, displace, or risk injuring rufa
red knots, but that do not involve habitat modification, would not
result in destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat,
regardless of what time of year they are carried out. However, in
advance of our jeopardy analysis, the Service would likely offer timing
or other recommendations to reduce adverse effects to the species and
the risk of incidental take of individuals. An example might be use of
low-flying aircraft.
(c) A short-lived habitat modification may (depending on type,
extent, and severity) be able to avoid adverse modification by being
terminated and fully reversed/restored well before the expected arrival
date of migrant or wintering rufa red knots. These are the only
circumstances in which we expect project timing to be an important
consideration in the adverse modification analysis. In such cases, any
Service-recommended timing restrictions offered to protect the
conservation value of the critical habitat would also be expected to
reduce adverse effects and the risk of incidental take from disturbance
or displacement, which are important considerations in our jeopardy
analysis. An example might be large-scale deployment of moveable
aquaculture gear that precludes use of rufa red knot foraging habitat,
but only while the gear is present (i.e., foraging habitat is fully
restored upon removal of the gear).
Exemptions
Application of Section 4(a)(3) of the Act
The Sikes Act Improvement Act of 1997 (Sikes Act) (16 U.S.C. 670a)
required each military installation that includes land and water
suitable for the conservation and management of natural resources to
complete an integrated natural resources management plan (INRMP) by
November 17, 2001. An INRMP integrates implementation of the military
mission of the installation with stewardship of the natural resources
found on the base. Each INRMP includes:
(1) An assessment of the ecological needs on the installation,
including the need to provide for the conservation of listed species;
(2) A statement of goals and priorities;
(3) A detailed description of management actions to be implemented
to provide for these ecological needs; and
(4) A monitoring and adaptive management plan.
Among other things, each INRMP must, to the extent appropriate and
applicable, provide for fish and wildlife management; fish and wildlife
habitat enhancement or modification; wetland protection, enhancement,
and restoration where necessary to support fish and wildlife; and
enforcement of applicable natural resource laws.
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Pub.
L. 108-136) amended the Act to limit areas eligible for designation as
critical habitat. Specifically, section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16
U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) provides that: ``The Secretary shall not
designate as critical habitat any lands or other geographical areas
owned or controlled by the Department of Defense, or designated for its
use, that are subject to an integrated natural resources management
plan prepared under section 101 of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a), if
the Secretary determines in writing that such plan provides a benefit
to the species for which critical habitat is proposed for
designation.''
We consult with the military on the development and implementation
of INRMPs for installations with listed species. We analyzed INRMPs
developed by military installations located within the range of the
proposed critical habitat designation for the rufa
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red knot to determine if they meet the criteria for exemption from
critical habitat under section 4(a)(3) of the Act. The following areas
are Department of Defense (DoD) lands with completed, Service-approved
INRMPs within the proposed critical habitat designation.
Approved INRMPs
Eglin Air Force Base (Cape San Blas), Gulf County, FL, 79 ac (32 ha)
Eglin Air Force Base is the largest forested military reservation
in the United States. It supports a multitude of military testing and
training operations, as well as many diverse species and habitats.
Eglin's missions include the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne),
Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit, Stand-off Precision
Guided Missile, and Massive Ordnance Air Blast.
Eglin Air Force Base, also known as the Eglin Military Complex, is
located in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Gulf Counties in Northwest
Florida and the Gulf, and occupies 464,000 ac (261,428 ha). The Eglin
Military Complex includes the mainland Reservation located in Santa
Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties, as well as a small parcel (962 ac
(389 ha)) on Cape San Blas in Gulf County, Florida. This parcel
consists of approximately 3 mi (5 km) of spit shoreline along the Gulf
of Mexico. The spit is separated from the mainland by St. Joseph Bay.
The boundaries of Eglin's Cape San Blas parcel are from 29.67680 N
85.36351 W to 29.67608 N 85.33394 W. Eglin's Cape San Blas parcel also
contains U.S. Federal Reserve property, but the entire parcel is under
Eglin's management. The Cape San Blas parcel has 79 ac (32 ha) of Gulf
beach; ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, or lagoons; and
emergent sand shoals in the near shore used by wintering red knots.
The 2017-22 Eglin Air Force Base INRMP guides the management and
conservation of natural resources under the installation's control. It
provides interdisciplinary strategic guidance for the management of
natural resources in support of the military mission within the land
and water ranges of the Eglin Military Complex. The Eglin Air Force
Base INRMP integrates and prioritizes wildlife, fire, and forest
management activities to protect and effectively manage the Complex's
aquatic and terrestrial environments and ensure ``no net loss'' in the
operational capability of these resources to support Eglin test and
training missions.
The 2017-22 INRMP and the more detailed Threatened and Endangered
Species Component Plan Update (DoD 2017) explains natural resources
program management, including a specific section that details
management for threatened and endangered species, including
conservation actions for the rufa red knot and its habitat, which are
similar to those for piping plover that is also present during similar
time periods (Eglin Air Force Base 2017, Section 7.4). The INRMP
identifies the need to develop and implement programs to protect and
conserve federally listed endangered and threatened plants and wildlife
and candidate species, including the red knot. The Update (DoD 2017,
Section 8.1) identifies the following management and protective
measures to achieve this goal:
(1) Maintain suitable habitat for the species via posting;
(2) Annually survey and maintain public access control measures on
Cape San Blas to protect red knots and ensure the long-term
sustainability of Eglin's barrier island ecosystem for mission use;
(3) Conduct predator control as necessary;
(4) Install daytime visual markers on guy wires associated with new
towers being built at Cape San Blas to reduce collisions by birds;
(5) Minimize construction activities during the federally
threatened piping plover season, which also overlaps the majority of
rufa red knot seasons;
(6) In partnership with Gulf County, continue to address concerns
associated with beach driving associated with recreational beach use at
Cape San Blas;
(7) Conduct weekly shorebird surveys to track presence of shorebird
species as well as population trends;
(8) Ensure that all beach and dune habitats impaired by mission
activities are appropriately restored and maintained with concurrence
from the Service;
(9) Ensure that Eglin personnel drive seaward of the wrack and
debris line or just above it during high tide conditions; and
(10) Prohibit beach raking on Eglin property, so the wrack line
remains intact as a foraging substrate.
Based on the above considerations, and in accordance with section
4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act, we have determined that the identified lands
are subject to the Eglin Air Force Base INRMP and that conservation
efforts identified in the INRMP will provide a benefit to the rufa red
knot. Therefore, lands within this installation are exempt from
critical habitat designation under section 4(a)(3) of the Act. We are
not including 79 ac (32 ha) of habitat in this proposed critical
habitat designation because of this exemption.
Tyndall Air Force Base (Shell Island, Crooked Island West, Crooked
Island East), Bay County, FL, 3,258 ac (1,318 ha)
Tyndall Air Force Base is located on 30,000 ac (12,141 ha) in
southeastern Bay County, approximately 13 mi (20 km) east of Panama
City, Florida. The installation includes forested areas and beaches
that provide a sea-to-land transition area that is vital for military
operations to include ground-training and airspace activities that are
also shared with other Air Force bases and DoD branches. Tyndall's
missions include the 325th Fighter Wing, 325th Operations Group, 325th
Maintenance Group, 325th Mission Support Group, and other Major
Associate Tenants to include the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, Air
Force Civil Engineer Center, Airbase Technologies Division, and
Detachment 1, 823rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair
Squadron Engineers.
Similar to the Eglin Air Force Base INRMP, the 2020 Tyndall Air
Force Base INRMP guides the management and conservation of natural
resources under the installation's control. It provides
interdisciplinary strategic guidance for the management of natural
resources in support of the military mission within the land and water
ranges of the Installation. The Tyndall Air Force Base INRMP integrates
and prioritizes wildlife, wildland fire, forest management, and coastal
zone and marine resources management activities to protect and
effectively manage the Air Force Base's aquatic and terrestrial
environments and ensure ``no net loss'' in the operational capability
of these resources to support the Air Force's training missions.
The 2020 INRMP has a chapter for natural resources program
management, including a specific section (Threatened and Endangered
Species Component Plan) that details management for threatened and
endangered species and conservation actions for the rufa red knot and
its habitat (DoD 2020, Section 15, Tab 3). The INRMP identifies the
need to develop and implement programs to protect and conserve
federally listed endangered and threatened plants and wildlife and
candidate species, including the red knot.
Tyndall Air Force Base is a base combined of developed and natural
areas located on a peninsula that is bisected by U.S. Highway 98. The
base is approximately 18 mi (29 km) long and 3 mi (4.8 km) wide, and is
surrounded by East Bay, St. Andrew Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico to the
north, west, and
[[Page 37496]]
south, respectively. Crooked Island West, Crooked Island East, and a
portion of Shell Island, which form St. Andrew Sound, are barrier spits
on the Gulf and are occupied almost year around by rufa red knots.
These barrier island spits include various stages of coastal dune
formations, forests, overwash areas, ephemeral pools, natural brackish
ponds, or lagoons; emergent sand shoals in the near shore are used by
rufa red knots almost year round, but mostly during spring migrations.
We identified two areas on Tyndall Air Force Base that meet the
criteria identified as essential to the conservation of the species:
(1) Crooked Island East is approximately 1,001 ac (405 ha) and
includes approximately 6 mi (9.7 km) of shoreline beach.
(2) Crooked Island West and Shell Island include approximately
2,257 ac (913 ha) of shoreline beaches that are approximately 12 mi
(19.3 km) in length on the base (from the western boundary with St.
Andrews State Park east to the eastern end of the island).
The draft ``Threatened and Endangered Species Component Plan''
portion of the INRMP (a.k.a. T&E Plan) (Tyndall Air Force Base 2020,
Section 15, Tab 3) identifies the following management and protective
measures to achieve conservation goals for rufa red knot:
(1) Maintain suitable habitat for foraging, sheltering, and
roosting;
(2) Support predator control efforts;
(3) Enforce beach driving restrictions;
(4) Construct and maintain boardwalks to guide recreation
locations;
(5) Support the State of Florida designation of these three island
locations as Critical Wildlife Areas. Areas within the Critical
Wildlife Areas may be posted and closed to access for the protection of
birds either seasonally or year around;
(6) Continue prohibiting pets on Tyndall Air Force Base beaches at
all times; and
(7) Continue to support Audubon and Florida Fish and Wildlife
Conservation Commission' efforts to collect regular survey data on the
species.
Based on the above considerations, and in accordance with section
4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act, we have determined that the identified lands
are subject to the Tyndall Air Force Base INRMP and that conservation
efforts identified in the INRMP will provide a benefit to the rufa red
knot. Therefore, lands within this installation are exempt from
critical habitat designation under section 4(a)(3) of the Act. We are
not including 3,258 ac (1,318 ha) of habitat in this proposed critical
habitat designation because of this exemption.
Consideration of Impacts Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act states that the Secretary shall
designate and make revisions to critical habitat on the basis of the
best available scientific data after taking into consideration the
economic impact, national security impact, and any other relevant
impact of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. The
Secretary may exclude an area from critical habitat if she determines
that the benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of specifying
such area as part of the critical habitat, unless she determines, based
on the best scientific data available, that the failure to designate
such area as critical habitat will result in the extinction of the
species. In making the determination to exclude a particular area, the
statute on its face, as well as the legislative history, are clear that
the Secretary has broad discretion regarding which factor(s) to use and
how much weight to give to any factor.
The first sentence in section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we
take into consideration the economic, national security, or other
relevant impacts of designating any particular area as critical
habitat. We describe below the process that we undertook for taking
into consideration each category of impacts and our analyses of the
relevant impacts.
Consideration of Economic Impacts
Section 4(b)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations require
that we consider the economic impact that may result from a designation
of critical habitat. To assess the probable economic impacts of a
designation, we must first evaluate specific land uses or activities
and projects that may occur in the area of the critical habitat. We
then must evaluate the impacts that a specific critical habitat
designation may have on restricting or modifying specific land uses or
activities for the benefit of the species and its habitat within the
areas proposed. We then identify which conservation efforts may be the
result of the species being listed under the Act versus those
attributed solely to the designation of critical habitat for this
particular species. The probable economic impact of a proposed critical
habitat designation is analyzed by comparing scenarios both ``with
critical habitat'' and ``without critical habitat.''
The ``without critical habitat'' scenario represents the baseline
for the analysis, which includes the existing regulatory and socio-
economic burden imposed on landowners, managers, or other resource
users potentially affected by the designation of critical habitat
(e.g., under the Federal listing as well as other Federal, State, and
local regulations). The baseline, therefore, represents the costs of
all efforts attributable to the listing of the species under the Act
(i.e., conservation of the species and its habitat incurred regardless
of whether critical habitat is designated). The ``with critical
habitat'' scenario describes the incremental impacts associated
specifically with the designation of critical habitat for the species.
The incremental conservation efforts and associated impacts would not
be expected without the designation of critical habitat for the
species. In other words, the incremental costs are those attributable
solely to the designation of critical habitat, above and beyond the
baseline costs. These are the costs we use when evaluating the benefits
of inclusion and exclusion of particular areas from the final
designation of critical habitat should we choose to conduct a
discretionary 4(b)(2) exclusion analysis.
For this particular designation, we developed an incremental
effects memorandum (IEM) considering the probable incremental economic
impacts that may result from this proposed designation of critical
habitat. The information contained in our IEM was then used to develop
a screening analysis of the probable effects of the designation of
critical habitat for the rufa red knot (Industrial Economics,
Incorporated (IEc) 2021). We began by conducting a screening analysis
of the proposed designation of critical habitat in order to focus our
analysis on the key factors that are likely to result in incremental
economic impacts. The purpose of the screening analysis is to filter
out particular geographic areas of critical habitat that are already
subject to such protections and are, therefore, unlikely to incur
incremental economic impacts. In particular, the screening analysis
considers baseline costs (i.e., absent critical habitat designation)
and includes probable economic impacts where land and water use may be
subject to conservation plans, land management plans, best management
practices, or regulations that protect the habitat area as a result of
the Federal listing status of the species. Ultimately, the screening
analysis allows us to focus our analysis on evaluating the specific
areas or sectors that may incur probable incremental economic impacts
as a result of the designation. The screening analysis also assesses
whether units are unoccupied by the species and thus may
[[Page 37497]]
require additional management or conservation efforts as a result of
the critical habitat designation for the species; these additional
efforts may incur incremental economic impacts. This screening analysis
combined with the information contained in our IEM are what we consider
our draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed critical habitat
designation for the rufa red knot; our DEA is summarized in the
narrative below.
Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct Federal agencies to
assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives in
quantitative (to the extent feasible) and qualitative terms. Consistent
with the E.O. regulatory analysis requirements, our effects analysis
under the Act may take into consideration impacts to both directly and
indirectly affected entities, where practicable and reasonable. If
sufficient data are available, we assess to the extent practicable the
probable impacts to both directly and indirectly affected entities. As
part of our screening analysis, we considered the types of economic
activities that are likely to occur within the areas likely affected by
the critical habitat designation. In our evaluation of the probable
incremental economic impacts that may result from the proposed
designation of critical habitat for the rufa red knot, first we
identified, in the IEM dated December 11, 2020, probable incremental
economic impacts associated with the following categories of activities
(i.e., Federal agencies and projects that would likely go through the
section 7 consultation process whether or not critical habitat is
designated):
Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Control and
management of invasive, harmful, or overabundant species; predator
control to benefit target ecosystems or species.
Department of Defense: Operation, maintenance, and
upgrades of military property and infrastructure, including training
and testing.
Federal Emergency Management Agency: Alternations to both
habitats and developments to increase coastal resiliency and/or to
facilitate recovery of human communities following disasters or
emergencies (such as coastal storms). Emergency consultation may also
be conducted during or shortly after a disaster, for example to stage
emergency response equipment in rufa red knot habitat, to transit
through habitat as part of the emergency response, or retrieve orphaned
vessels, containers, or other items from habitat.
Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Non-Federal
activities that require Federal authorization, such as liquefied
natural gas facilities and associated pipeline infrastructure.
Federal Highway Administration: Transportation
infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
Federal Aviation Administration: Operation, management,
and upgrades of airports and air traffic control systems.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Rocket and
drone launches, drone and aircraft flights, recreational beach uses
(e.g., swimming, sunbathing, ORVs), beach renourishment and seawall
repair, protected species management, facility maintenance and
construction, and educational use.
National Park Service: Infrastructure maintenance or
upgrades, habitat or species management, research, and changes to
visitor use policies or regulations.
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Federally funded coastal
engineering, such as beach nourishment, dredging, shoreline
stabilization, and habitat restoration; non-Federal activities that
require Federal permits, such as coastal engineering, coastal
development (e.g., residential, commercial, recreational
infrastructure), transportation infrastructure (e.g., docks, piers,
ports, roads, rail lines), utility and energy infrastructure, habitat
restoration, habitat and species management (e.g., mosquito control),
and aquaculture.
U.S. Coast Guard: Response actions associated with cleanup
of hazardous substances in the coastal and marine environments, and
authorization of fireworks displays.
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuges:
Land acquisition, infrastructure maintenance or upgrades, habitat or
species management, research, and changes to visitor use policies or
regulations.
We considered each industry or category individually. Additionally,
we considered whether their activities have any Federal involvement.
Critical habitat designation generally will not affect activities that
do not have any Federal involvement; under the Act, designation of
critical habitat only affects activities conducted, funded, permitted,
or authorized by Federal agencies. If we list the species, in areas
where the rufa red knot is present, Federal agencies would be required
to consult with the Service under section 7 of the Act on activities
they fund, permit, or implement that may affect the species. If, when
we list the species, we also finalize this proposed critical habitat
designation, consultations to avoid the destruction or adverse
modification of critical habitat would be incorporated into the
existing consultation process.
In our IEM, we attempted to clarify the distinction between the
effects that will result from the species being listed and those
attributable to the critical habitat designation (i.e., difference
between the jeopardy and adverse modification standards) for the rufa
red knot's critical habitat. The following specific circumstances help
to inform our evaluation: (1) The essential physical or biological
features identified for critical habitat are the same features
essential for the life requisites of the species, and (2) any actions
that would result in sufficient harm or harassment to constitute
jeopardy to the rufa red knot would also likely adversely affect the
essential physical or biological features of critical habitat. The IEM
outlines our rationale concerning this limited distinction between
baseline conservation efforts and incremental impacts of the
designation of critical habitat for this species. This evaluation of
the incremental effects has been used as the basis to evaluate the
probable incremental economic impacts of this proposed designation of
critical habitat.
The proposed critical habitat designation for the rufa red knot
includes 120 proposed critical habitat units (18 of which are further
subdivided into 46 subunits), totaling approximately 649,066 ac
(262,667 ha), all of which were occupied by the rufa red knot at the
time of listing, and are currently occupied. The incremental costs of
designating critical habitat for the rufa red knot are likely to be
limited to additional administrative effort to consider adverse
modification in consultations for the species, which is based on
factors such as the same types of project modifications for avoiding
adverse modification compared to avoiding jeopardy in occupied habitat,
or the presence of additional listed species with similar habitat needs
or designated critical habitat. The incremental administrative burden
resulting from the designation of critical habitat for the rufa red
knot is not anticipated to reach $100 million in any given year based
on the anticipated annual number of consultations and associated
consultation costs, which are not expected to exceed $480,000 per year
(2021 dollars). Because the designation is not expected to result in
additional project modifications recommendations for the species,
ancillary economic benefits are not expected.
We are soliciting data and comments from the public on the DEA
discussed above, as well as all aspects of this
[[Page 37498]]
proposed rule and our required determinations. During the development
of a final designation, we will consider the information presented in
the DEA and any additional information on economic impacts received
during the public comment period to determine whether any specific
areas should be excluded from the final critical habitat designation
under authority of section 4(b)(2) and our implementing regulations at
50 CFR 424.19. In particular, we may exclude an area from critical
habitat if we determine that the benefits of excluding the area
outweigh the benefits of including the area, provided the exclusion
will not result in the extinction of this species.
Consideration of National Security Impacts or Homeland Security Impacts
Section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act may not cover all DoD lands or
areas that pose potential national-security concerns (e.g., a DoD
installation that is in the process of revising its INRMP for a newly
listed species or a species previously not covered). If a particular
area is not covered under section 4(a)(3)(B)(i), national-security or
homeland-security concerns are not a factor in the process of
determining what areas meet the definition of ``critical habitat.''
Nevertheless, when designating critical habitat under section 4(b)(2),
the Service must consider impacts on national security, including
homeland security, on lands or areas not covered by section
4(a)(3)(B)(i). Accordingly, we will always consider for exclusion from
the designation areas for which DoD, Department of Homeland Security
(DHS), or another Federal agency has requested exclusion based on an
assertion of national-security or homeland-security concerns.
We cannot, however, automatically exclude requested areas. When
DoD, DHS, or another Federal agency requests exclusion from critical
habitat on the basis of national-security or homeland-security impacts,
it must provide a reasonably specific justification of an incremental
impact on national security that would result from the designation of
that specific area as critical habitat. That justification could
include demonstration of probable impacts, such as impacts to ongoing
border-security patrols and surveillance activities, or a delay in
training or facility construction, as a result of compliance with
section 7(a)(2) of the Act. If the agency requesting the exclusion does
not provide us with a reasonably specific justification, we will
contact the agency to recommend that it provide a specific
justification or clarification of its concerns relative to the probable
incremental impact that could result from the designation. If the
agency provides a reasonably specific justification, we will defer to
the expert judgment of DoD, DHS, or another Federal agency as to: (1)
Whether activities on its lands or waters, or its activities on other
lands or waters, have national-security or homeland-security
implications; (2) the importance of those implications; and (3) the
degree to which the cited implications would be adversely affected in
the absence of an exclusion. In that circumstance, in conducting a
discretionary section 4(b)(2) exclusion analysis, we will give great
weight to national-security and homeland-security concerns in analyzing
the benefits of exclusion.
Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we consider whether there are
lands where a national security impact might exist. In preparing this
proposal, we have determined that some lands within the proposed
designation of critical habitat for the rufa red knot are owned or
managed by the DoD. We already discussed two areas (Eglin Air Force
Base and Tyndall Air Force Base) with approved INRMPs under Application
of Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, above. In addition, NASA has expressed
concern that the designation of critical habitat on the Wallops Flight
Facility would have implications for national security, as summarized
below.
Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility (Wallops Island),
Accomack County, Virginia (571 ac (231 ha))
NASA owns and operates the Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops
Flight Facility, located on Wallops Island in Accomack County,
Virginia. This area on Wallops Island includes both Subunits VA-2A and
VA-2B (i.e., 540 ac (218 ha) within Subunit VA-2A and 31 ac (13 ha)
within Subunit VA-2B), totaling 571 ac (231 ha).
The Wallops Flight Facility is the oldest active launch range in
the continental United States, and its mission currently includes
support of scientific research and emerging technologies, and employing
measures (consistent with the inherent right of self-defense) to deter
others from interference and attack, defend our space systems, and
contribute to the defense of allied space systems . . .'' (NASA 2020a,
p. 2). Additionally the facility shares its government-owned
infrastructure with other Federal agencies, mostly from DoD, to
facilitate critical activities including target, missile, test article,
and spacecraft launches; manned and unmanned aircraft development and
pilot training; launch systems testing (e.g., communications,
telemetry, guidance); rocket launches ranging from small sounding and
suborbital rockets to small- and medium-classed expendable launch
vehicles; launching resupply missions to the International Space
Station; and science payloads that could support disaster readiness or
surveillance (NASA 2020a, pp. 2-3). A significant partner with
facilities in Wallops Island is the U.S. Navy Surface Combat Systems
Center, whose core mission is developing and certifying the Ship Self
Defense System and Aegis Combat System. Additionally, the facility
supports national security interests by providing essential launch
services to the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority's launch
facility, enabling NASA to achieve the national security requirements
and the findings of Congress specified in Public Law 111-314 (NASA
2020a, pp. 2-4).
Wallops Island provides varied habitat types that support multiple
protected species, including the federally threatened rufa red knot.
Monitoring and management of protected areas during sensitive seasonal
periods (e.g., implementing predator control, ensuring sensitives
species are not disturbed by pedestrians and vehicles) is an ongoing
action by staff/employees (NASA 2020a, pp. 21-22). NASA also intends to
abide by all Terms and Conditions, as well as Monitoring and Reporting
Requirements, stipulated in the Service's June 7, 2019, Wallops Flight
Facility Update and Consolidation of Existing Biological Opinions
(Project # 2015-F-3317; Service 2019, entire).
NASA has requested exclusion from the rufa red knot final critical
habitat designation based on national security impacts that would
hamper the nation's ability to foster ongoing partnerships with other
nations through International Space Station resupply, reduce the
success of ensuring orbital launch successes, and potentially adversely
impact Fleet deployment. Therefore, we are considering to exclude 571
ac (231 ha) of NASA-owned lands at Wallops Flight Facility from this
critical habitat designation under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.
During the development of the final designation, we will consider
any information currently available or received during the public
comment period regarding the national security impacts of the proposed
designation, and will determine whether any specific areas, including
the Wallops Flight Facility, should be excluded from the final critical
habitat designation under
[[Page 37499]]
authority of section 4(b)(2) and our implementing regulations at 50 CFR
424.19.
Consideration of Other Relevant Impacts
Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we consider any other relevant
impacts, in addition to economic impacts and impacts on national
security discussed above. We consider a number of factors including
whether there are permitted conservation plans covering the species in
the area such as HCPs, safe harbor agreements, or candidate
conservation agreements with assurances, or whether there are non-
permitted conservation agreements and partnerships that would be
encouraged by designation of, or exclusion from, critical habitat. In
addition, we look at the existence of Tribal conservation plans and
partnerships and consider the government-to-government relationship of
the United States with Tribal entities. We also consider any social
impacts that might occur because of the designation.
In preparing this proposal, we have determined that there are
currently no HCPs or other management plans specifically for the rufa
red knot or its habitat that would be encouraged by the exclusion from
a critical habitat designation, and the proposed designation does not
include any Tribal lands or trust resources. We anticipate no impact on
Tribal lands, partnerships, or HCPs from this proposed critical habitat
designation.
During the development of a final designation, we will consider any
information currently available or received during the public comment
period regarding the economic, national security, or other relevant
impacts of the proposed designation and will determine whether any
specific areas should be excluded from the final critical habitat
designation under authority of section 4(b)(2) and our implementing
regulations at 50 CFR 424.19.
Required Determinations
Clarity of the Rule
We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
(1) Be logically organized;
(2) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
(3) Use clear language rather than jargon;
(4) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
(5) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us
comments by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To better help us
revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For
example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs
that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long,
the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.
Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)
Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget will
review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rule is not
significant.
Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends.
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open
exchange of ideas. We have developed this proposed rule in a manner
consistent with these requirements.
Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.),
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
1996 (SBREFA; 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), whenever an agency is required to
publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must
prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility
analysis that describes the effects of the rule on small entities
(i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small government
jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required
if the head of the agency certifies the rule will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
The SBREFA amended the RFA to require Federal agencies to provide a
certification statement of the factual basis for certifying that the
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.
According to the Small Business Administration, small entities
include small organizations such as independent nonprofit
organizations; small governmental jurisdictions, including school
boards and city and town governments that serve fewer than 50,000
residents; and small businesses (13 CFR 121.201). Small businesses
include manufacturing and mining concerns with fewer than 500
employees, wholesale trade entities with fewer than 100 employees,
retail and service businesses with less than $5 million in annual
sales, general and heavy construction businesses with less than $27.5
million in annual business, special trade contractors doing less than
$11.5 million in annual business, and agricultural businesses with
annual sales less than $750,000. To determine whether potential
economic impacts to these small entities are significant, we considered
the types of activities that might trigger regulatory impacts under
this designation as well as types of project modifications that may
result. In general, the term ``significant economic impact'' is meant
to apply to a typical small business firm's business operations.
Under the RFA, as amended, and as understood in the light of recent
court decisions, Federal agencies are required to evaluate the
potential incremental impacts of rulemaking on those entities directly
regulated by the rulemaking itself; in other words, the RFA does not
require agencies to evaluate the potential impacts to indirectly
regulated entities. The regulatory mechanism through which critical
habitat protections are realized is section 7 of the Act, which
requires Federal agencies, in consultation with the Service, to ensure
that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by the agency is not
likely to destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Therefore,
under section 7, only Federal action agencies are directly subject to
the specific regulatory requirement (avoiding destruction and adverse
modification) imposed by critical habitat designation. Consequently, it
is our position that only Federal action agencies would be directly
regulated if we adopt the proposed critical habitat designation. There
is no requirement under the RFA to evaluate the potential impacts to
entities not directly regulated. Moreover, Federal agencies are not
small entities. Therefore, because no small entities would be directly
regulated by this rulemaking, the Service certifies that, if made final
as proposed, the proposed critical
[[Page 37500]]
habitat designation will not have a significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
In summary, we have considered whether the proposed designation
would result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number
of small entities. For the above reasons and based on currently
available information, we certify that, if made final, the proposed
critical habitat designation will not have a significant economic
impact on a substantial number of small business entities. Therefore,
an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.
Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use--Executive Order 13211
Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use) requires
agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking
certain actions. In our draft economic analysis, we did not find that
the designation of this proposed critical habitat would significantly
affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Oil/gas development and
renewable energy/power generation activities have been known to occur
within the range of the rufa red knot and its proposed critical habitat
units/subunits (IEc 2021, Exhibit 5; Service 2020b, pp. 42-45); oil/gas
development activities have primarily occurred in Georgia and Louisiana
and to a lesser extent South Carolina and Texas, and renewable energy/
power generation activities have occurred primarily in South Carolina,
and to a lesser extent New Jersey, Louisiana, and Texas. These are
activities that the Service consults on with Federal agencies or the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under section 7 of the Act. As discussed
in the DEA, the costs associated with consultations related to occupied
critical habitat would be largely administrative in nature and are not
anticipated to reach $100 million in any given year based on the
anticipated annual number of consultations and associated consultation
costs, which are not expected to exceed $480,000 per year (2021
dollars) (IEc, pp. 10, 18-19). Therefore, this action is not a
significant energy action, and no Statement of Energy Effects is
required.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.)
In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501
et seq.), we make the following finding:
(1) This proposed rule would not produce a Federal mandate. In
general, a Federal mandate is a provision in legislation, statute, or
regulation that would impose an enforceable duty upon State, local, or
Tribal governments, or the private sector, and includes both ``Federal
intergovernmental mandates'' and ``Federal private sector mandates.''
These terms are defined in 2 U.S.C. 658(5)-(7). ``Federal
intergovernmental mandate'' includes a regulation that ``would impose
an enforceable duty upon State, local, or Tribal governments'' with two
exceptions. It excludes ``a condition of Federal assistance.'' It also
excludes ``a duty arising from participation in a voluntary Federal
program,'' unless the regulation ``relates to a then-existing Federal
program under which $500,000,000 or more is provided annually to State,
local, and Tribal governments under entitlement authority,'' if the
provision would ``increase the stringency of conditions of assistance''
or ``place caps upon, or otherwise decrease, the Federal Government's
responsibility to provide funding,'' and the State, local, or Tribal
governments ``lack authority'' to adjust accordingly. At the time of
enactment, these entitlement programs were: Medicaid; Aid to Families
with Dependent Children work programs; Child Nutrition; Food Stamps;
Social Services Block Grants; Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants;
Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living; Family
Support Welfare Services; and Child Support Enforcement. ``Federal
private sector mandate'' includes a regulation that ``would impose an
enforceable duty upon the private sector, except (i) a condition of
Federal assistance or (ii) a duty arising from participation in a
voluntary Federal program.''
The designation of critical habitat does not impose a legally
binding duty on non-Federal Government entities or private parties.
Under the Act, the only regulatory effect is that Federal agencies must
ensure that their actions do not destroy or adversely modify critical
habitat under section 7. While non-Federal entities that receive
Federal funding, assistance, or permits, or that otherwise require
approval or authorization from a Federal agency for an action, may be
indirectly impacted by the designation of critical habitat, the legally
binding duty to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical
habitat rests squarely on the Federal agency. Furthermore, to the
extent that non-Federal entities are indirectly impacted because they
receive Federal assistance or participate in a voluntary Federal aid
program, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act would not apply, nor would
critical habitat shift the costs of the large entitlement programs
listed above onto State governments.
(2) We do not believe that this rule would significantly or
uniquely affect small governments because it is not anticipated to
reach a Federal mandate of $100 million in any given year; that is, it
is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates
Reform Act. The designation of critical habitat imposes no obligations
on State or local governments. By definition, Federal agencies are not
considered small entities, although the activities they fund or permit
may be proposed or carried out by small entities. Consequently, we do
not believe that the proposed critical habitat designation would
significantly or uniquely affect small government entities. As such, a
Small Government Agency Plan is not required.
Takings--Executive Order 12630
In accordance with E.O. 12630 (Government Actions and Interference
with Constitutionally Protected Private Property Rights), we have
analyzed the potential takings implications of designating critical
habitat for the rufa red knot in a takings implications assessment. The
Act does not authorize the Service to regulate private actions on
private lands or confiscate private property as a result of critical
habitat designation. Designation of critical habitat does not affect
land ownership, or establish any closures, or restrictions on use of or
access to the designated areas. Furthermore, the designation of
critical habitat does not affect landowner actions that do not require
Federal funding or permits, nor does it preclude development of habitat
conservation programs or issuance of incidental take permits to permit
actions that do require Federal funding or permits to go forward.
However, Federal agencies are prohibited from carrying out, funding, or
authorizing actions that would destroy or adversely modify critical
habitat. A takings implications assessment has been completed for the
proposed designation of critical habitat for the rufa red knot, and it
concludes that, if adopted, this designation of critical habitat does
not pose significant takings implications for lands within or affected
by the designation.
Federalism--Executive Order 13132
In accordance with E.O. 13132 (Federalism), this proposed rule does
not have significant federalism effects. A federalism summary impact
statement is not required. In keeping with Department of the Interior
and Department of Commerce policy, we
[[Page 37501]]
requested information from, and coordinated development of this
proposed critical habitat designation with, appropriate State resource
agencies. From a federalism perspective, the designation of critical
habitat directly affects only the responsibilities of Federal agencies.
The Act imposes no other duties with respect to critical habitat,
either for States and local governments, or for anyone else. As a
result, the proposed rule does not have substantial direct effects
either on the States, or on the relationship between the national
government and the States, or on the distribution of powers and
responsibilities among the various levels of government. The proposed
designation may have some benefit to these governments because the
areas that contain the features essential to the conservation of the
species are more clearly defined, and the physical or biological
features of the habitat necessary for the conservation of the species
are specifically identified. This information does not alter where and
what federally sponsored activities may occur. However, it may assist
State and local governments in long-range planning because they no
longer have to wait for case-by-case section 7 consultations to occur.
Where State and local governments require approval or authorization
from a Federal agency for actions that may affect critical habitat,
consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the Act would be required. While
non-Federal entities that receive Federal funding, assistance, or
permits, or that otherwise require approval or authorization from a
Federal agency for an action, may be indirectly impacted by the
designation of critical habitat, the legally binding duty to avoid
destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat rests squarely
on the Federal agency.
Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988
In accordance with Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform),
the Office of the Solicitor has determined that the rule would not
unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order. We have proposed designating
critical habitat in accordance with the provisions of the Act. To
assist the public in understanding the habitat needs of the species,
this proposed rule identifies the elements of physical or biological
features essential to the conservation of the species. The proposed
areas of designated critical habitat are presented on maps, and the
proposed rule provides several options for the interested public to
obtain more detailed location information, if desired.
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)
This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and
a submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is not
required. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to
respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently
valid OMB control number.
National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)
It is our position that, outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court
of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, we do not need to prepare
environmental analyses pursuant to the National Environmental Policy
Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) in connection with designating
critical habitat under the Act. We published a notice outlining our
reasons for this determination in the Federal Register on October 25,
1983 (48 FR 49244). This position was upheld by the U.S. Court of
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Douglas County v. Babbitt, 48 F.3d 1495
(9th Cir. 1995), cert. denied 516 U.S. 1042 (1996)).
Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes
In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994
(Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal
Governments; 59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), and the Department of the
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights,
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act),
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge
that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make
information available to Tribes. We have determined that no Tribal
lands fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat for
the rufa red knot (although we note that the Shinnecock Indian Nation
likely has Tribal interests in natural and cultural resources within
the Mississippi proposed units; we have and will continue to coordinate
with them), so no Tribal lands would be affected by the proposed
designation.
References Cited
A complete list of references cited in this proposed rule is
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov and upon
request from the New Jersey Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
Authors
The primary authors of this proposed rule are the staff members of
the Fish and Wildlife Service's Species Assessment Team and the New
Jersey Ecological Services Field Office.
List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17
Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.
Accordingly, we propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter
I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:
PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS
0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245,
unless otherwise noted.
0
2. In Sec. 17.11(h), revise the entry for ``Knot, rufa red'' in the
List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under BIRDS to read as set
forth below:
Sec. 17.11 Endangered and threatened wildlife.
* * * * *
(h) * * *
[[Page 37502]]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Listing citations
Common name Scientific name Where listed Status and applicable
rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * * * *
Birds
* * * * * * *
Knot, rufa red................... Calidris canutus Wherever found...... T 79 FR 73705, 12/11/
rufa. 2014; 50 CFR
17.95(b) \CH\.
* * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
0
3. Amend Sec. 17.95(b) by adding an entry for ``Rufa Red Knot
(Calidris canutus rufa)'' in the same alphabetical order as the species
appears in the table in Sec. 17.11(h), to read as set forth below:
Sec. 17.95 Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.
* * * * *
(b) Birds.
* * * * *
Rufa Red Knot (Calidris Canutus Rufa)
(1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Barnstable County,
Massachusetts; Suffolk, Nassau, and Queens Counties, New York; Ocean,
Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties, New Jersey; Kent and
Sussex Counties, Delaware; Accomack and Northampton Counties, Virginia;
Dare, Hyde, Carteret, Onslow, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick
Counties, North Carolina; Georgetown, Horry, Charleston, Colleton,
Beaufort, and Jasper Counties, South Carolina; Chatham, Liberty,
McIntosh, Glynn, and Camden Counties, Georgia; Nassau, Duval, Volusia,
Brevard, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Pasco,
Levy, Wakulla, Franklin, and Gulf Counties, Florida; Mobile County,
Alabama; Harrison County, Mississippi; St. Bernard, Plaquemines,
Jefferson, Lafourche, Terrebonne, Cameron, and Vermillion Parishes,
Louisiana; and Galveston, Matagorda, Nueces, Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy,
and Cameron Counties, Texas, on the maps in this entry.
(2) Within these areas, the physical or biological features
essential to the conservation of rufa red knot consist of the following
components:
(i) Beaches and tidal flats used for foraging. This feature
includes high-energy ocean- or bay-front barrier island or mainland
beaches, as well as shorelines and tidal flats in more sheltered
estuaries (e.g., bays, sounds, lagoons). Foraging substrates can
include sand, mud, peat, and sand embedded with shell, gravel, or
cobble. Foraging areas are between mean lower low water (MLLW) and mean
higher high water. Suitable foraging habitats provide abundant
quantities of accessible and appropriately sized prey items (e.g.,
mussels and mussel spat, clams, other mollusks, horseshoe crab eggs,
crustaceans, polychaete worms), timed to occur in high densities during
those seasons when rufa red knots are present. ``Superabundant'' prey
densities, typically bivalves or horseshoe crab eggs, are needed in
migration staging areas to support rapid weight gain following long-
distance flights. Large areas capable of supporting concentrations of
shorebirds are especially important.
(ii) Upper beach areas used for roosting, preening, resting, or
sheltering. This feature includes unvegetated or sparsely vegetated
sand between the high water line and the primary dune line. Generally
these sites are open, with a large viewscape for predator avoidance.
Many sites have micro-topographic relief offering refuge from high
winds. Large areas capable of supporting concentrations of shorebirds--
close to foraging areas, with limited predation pressure and protected
from human disturbance--are especially important.
(iii) Ephemeral and/or dynamic coastal features used for foraging
or roosting. This includes dynamic and ephemeral features such as sand
spits, islets, shoals, and sandbars, features often associated with
inlets. Other ephemeral features used by rufa red knots include tidal
pools; wind-exposed bay bottoms or oyster reefs; and unvegetated
overwash areas (e.g., among or behind dunes, as formed by storms or
extreme wave action).
(iv) Ocean vegetation deposits or surf-cast wrack used for foraging
and roosting. This feature includes Sargassum (a species of macroalgae
in oceans that inhabits shallow water and coral reefs), seagrass, or
seaweed deposits with mussel spat attached, or surf-cast wrack that
accumulates along beaches and supports or captures food items, such as
horseshoe crab eggs. In some areas, rufa red knots may also roost atop
wrack mounds.
(v) Intertidal peat banks used for foraging and roosting. In some
areas, exposed intertidal peat banks (e.g., along bay-front beaches and
fronting tidal marshes) provide important foraging and roosting
habitat.
(vi) Features landward of the beach that support foraging or
roosting. In some areas, rufa red knots use sparsely vegetated habitats
landward of the beach berm, such as unstabilized dunes, mangrove edges,
brackish ponds, and patches of mostly bare ground (e.g., blowouts,
depressions, pannes) within salt marshes.
(vii) Artificial habitat mimicking natural conditions or
maintaining the physical or biological features set forth in paragraphs
(2)(i) through (vi) of this entry. Coastal engineering that interferes
with natural coastal processes is generally considered a threat to the
rufa red knot. However, in some cases, artificial habitats mimic the
natural conditions described in the other physical or biological
features described above. Such artificial habitats can include
nourished beaches, dredged spoil deposition sites, elevated road
causeways, jetties, or impoundments. Additionally, some anthropogenic
structures may promote or maintain the natural physical or biological
features. For example, in parts of Delaware Bay, rufa red knot habitat
features are enhanced by living shorelines (e.g., shell bag reefs), and
in one case by a rock breakwater.
(3) Critical habitat does not include manmade structures (such as
buildings, aqueducts, runways, roads, and other paved areas) and the
land on which they are located existing within the legal boundaries on
[EFFECTIVE DATE OF RULE].
(4) Data layers defining map units were created using rufa red knot
distribution data provided by eBird data and multiple local and
regional sources as available (e.g., reports, databases, and
geolocator/resighting data maintained by State Fish and Wildlife
Departments, universities, local governments, and nonprofit
organizations across the range of the species). Landforms were
primarily delineated based on the most current available aerial maps,
but in some cases older maps dating as far back as 2010 were consulted
to gauge patterns of coastal change over time.
[[Page 37503]]
The maps in this entry, as modified by any accompanying regulatory
text, establish the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The
coordinates or plot points or both on which each map is based are
available to the public at the Service's internet site at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/, at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket
No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, and at the field office responsible for this
designation. You may obtain field office location information by
contacting one of the Service regional offices, the addresses of which
are listed at 50 CFR 2.2.
(5) Note: Index map follows:
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.000
(6) Unit MA-1: Pleasant Bay, Massachusetts.
(i) Unit MA-1 consists of approximately 4,357 ac (1,763 ha) of
occupied habitat in Barnstable County consisting of exposed intertidal
flats, shoals, mud flats, and intertidal salt marsh pannes in Little
Pleasant Bay and Pleasant Bay, and ephemeral tidal pools, primary sand
dunes, and beaches associated with Nauset Beach South (Orleans), North
Beach (Chatham), and North Beach Island (Chatham). Lands within this
unit include approximately 126 ac (51 ha) in Federal ownership
(including Cape Code National Seashore), 1,596 ac (646 ha) in private/
other ownership, and 2,634 ac (1,066 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit MA-1 follows:
[[Page 37504]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.001
(7) Unit MA-2: Monomoy and South Beach Islands, Massachusetts.
(i) Unit MA-2 consists of approximately 5,093 ac (2,061 ha) of
occupied habitat in Barnstable County consisting of exposed intertidal
sand
[[Page 37505]]
and mud flats and shoals, ephemeral tidal pools, salt marsh, primary
sand dunes, and beaches associated with North and South Monomoy
Islands, Minomoy Island, and the South Beach Island complex. Lands
within this unit include approximately 4,047 ac (1,638 ha) in Federal
ownership (including Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)) and 1,045
ac (423) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit MA-2 is presented at paragraph (6)(ii) of this
entry.
(8) Unit NY-1: Moriches Inlet, New York.
(i) Unit NY-1 consists of approximately 1,001 ac (405 ha) of
occupied habitat in Suffolk County consisting of highly dynamic beach,
sand flats, bay islands, back bay shoreline, intertidal areas, and
surface water within the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton. Lands
within this unit include approximately 78 ac (32 ha) in Federal
ownership, 63 ac (25 ha) in State ownership, 163 ac (66 ha) in private/
other (including the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton) ownership,
and 697 ac (282 ha) that are uncategorized. This area includes the
South Shore Estuary Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit NY-1 follows:
[[Page 37506]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.002
(9) Unit NY-2: Jones Inlet, New York.
(i) Unit NY-2 consists of approximately 1,821 ac (737 ha) of
occupied habitat in Nassau County consisting of ocean beach habitat,
sand
[[Page 37507]]
flats, bay islands, and small embayments. It is irregularly shaped and
is bounded to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by Point
Lookout, to the north by a line running in Hempstead Bay, and to the
east at the eastern extent of Zachs Bay. Lands within this unit include
approximately 710 ac (287 ha) in State ownership and 1,111 ac (450 ha)
that are under private/other ownership. This area includes the South
Shore Estuary Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit NY-2 follows:
[[Page 37508]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.003
(10) Unit NY-3: Jamaica Bay, New York.
(i) Unit NY-3 consists of approximately 5,458 ac (2,209 ha) of
occupied habitat in Queens County consisting of ocean beach habitat
that is
[[Page 37509]]
primarily within the National Park Service's Jamaica Bay Wildlife
Refuge, Gateway National Recreation Area, and all under Federal
ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit NY-3 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.004
[[Page 37510]]
(11) Unit NJ-1: Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-1 consists of approximately 9,719 ac (3,933 ha) of
occupied habitat in Ocean and Atlantic Counties consisting of beach,
dune, shoals, open water, and tidal marsh associated with two inlets
extending from the northern boundary of the Holgate Unit of Edwin B.
Forsythe NWR, west to the ``Seven Islands'' portion of Great Bay
Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, and south nearly to 15th Street
North in Brigantine City. Lands within this unit include approximately
1,560 ac (632 ha) in Federal ownership (Forsythe NWR), 3,187 ac (1,291
ha) in State ownership (including the North Brigantine Natural Area),
10 ac (4 ha) in private/other ownership, and 4,961 ac (2,006 ha) that
are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-1 follows:
[[Page 37511]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.005
(12) Unit NJ-2: Seven Mile Beach, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-2 consists of approximately 536 ac (217 ha) of occupied
habitat in Cape May County consisting of sandy ocean-front beach in
[[Page 37512]]
Avalon and Stone Harbor Boroughs, from the jetty at 8th Street in
Avalon near Townsends Inlet and extending south to 102nd Street in
Stone Harbor. All lands within this unit are in private/other
ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-2 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.006
(13) Unit NJ-3: Hereford Inlet, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-3 consists of approximately 1,631 ac (660 ha) of
occupied habitat in Cape May County consisting of sandy oceanfront
beaches, unstabilized barrier peninsula, undeveloped marsh islands, and
several
[[Page 37513]]
areas of tidal flats and shoals extending along the ocean from 111th
Street in Stone Harbor Borough south to 22nd Avenue in North Wildwood
City. The unit also includes areas behind the barrier island in Middle
Township, Stone Harbor, and North Wildwood extending from Stone Harbor
Boulevard south along Great Channel to Nummy Island and the southern
shoreline of Grassy Sound Channel. Lands within this unit include
approximately 175 ac (71 ha) in State ownership (including the Cape May
Coastal Wetlands Wildlife Management Area), 735 ac (297 ha) in private/
other ownership, and 721 ac (292 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-3 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.007
[[Page 37514]]
(14) Unit NJ-4: Two Mile Beach, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-4 consists of approximately 128 ac (52 ha) of occupied
habitat in Cape May County consisting of sandy oceanfront beach from
the northeastern boundary of the Two Mile Beach Unit of Cape May NWR
extending southwest to include all beach portions of the U.S. Coast
Guard Loran Support Unit, ending at the eastern jetty of the Cape May
Inlet. Lands within this unit are all under Federal ownership (Cape May
NWR and U.S. Coast Guard).
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-4 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.008
[[Page 37515]]
(15) Unit NJ-5: Cape May Bayshore, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-5 consists of approximately 1,202 ac (487 ha) of
occupied habitat in Cape May County consisting of Delaware Bay beaches,
flats, and shoals from approximately Cloverdale Avenue in Lower
Township to the jetty on the south shore of the mouth of Bidwell Creek
in Middle Township. Lands within this unit include approximately 133 ac
(54 ha) in Federal ownership (Cape May NWR), 44 ac (18 ha) in State
ownership, 167 ac (67 ha) in private/other ownership, and 858 ac (347
ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-5 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.009
[[Page 37516]]
(16) Unit NJ-6: Dennis Creek, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-6 consists of approximately 279 ac (113 ha) of occupied
habitat in Cape May County consisting of Delaware Bay beaches, flats,
and shoals from the northern shore of Bidwell Creek north to about 0.5
mi (0.8 km) north of Dennis Creek. Lands within this unit are all in
State ownership (Dennis Creek Wildlife Management Area).
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-6 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.010
[[Page 37517]]
(17) Unit NJ-7: Heislerville, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-7 consists of approximately 1,110 ac (449 ha) of
occupied habitat in Cape May and Cumberland Counties consisting of
Delaware Bay beaches, flats, shoals, tidal marsh, and open waters from
approximately 2,000 ft (0.6 km) east of West Creek in Dennis Township,
Cape May County, and extending west to the eastern end of Bay Avenue in
Maurice River Township, Cumberland County. The developed area along Bay
Avenue is excluded from the unit. West of Bay Avenue, Unit NJ-7
continues north to the mouth of Andrews Ditch in Maurice River
Township. Lands within this unit include approximately 524 ac (211 ha)
in State ownership (including the Heislerville Wildlife Management
Area), 459 ac (186 ha) in private/other ownership, and 127 ac (52 ha)
that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-7 follows:
[[Page 37518]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.011
(18) Unit NJ-8: Egg Island, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-8 consists of approximately 1,955 ac (791 ha) of
occupied habitat in Cumberland County consisting of Delaware Bay
beaches, flats, shoals, tidal marsh, and open waters from the mouth of
Oranoaken Creek extending south to Egg Island point, and then northwest
to about 850 ft (259 m) past Budney Avenue in the community of
Fortescue. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,908 ac (773
ha) in State ownership, 32 ac (13 ha) in private/other ownership, and
14 ac (5 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-8 follows:
[[Page 37519]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.012
(19) Unit NJ-9: Newport Neck, New Jersey.
(i) Unit NJ-9 consists of approximately 472 ac (191 ha) of occupied
habitat in Cumberland County consisting of Delaware Bay beaches, flats,
shoals, and tidal marsh from the north bank of the mouth of Fortescue
Creek extending northwest to include both sides of the mouth of
Nantuxent Creek. Beaches adjacent to the developed community of Gandys
Beach are not included in this unit. Lands within this unit include
approximately 202 ac (82 ha) in State ownership (including the
Fortescue Wildlife Management Area), 176 ac (71 ha) in private/other
ownership, and 93 ac (38 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit NJ-9 follows:
[[Page 37520]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.013
(20) Unit DE-1: St. Jones River, Delaware.
(i) Unit DE-1 consists of two subunits comprising 46 ac (19 ha) of
occupied habitat in the St. Jones River area in Kent County. This unit
consists of lands owned by the State of Delaware and private
landowners.
(ii) Map of Unit DE-1 follows:
[[Page 37521]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.014
(iii) Subunit DE-1A (St. Jones North) consists of approximately 43
ac (18 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County consisting of beach
shoreline at the north end from South Bay Drive in South Kitts Hummock
where there is a jetty into Delaware Bay, and continues to the south
where it meets the St. Jones River inlet. The eastern boundary is the
MLLW of the Delaware Bay, and the western boundary runs along the dune
line where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated, sandy beach to
densely vegetated dunes or marsh. Lands within this subunit are
[[Page 37522]]
approximately 37 ac (15 ha) in State ownership (including the Ted
Harvey Wildlife Area), 3 ac (1 ha) of undeveloped beach privately owned
by Delaware Wildlands, a conservation organization, and 3 ac (1 ha)
that are uncategorized.
(iv) Map of Subunit DE-1A is presented at paragraph (20)(ii) of
this entry.
(iv) Subunit DE-1B (St. Jones South) consists of approximately 3 ac
(1 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County consisting of beach shoreline
at the south side of the inlet to the St. Jones River. The eastern
boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay, and the western boundary is
where the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within this
subunit include approximately 1 ac (0.5 ha) in State ownership and
approximately 2 ac (0.6 ha) in private/other ownership.
(v) Map of Subunit DE-1B is presented at paragraph (20)(ii) of this
entry.
(21) Unit DE-2: Brokonbridge Gut, Delaware.
(i) Unit DE-2 consists of two subunits comprising 163 ac (66 ha) of
occupied habitat in the area where Brokonbridge Gut enters the Delaware
Bay in Kent County. This unit consists of lands owned by the State of
Delaware and private landowners.
(ii) Map of Unit DE-2 follows:
[[Page 37523]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.015
(iii) Subunit DE-2A (North Brokonbridge Gut) consists of
approximately 93 ac (37 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County
consisting of beach shoreline between the north side of the
Brokonbridge Gut inlet to the south side of the Murderkill River inlet.
The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay, and the western
boundary is where the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within
this subunit are primarily in private/other ownership (91 ac (37 ha)
with a small portion (2 ac; 1 ha) owned by the State.
(iv) Map of Subunit DE-2A is presented at paragraph (21)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit DE-2B (South Brokonbridge Gut) consists of
approximately 70 ac (29 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County
consisting of beach shoreline at the south side of the
[[Page 37524]]
inlet to Brokonbridge Gut. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the
Delaware Bay, and the western boundary is where the sandy beach turns
to marshy habitat. Lands within this subunit are all in private/other
ownership, primarily owned and protected by a private conservation
organization (Delaware Wildlands; 52 ac (21 ha)), with the remaining
approximately 18 ac (7 ha) as private, undeveloped land.
(vi) Map of Subunit DE-2B is presented at paragraph (21)(ii) of
this entry.
(22) Unit DE-3: Mispillion Harbor, Delaware.
(i) Unit DE-3 consists of three subunits comprising 1,949 ac (789
ha) of occupied habitat in the Mispillion Harbor area where the
Mispillion River and Cedar Creek enter the Delaware Bay in Kent and
Sussex Counties. This unit consists of lands owned primarily by the
State of Delaware, with minor ownership by Federal and private/other.
(ii) Map of Unit DE-3 follows:
[[Page 37525]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.016
(iii) Subunit DE-3A (Main Harbor) consists of approximately 61 ac
(25 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent and Sussex Counties consisting of
beach shoreline at the south side of the inlet to Brokonbridge Gut. The
eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay, and the western
boundary is where the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within
this subunit include approximately 32 ac (13 ha; 53 percent) in State
ownership and 29 ac (12 ha; 47 percent) that are uncategorized.
(iv) Map of Subunit DE-3A is presented at paragraph (22)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit DE-3B (Rawley Island Roost) consists of approximately
1,298 ac (525 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County consisting of
beach shoreline
[[Page 37526]]
and marsh on the north side of the Mispillion River, extending north to
Graco's Canal. The western boundary is Crooked Gut, and the eastern
boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay. Lands within this subunit
include approximately 1,139 ac (461 ha) in State ownership (Milford
Neck Wildlife Area), 153 ac (62 ha) in private/other ownership, and 6
ac (2 ha) that are uncategorized. Private lands are owned by a
combination of a private conservation organization--The Nature
Conservancy (TNC; 148 ac (60 ha))--with a small area of private,
undeveloped land that has a conservation easement.
(vi) Map of Subunit DE-3B is presented at paragraph (22)(ii) of
this entry.
(vii) Subunit DE-3C (Slaughter Beach) consists of approximately 590
ac (239 ha) of occupied habitat in Sussex County consisting of beach
shoreline, marsh, and harbor structures extending from the eastern tip
of the dike that outlines the outer tip of the Mispillion Harbor, south
along the sandy beach of Slaughter Beach to the southern end of Isaacs
Shore Drive. The western boundary is where the lightly vegetated beach
becomes marsh in the northern portions of this subunit, or where
property parcels end in the southern portion of this subunit. The
eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay. Lands within this
subunit include approximately 1 ac (0.25 ha) in Federal ownership, 59
ac (24 ha) in State ownership, 2 ac (1 ha) in private/other ownership,
and 528 ac (213 ha) that are uncategorized.
(viii) Map of Subunit DE-3C is presented at paragraph (22)(ii) of
this entry.
(23) Unit DE-4: Prime Hook, Delaware.
(i) Unit DE-4 consists of approximately 549 ac (222 ha) of occupied
habitat in Sussex County consisting of beach shoreline and marsh from
about 1 mi (1.6 km) north of Fowler Beach Road south to the end of
South Bayshore Drive. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware
Bay, and the western boundary in the northern portion of the unit runs
along the dune line where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated
sandy beach to densely vegetated dunes or marsh. The western boundary
of the central portion of this unit includes marsh and shallow open
water areas where birds can roost overnight and forage. The western
edge of the southern portion of the unit is where property parcels end
at the beach. Lands within this unit include approximately 480 ac (195
ha) in Federal ownership (Prime Hook NWR), 6 ac (2 ha) in private/other
ownership, and 63 ac (25 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit DE-4 follows:
[[Page 37527]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.017
(24) Unit VA-1: Assateague Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-1 consists of approximately 2,817 ac (1,140 ha) of
occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline from
the Virginia-Maryland State line south to the area known as ``The
Hook,'' a wide peninsula that curves northwest. The western boundary is
along the dune line where the habitat changes from sandy beach with
little vegetation to densely vegetated dunes or marshland, as well as
densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the
beach and primary dune. The eastern boundary extends seaward past the
MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this
unit are federally
[[Page 37528]]
owned (Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague NWR).
(ii) Map of Unit VA-1 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.018
(25) Unit VA-2: Wallops Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-2 comprises two subunits (totaling 571 ac (231 ha)) of
occupied habitat owned and managed by the National Aeronautics and
Space Administration (NASA) as part of the Wallops Flight Facility
located in Accomack County.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-2 follows:
[[Page 37529]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.019
(iii) Subunit VA-2A (Wallops Island North) consists of
approximately 540 ac (218 ha) of occupied habitat in Accomack County
consisting of beach shoreline and dynamic intertidal areas. The north
and east boundaries of the subunit are Chincoteague Inlet and seaward
past the MLLW line and shoaling areas that are inundated with less than
3 in (7.6 cm) of water). The western boundary is along the marsh line
where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and
exposed peat with little vegetation to densely vegetated marshland,
peat
[[Page 37530]]
banks, or densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward
of the beach and primary dune. The southern boundary tapers to a point
ending at the northern end of the facility's sea wall structure; it
extends past the MLLW line and includes the areas that are slightly
inundated with less than 3 in (7.5 cm) of water. All lands within this
subunit are federally owned by NASA.
(iv) Map of Subunit VA-2A is presented at paragraph (25)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit VA-2B (Wallops Island South) consists of approximately
31 ac (13 ha) of occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of
beach shoreline and dynamic intertidal areas. The northern boundary is
the end of the road south of the old runway, the southern boundary is
Assawoman Creek, the western boundary is along the marsh line where the
habitat changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat
with little vegetation to densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or
densely forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and
primary dune, and the eastern boundary extends seaward past the MLLW
line including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated
with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this subunit
are federally owned by NASA.
(vi) Map of Subunit VA-2B is presented at paragraph (25)(ii) of
this entry.
(26) Unit VA-3: Assawoman Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-3 consists of approximately 633 ac (256 ha) of occupied
habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline and dynamic
intertidal areas. The unit is from Assawoman Creek in the north to
Kegotank Creek and Gargathy Inlet in the south, extending east past the
MLLW line including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water). The western boundary
is formed by Houseboat Creek, a section of Egg Marsh, and Kegotank Bay.
All lands within this unit are federally owned by Chincoteague NWR.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-3 follows:
[[Page 37531]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.020
(27) Unit VA-4: Metompkin Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-4 consists of approximately 1,467 ac (594 ha) of
occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline and
dynamic intertidal areas. The unit extends from Kegotank Creek and
Gargathy Inlet south to the mouth of Folly Creek. The western boundary
is formed by the Virginia Inside Passage of the Intercoastal Waterway
and Metompkin Bay and includes extensive areas of overwash and low
marsh areas along the western boundary. The eastern boundary extends
seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling
areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands
within this unit include approximately 64 ac (26 ha) in Federal
ownership (Chincoteague NWR), 56 ac
[[Page 37532]]
(22 ha) in State ownership, and 1,239 ac (502 ha) in private/other
ownership (TNC), and 110 ac (44 ha) that are uncategorized. This
coastal area is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-4 follows:
[[Page 37533]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.021
(28) Unit VA-5: Cedar Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-5 consists of approximately 2,274 ac (920 ha) of
occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline and
[[Page 37534]]
dynamic intertidal areas. The unit extends from an inlet between Cedar
Island and the southern end of Metompkin Island south to Wachapreague
Inlet. The western boundary is along the marsh line where the habitat
changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat with little
vegetation to densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or densely
vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and
primary dune, or open water including Burtons Bay. The eastern boundary
extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as
shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of
water. Lands within this unit include approximately 203 ac (82 ha) in
Federal ownership, 77 ac (31 ha) in State ownership, 920 ac (372 ha) in
private/other ownership, and 1,074 ac (434 ha) that are uncategorized.
This coastal area is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-5 follows:
[[Page 37535]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.022
(29) Unit VA-6: Parramore Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-6 consists of approximately 6,802 ac (2,753 ha) of
occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline and
dynamic intertidal areas. The unit extends from Wachapreague Inlet
south to Quinby Inlet. The western boundary is Horseshoe Lead, Drawing
Channel, Swash Bay, and Revel Island Bay. The eastern boundary extends
seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well
[[Page 37536]]
as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of
water. Lands within this unit include approximately 5,631 ac (2,280 ha)
in private/other ownership (TNC) and 1,171 ac (473 ha) that are
uncategorized. This coastal area is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-6 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.023
[[Page 37537]]
(30) Unit VA-7: Chimney Pole Marsh, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-7 consists of approximately 2,004 ac (811 ha) of
occupied habitat in Chimney Pole Marsh and the southern portion of
Sandy Island in Accomack County consisting of mud flats, low marsh,
sandy beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. The boundary of the
marsh on all sides extends seaward past the MLLW line, including
dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3
in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include approximately
1,224 ac (496 ha) in State ownership, 285 ac (116 ha) in private/other
ownership (TNC), and 495 ac (200 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-7 follows:
[[Page 37538]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.024
(31) Unit VA-8: Hog Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-8 consists of approximately 3,235 ac (1,309 ha) of
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat.
The unit is bounded by the Quinby Inlet to the north and Great
Machipongo Inlet to the south. The western boundary is along the marsh
line where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and
exposed peat with little vegetation to densely vegetated marshland,
peat banks, or densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation
landward of the beach and
[[Page 37539]]
primary dune, or open water including Hog Island Bay. The eastern
boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in
(7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include approximately 16 ac
(7 ha) in State ownership, 2,966 ac (1,201 ha) in private/other
ownership, and 253 ac (101 ha) that is uncategorized. This coastal area
is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-8 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.025
[[Page 37540]]
(32) Unit VA-9: Cobb Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-9 consists of approximately 2,342 ac (948 ha) of
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat.
The unit is bounded by Great Machipongo Inlet to the north and Sandy
Shoal Inlet to the south. The western boundary is formed by Hog Island
Bay, Spidercrab Bay, and Cobb Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward
past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that
are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this
unit include approximately 16 ac (7 ha) in State ownership, 1,778 ac
(720 ha) in private/other ownership, and 547 ac (221 ha) that are
uncategorized. This coastal area is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-9 follows:
[[Page 37541]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.026
(33) Unit VA-10: Little Cobb Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-10 consists of approximately 82 ac (33 ha) of occupied
habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat lying
just west of the southern end of Cobb Island and within the waters of
Cobb Bay. The boundary of this small island in all directions is the
waters of Cobb Bay and the extent of the boundary seaward past the MLLW
line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated
[[Page 37542]]
with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this unit are
in private/other ownership (TNC) and are part of the Virginia Coast
Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-10 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.027
[[Page 37543]]
(34) Unit VA-11: Wreck Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-11 consists of approximately 1,270 ac (514 ha) of
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat
bounded to the north by Sandy Shoal Inlet and Red Drum Drain and New
Inlet to the south. The western boundary is South Bay. The eastern
boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in
(7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this unit are State owned and
managed as Wreck Island Natural Area Preserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-11 follows:
[[Page 37544]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.028
(35) Unit VA-12: Myrtle Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-12 consists of approximately 1,416 ac (573 ha) of
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of extensive mud
flats, low marsh, sandy beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels.
The north boundary is Ship Shoal Inlet, the south boundary is Little
Inlet, the west boundary is Main Ship Shoal Channel and Big Creek
Marsh, and the east boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. The boundary for
the island and marsh complex extends seaward past the
[[Page 37545]]
MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit
include 1,028 ac (417 ha) that are in private/other ownership and 388
ac (156 ha) that are uncategorized. The island is owned and managed by
TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-12 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.029
[[Page 37546]]
(36) Unit VA-13: Smith Island, Virginia.
(i) Unit VA-13 consists of approximately 2,529 ac (1,024 ha) of
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat
bounded to the north by Little Inlet, to the south by Smith Island
Inlet, and to the west along the dune line where the habitat changes
from sandy beach with little vegetation to densely vegetated dunes or
marshland, as well as densely vegetated forested or herbaceous
vegetation landward of the beach and primary dune, or open water
including Magothy Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward past the
MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this
unit are in private/other ownership (TNC). The island is owned and
managed by TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit VA-13 follows:
[[Page 37547]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.030
(37) Unit NC-1: Outer Banks, North Carolina.
(i) Unit NC-1 consists of two subunits comprising 11,367 ac (4,600
ha) of occupied habitat in Dare and Hyde Counties. This unit consists
of Federal lands owned by the NPS and Service, and lands owned by the
State of North Carolina.
(ii) Subunit NC-1A (Hatteras Island and Shoals) consists of
approximately 5,754 ac (2,329 ha) of occupied habitat in Dare County
consisting of beach shoreline from the southeast side of
[[Page 37548]]
Oregon Inlet, south along the ocean-facing side of the island
(including Pea Island NWR) to Cape Point in Cape Hatteras National
Seashore. From Cape Point, the subunit stretches along the ocean side
of the island about 13.25 mi (21 km) west to the east side of Hatteras
Inlet. This subunit includes from MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach
and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide, that are associated with the northeast side of Hatteras
Inlet's navigable channel) to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins. Lands within
this subunit include approximately 4,940 ac (1,999 ha) in Federal
ownership (Cape Hatteras National Seashore) and 814 ac (329 ha) that
are uncategorized.
(iii) Map of Subunit NC-1A follows:
[[Page 37549]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.031
(iv) Subunit NC-1B (Ocracoke Island) consists of approximately
5,613 ac (2,271 ha) of occupied habitat in Hyde County consisting of
beach shoreline from the southwest side of Hatteras Inlet along the
ocean-facing side of the island to the northeast side of Ocracoke
Inlet. This subunit also encompasses shallow areas and mudflats within
Pamlico Sound on the west side of Ocracoke Island near Ocracoke
Village. This subunit includes from MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic
beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the toe of
[[Page 37550]]
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red
knot, begins, including the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated
with the southwest side of Hatteras Inlet and the northeast side of
Ocracoke Inlet, and the sand and mud islands identified in Pamlico
Sound northeast of Ocracoke Village. Lands within this subunit include
approximately 1,427 ac (577 ha) in Federal ownership (i.e., the entire
ocean-facing side of the Ocracoke Island, which is part of Cape
Hatteras National Seashore), 3,612 ac (1,462 ha) in State ownership,
and 575 ac (233 ha) that are uncategorized.
(v) Map of Subunit NC-1B follows:
[[Page 37551]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.032
(38) Unit NC-2: Core Banks, North Carolina.
(i) Unit NC-2 consists of two subunits comprising 11,281 ac (4,565
ha) of occupied habitat in Carteret County. This unit consists of
Federal lands owned by the NPS (Cape Lookout National Seashore).
(ii) Subunit NC-2A (North Core Banks) consists of approximately
8,187 ac (3,313 ha) of occupied habitat in Carteret County consisting
of beach shoreline from the North Core Banks side of the Ocracoke Inlet
channel south to the North Core Banks side of the New
[[Page 37552]]
Drum Inlet channel. The west boundary is the toe of the primary dune or
dense vegetation line (where the physical or biological features do not
occur), and the east boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the
highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide). This subunit also includes MLLW on
Core Sound to the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean in washover areas
associated with Old Drum Inlet, all emergent sand shoals within the
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the North Core Banks
side of the Ocracoke Inlet channel, and the emergent sand shoals within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the North Core
Banks side of the New Drum Inlet channel. Lands within this subunit
include 6,534 ac (2,644 ha) that are Federal ownership (Cape Lookout
National Seashore) and 1,654 ac (669 ha) that are uncategorized.
(iii) Map of Subunit NC-2A follows:
[[Page 37553]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.033
(iv) Subunit NC-2B (South Core Banks) consists of approximately
3,094 ac (1,252 ha) of occupied habitat in Carteret County consisting
of beach shoreline from the South Core Banks side of the New Drum Inlet
Channel south to the Power Squadron Spit excluding the jetty. The west
boundary is at the toe of the primary dune or dense vegetation line
where the physical or biological features do not occur, and the east
boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the highly dynamic beach
and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and
[[Page 37554]]
uncovered at low tide). This subunit also includes MLLW on Core Sound
to the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean in emergent sand shoals within the
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the South Core Banks
side of the New Drum Inlet channel, and all emergent sand shoals
associated with Cape Point. All of the lands within this subunit are
under Federal ownership (Cape Lookout National Seashore).
(v) Map of Subunit NC-2B follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.034
[[Page 37555]]
(39) Unit NC-3: Shackleford Island, North Carolina.
(i) Unit NC-3 consists of approximately 4,972 ac (2,012 ha) of
occupied habitat in Carteret County consisting of shoreline habitat
bounded to the north by the MLLW along Back Sound, Bald Hill, Johnson
and Lighthouse Bays south to dense vegetation where the physical or
biological features do not occur. The east boundary is the Shackleford
Island side of Barden Inlet channel, the south boundary is MLLW on the
Atlantic Ocean, and the west boundary is the Shackleford Island side of
Beaufort Inlet Channel. This unit includes emergent sand shoals within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Shackleford
Island side of the Barden Inlet channel, and the emergent sand shoals
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west
side of the Beaufort Inlet channel (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and
emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). All lands within this unit are in Federal ownership (Cape
Lookout National Seashore).
(ii) Map of Unit NC-3 follows:
[[Page 37556]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.035
(40) Unit NC-4: Emerald Isle-Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.
(i) Unit NC-4 consists of approximately 2,030 ac (822 ha) of
occupied habitat in Carteret County consisting of shoreline habitat
that stretches about 23 mi (37 km) from the Beaufort Inlet channel and
Fort Macon State Park west to the eastern side of the Bogue Inlet
channel. Unit NC-4 includes from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins and
where the physical or biological features no longer occur. This
[[Page 37557]]
unit also includes the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and
ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west side of the Beaufort Inlet
channel, not including the jetty, as well as the emergent sand shoals
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of the
Bogue Inlet channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,908
ac (772 ha) in State ownership and 122 ac (50 ha) in private/other
ownership (which includes 1 ac (0.5 ha) in local government ownership
and 121 ac (49 ha) in private ownership).
(ii) Map of Unit NC-4 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.036
[[Page 37558]]
(41) Unit NC-5: New Topsail Inlet-Topsail Beach, North Carolina.
(i) Unit NC-5 consists of approximately 1,612 ac (652 ha) of
occupied habitat in Onslow and Pender Counties consisting of shoreline
habitat that stretches about 23 mi (37 km) from the west side of the
New River Inlet channel west to the east side of the New Topsail Inlet
channel. This unit includes from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins and
where the physical or biological features no longer occur. This unit
also includes the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the west side of the New River Inlet
channel, as well as the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and
ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of the New Topsail Inlet channel. All
lands within this unit are in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit NC-5 follows:
[[Page 37559]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.037
(42) Unit NC-6: Cape Fear-Fort Fisher, North Carolina.
(i) Unit NC-6 consists of approximately 1,986 ac (804 ha) of
occupied coastal barrier island Carolina Beach Inlet in New Hanover
County, North Carolina, to the mouth of the Cape Fear River in
Brunswick County, North Carolina. The north boundary of this unit is
the northeast tip of Pleasure Island south of Carolina Beach Inlet and
the south boundary extends from the tip of Cape Fear west approximately
3.4 mi (5 km) to the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The west boundary is
the toe of
[[Page 37560]]
the primary dune or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the
rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological features no
longer occur. The east boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean excluding
groins and jetties. This unit also includes all emergent sand shoals
associated with the tip of Cape Fear, the Cape Fear River south of
Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, and the emergent sand shoals
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the
southwest side of Carolina Beach Inlet channel and the southwest tip of
Bald Head Island. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,713 ac
(693 ha) in State ownership and 274 ac (111 ha) in private/other
ownership. State lands in this unit contain parts of Fort Fisher State
Recreation Area and Zeke's Island Estuarine Reserve.
(ii) Map of Unit NC-6 follows:
[[Page 37561]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.038
(43) Unit NC-7: Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
(i) Unit NC-7 consists of approximately 298 ac (120 ha) of occupied
coastal barrier island Carolina Beach Inlet in Brunswick County,
stretching about 6 mi (10 km) from the west side of Shallotte Inlet to
the east side of Tubbs Inlet. The east boundary of this unit is the
west side of Shallotte Inlet. The south boundary is the MLLW on the
Atlantic Ocean, the west boundary is the east side of Tubbs Inlet, and
the north boundary is the toe of the primary dune or where densely
[[Page 37562]]
vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins and where the
physical or biological features no longer occur. This unit also
includes the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal
deltas associated with the west side of the Shallotte Inlet channel, as
well as the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal
deltas on the east side of the Tubbs Inlet channel. Lands within this
unit include approximately 182 ac (73 ha) in State ownership and 116 ac
(47 ha) in private/other (municipal) ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit NC-7 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.039
[[Page 37563]]
(44) Unit NC-8: Sunset Beach-Bird Island, North Carolina.
(i) Unit NC-8 consists of approximately 384 ac (155 ha) of occupied
coastal barrier island in Brunswick County, stretching about 4.1 mi
(6.6 km) from the west side of Tubbs Inlet to the east side of Little
River Inlet. The east boundary of this unit is the west side of Tubbs
Inlet. The south boundary is the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean, the west
boundary is the east side of Little River Inlet, and the north boundary
is the toe of the primary dune or where densely vegetated habitat, not
used by the rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological
features no longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand
shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the
west side of the Tubbs Inlet channel, as well as the emergent sand
shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of
the Little River Inlet channel, excluding the jetty. Lands within this
unit include approximately 345 ac (139 ha) in State ownership (part of
the North Carolina Coastal Reserve) and 39 ac (16 ha) in private/other
ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit NC-8 follows:
[[Page 37564]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.040
(45) Unit SC-1: Garden City Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-1 consists of approximately 616 ac (249 ha) of occupied
coastal shoreline habitat in Georgetown and Horry Counties. The
northern boundary of the unit begins at the Garden City pier in Horry
County and extends southwest to the northern side of Murrells Inlet in
Georgetown County. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the
[[Page 37565]]
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the
red knot, begins. This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with the northeastern side of Murrells Inlet's navigable
channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 267 ac (108 ha)
in State ownership and 349 ac (141 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-1 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.041
[[Page 37566]]
(46) Unit SC-2: Huntington Beach State Park/Litchfield Beach, South
Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-2 consists of approximately 1,634 ac (661 ha) of
occupied coastal shoreline habitat in Georgetown County. The unit
boundary begins on the southern side of Murrells Inlet southwest and
extends southwest to the northern side of Midway Inlet. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW (which includes the highly dynamic
shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. This unit also
includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of
Murrells Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of Midway
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include approximately
80 ac (32 ha) in State ownership, which includes Huntington Beach State
Park, and 1,554 ac (629 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-2 follows:
[[Page 37567]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.042
(47) Unit SC-3: Sand and South Island Beaches, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-3 consists of approximately 8,256 ac (3,341 ha) of
occupied coastal shoreline habitat on Sand and South Islands, barrier
islands off the coast of Georgetown County. The unit boundary begins on
the northeastern edge of South Island in North Inlet behind North
Island following the shoreline to include Sand Island and continuing
southwest to the southern tip of South Island. The unit includes all
emergent land from MLLW (which includes the highly dynamic shoreline
and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat,
not used by the red knot, begins. This unit also includes the
ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the unnamed inlet between Sand and South
[[Page 37568]]
Islands and the northeastern side of North Santee River Inlet's
navigable channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 7,843
ac (3,174 ha) in State ownership (including the Tom Yawkey Wildlife
Center Heritage Preserve), 129 ac (52 ha) in private/other ownership,
and 283 ac (115 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-3 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.043
(48) Unit SC-4: Sand and South Island Beaches, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-4 consists of approximately 8,312 ac (3,364 ha) of
occupied coastal shoreline habitat on all of Murphy Island, a barrier
island off
[[Page 37569]]
the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary begins on the South
Santee River shoreline of Murphy's Island and extends to the Alligator
Creek shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins.
This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed
inlets along the shoreline of Murphy Island. Lands within this unit are
entirely in State ownership and the South Carolina Department of
Natural Resources manages Murphy Island as part of the Santee Coastal
Reserve Wildlife Management Area.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-4 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.044
[[Page 37570]]
(49) Unit SC-5: North Cape Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-5 consists of approximately 1,270 ac (514 ha) of
occupied coastal shoreline habitat on the northern portion of Cape
Island, a barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit
boundary begins on the Cape Romain Harbor shoreline of Cape Island and
extends south to the shoreline along the unnamed inlet between North
Cape and South Cape Islands. The unit includes all emergent land from
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with the northern side of the navigable channel of the
unnamed inlet between North Cape Island and South Cape Island. Lands
within this unit include approximately 775 ac (313 ha) in Federal
ownership (Cape Romain NWR) and 495 ac (200 ha) in State ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-5 follows:
[[Page 37571]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.045
(50) Unit SC-6: South Cape and Lighthouse Island Beaches, South
Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-6 consists of approximately 2,037 ac (824 ha) of
occupied coastal shoreline habitat along the entire southern portion of
Cape Island and all of Lighthouse Island, barrier islands off the
coast, in Charleston County. The unit boundary begins at the northern
tip of South Cape Island in the unnamed inlet between North Cape and
South Cape Islands and extends to the western tip of Lighthouse Island
in Key Inlet. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe
of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red
knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and
[[Page 37572]]
ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southern side of the navigable
channel of the unnamed inlet between North Cape Island and South Cape
Island and the emergent sand shoals associated with Key Inlet. Lands
within this unit include approximately 1,552 ac (628 ha) in Federal
ownership (Cape Romain NWR) and 485 ac (196 ha) in State ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-6 is presented at paragraph (49)(ii) of this
entry.
(51) Unit SC-7: Raccoon Key Complex and White Banks Beaches, South
Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-7 consists of approximately 5,324 ac (2,154 ha) of
occupied coastal shoreline habitat along the entire Raccoon Key complex
and White Banks, islands off the coast, in Charleston County. The unit
boundary begins at the intersection of the Romain River and Key Inlet
side of Raccoon Key and extends to the western edge of White Banks in
Bulls Bay. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot)
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed
inlets in the Raccoon Key complex. Lands within this unit are all in
Federal ownership (Cape Romain NWR).
(ii) Map of Unit SC-7 follows:
[[Page 37573]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.046
(52) Unit SC-8: Marsh Island, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-8 consists of approximately 415 ac (168 ha) of occupied
habitat across the entirety of Marsh Island, which is an island in
Bulls Bay, Charleston County. The unit includes all emergent land from
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with Marsh Island. Lands within this unit include are all in
Federal ownership (Cape Romain NWR).
(ii) Map of Unit SC-8 is presented at paragraph (51)(ii) of this
entry.
(53) Unit SC-9: Bulls Island Beach, South Carolina.
[[Page 37574]]
(i) Unit SC-9 consists of approximately 6,141 ac (2,485 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Bulls Island, which is a
barrier island along the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary
begins on the Bulls Bay shoreline of Bulls Island and extends southwest
to the Price Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with the northeastern side of Price Inlet's navigable
channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 5,200 ac (2,104
ha) in Federal ownership (Cape Romain NWR) and 941 ac (381 ha) in State
ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-9 follows:
[[Page 37575]]
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(54) Unit SC-10: Capers Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-10 consists of approximately 2,534 ac (1,026 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Capers Island, which is a
barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary
begins on the Price Inlet shoreline of Capers Island and extends
southwest to the Capers Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of Price's Inlet's
navigable channel and the northeastern side of Capers Inlet's navigable
channel. Lands within
[[Page 37576]]
this unit are entirely in State ownership (Capers Island Natural
Heritage Preserve).
(ii) Map of Unit SC-10 is presented at paragraph (53)(ii) of this
entry.
(55) Unit SC-11: Dewees Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-11 consists of approximately 1,812 ac (733 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Dewees Island, which is a
barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary
begins on the Capers Inlet shoreline of Dewees Island and extends to
the Dewees Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with the southwestern side of Capers Inlet's navigable
channel and the northeastern side of Dewees Inlet's navigable channel.
Lands within this unit include approximately 265 ac (107 ha) in State
ownership and 1,547 ac (626 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-11 follows:
[[Page 37577]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.048
(56) Unit SC-12: Isle of Palms Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-12 consists of approximately 4,117 ac (1,666 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Isle of Palms, which is a
barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary
begins at the Dewees Inlet shoreline of the Isle of Palms and extends
southwest to the Breach Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of Dewees Inlet's
navigable channel and the northeastern side of Breach Inlet's navigable
channel.
[[Page 37578]]
Lands within this unit include approximately 754 ac (305 ha) in State
ownership and 3,363 ac (1,361 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-12 is presented at paragraph (55)(ii) of this
entry.
(57) Unit SC-13: Sullivan's Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-13 consists of approximately 1,782 ac (721 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Sullivan's Island, which is a
barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary
begins on the Breach Inlet shoreline of Sullivan's Island and extends
southwest to the Charleston Harbor shoreline. The unit includes all
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of
Breach Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include
approximately 83 ac (34 ha) in Federal ownership (Ft. Moultrie, which
is part of Ft. Sumter National Monument), 694 ac (281 ha) in State
ownership, and 1,005 ac (407 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-13 is presented at paragraph (55)(ii) of this
entry.
(58) Unit SC-14: Folly Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-14 consists of approximately 1,989 ac (805 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Folly Beach, which is a barrier
island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary begins on
the Lighthouse Inlet shoreline of Folly Beach and extends southwest to
the Folly River shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with the southwestern side of Lighthouse Inlet's navigable
channel and the Folly Beach side of the Folly River Inlet's navigable
channel between Folly Beach and Bird Key. Lands within this unit are
entirely in private/other land ownership within the city limits of the
municipality of the City of Folly Beach.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-14 follows:
[[Page 37579]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.049
(59) Unit SC-15: Bird Key-Stono, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-15 consists of approximately 294 ac (119 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Bird Key-Stono, an island in
the mouth of the Stono Inlet in Charleston County. The unit includes
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of the
Folly River Inlet. Lands within this unit are entirely in State
ownership (managed as a State Seabird Sanctuary).
(ii) Map of Unit SC-15 is presented at paragraph (58)(ii) of this
entry.
[[Page 37580]]
(60) Unit SC-16: Kiawah and Seabrook Island Beaches, South
Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-16 consists of approximately 11,250 ac (4,553 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Kiawah Island and a portion of
Seabrook Island, which are barrier islands off the coast of Charleston
County. The unit boundary begins on the Stono Inlet shoreline of Kiawah
Island and extends southwest to the tip of the Seabrook Island
shoreline in the North Edisto River. The unit includes all emergent
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the western side of the Stono Inlet and
all of Captain Sam's Inlet. Lands within this unit include
approximately 1,399 ac (566 ha) in State ownership and 9,850 ac (3,986
ha) in private/other ownership within the Town limits of the Town of
Kiawah Island and the Town of Seabrook Island.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-16 follows:
[[Page 37581]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.050
(61) Unit SC-17: Deveaux Bank, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-17 consists of approximately 1,328 ac (538 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Deveaux Bank, an island in the
mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County. The unit includes
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the mouth of the North
Edisto River. Lands within this unit are entirely in State ownership
(managed as a Seabird Sanctuary).
(ii) Map of Unit SC-17 follows:
[[Page 37582]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.051
(62) Unit SC-18: Edisto Island Beaches, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-18 consists of approximately 1,743 ac (705 ha) of
occupied beach habitat on Edisto Island, a barrier island off the coast
of Charleston and Colleton Counties. The unit includes all of Botany
Bay Island, Botany Bay Plantation, Interlude Beach, and Edingsville
Beach, and a portion of Edisto Beach State Park. The unit boundary
begins on the North Edisto River shoreline of Botany Bay Island and
extends southwest to the undeveloped eastern half of the beachfront
portion of Edisto Beach State Park southwest of Jeremy Inlet. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic
[[Page 37583]]
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with Frampton and Jeremy Inlets and the unnamed
inlet separating Interlude Beach and Botany Bay Plantation. Lands
within this unit include approximately 650 ac (263 ha) in State
ownership (including Edisto Beach State Park and Botany Bay Heritage
Preserve/Wildlife Management Area) and 1,093 ac (442 ha) in private/
other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-18 is presented at paragraph (61)(ii) of this
entry.
(63) Unit SC-19: Pine and Otter Island Beaches, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-19 consists of approximately 6,302 ac (2,550 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Pine and Otter Islands, both of
which are sea islands in St. Helena Sound in Colleton County. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Fish Creek Inlet. Lands
within this unit include approximately 6,296 ac (2,548 ha) in State
ownership (including the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto Basin Preserve/
Wildlife Management Area and the St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve/
Wildlife Management Area) and 6 ac (2 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-19 follows:
[[Page 37584]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.052
(64) Unit SC-20: Harbor and Hunting Island Beaches, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-20 consists of approximately 4,066 ac (1,645 ha) of
occupied habitat on Harbor and Hunting Islands, both of which are
barrier islands off the coast of Beaufort County. The unit boundary
begins on the Harbor River shoreline of Harbor Island and extends
southwest to the Fripp Inlet shoreline of Hunting Island. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Johnson Creek Inlet. Lands
within this unit include approximately 3,246 ac (1,313 ha) in
[[Page 37585]]
State ownership (including Hunting Island State Park) and 820 ac (331
ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-20 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.053
(65) Unit SC-21: Fripp Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-21 consists of approximately 734 ac (297 ha) of
occupied habitat on Fripp Island, a barrier island off the coast of
Beaufort County. The unit boundary begins on the Fripp Inlet shoreline
of Fripp Inlet and extends southwest to the Skull Creek Inlet
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of
the dunes or where densely vegetated
[[Page 37586]]
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with Fripp Inlet. Lands within this unit
include approximately 305 ac (124 ha) in State ownership and 429 ac
(174 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-21 is presented at paragraph (64)(ii) of this
entry.
(66) Unit SC-22: Hilton Head Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-22 consists of approximately 1,682 ac (681 ha) of
occupied habitat on the heel of Hilton Head Island, a barrier island
off the coast, in Beaufort County. The unit boundary begins on the Port
Royal Sound shoreline beginning at Oyster Shell Lane, continues
southeast then turns southwest along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and
continues to the undeveloped portion of Singleton Beach southwest of
the Folly Beach. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the
rufa red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with
Fish Haul Creek and unnamed inlets within the unit boundary. Lands
within this unit include approximately 1,015 ac (411 ha) in State
ownership and 667 ac (270 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-22 follows:
[[Page 37587]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.054
(67) Unit SC-23: Daufuskie Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-23 consists of approximately 6,370 ac (2,578 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Daufuskie Island, a sea island
in Calibogue Sound, in Beaufort County. The unit boundary begins on the
Calibogue Sound shoreline of Daufuskie Island and extends southwest to
the Mungen Creek shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the unit boundary. All lands within this unit
are in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-23 follows:
[[Page 37588]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.055
(68) Unit SC-24: Turtle Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-24 consists of approximately 1,798 ac (728 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Turtle Island, a sea island in
Calibogue Sound, in Jasper County. The unit boundary begins on the New
River shoreline of Turtle Island and extends southwest to the Wright
River shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with
the unnamed inlet in the center of the island shoreline. Lands within
this unit are
[[Page 37589]]
entirely in State ownership (Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area).
(ii) Map of Unit SC-24 is presented at paragraph (67)(ii) of this
entry.
(69) Unit SC-25: Jones Island Beach, South Carolina.
(i) Unit SC-25 consists of approximately 3,025 ac (1,224 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Jones Island, a sea island
along the Savannah River and Calibogue Sound, in Jasper County. The
unit boundary begins on the Wright River shoreline of Jones Island to
the Savannah River shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with Wright River Inlet. Lands within this unit include
approximately 785 ac (318 ha) in Federal ownership (Tybee Island NWR)
and 2,240 ac (907 ha; 74 percent) in State ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit SC-24 is presented at paragraph (67)(ii) of this
entry.
(70) Unit GA-1: Tybee Island Beach, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-1 consists of approximately 2,046 ac (828 ha) of
occupied habitat on Tybee Island (north, mid and south beaches), a
barrier island off the coast in Chatham County. The northern boundary
of the unit begins at the Savannah River shoreline of Tybee Island and
extends south to Tybee Creek Inlet, which separates Tybee Island from
Little Tybee Island, and includes all emergent land from MLLW to the
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy
intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with
the eastern side of Tybee Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this
unit include approximately 6 ac (2 ha) in State ownership, 1,721 ac
(697 ha) in private/other ownership, and 319 ac (129 ha) that are
uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-1 follows:
[[Page 37590]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.056
(71) Unit GA-2: Little Tybee Island Complex, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-2 consists of approximately 8,265 ac (3,345 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Little Tybee Island complex, a
series of barrier islands off the coast of Chatham County. The unit
boundary begins on the western side of Tybee Creek Inlet and extends
southwest to Wassaw Sound and includes Little Tybee Island, Williamson
Island, and all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the western side
of Tybee Inlet's navigable channel, Little Tybee Slough, and Little
Tybee Creek.
[[Page 37591]]
All lands within this unit are in State ownership (Little Tybee Island
State Heritage Preserve).
(ii) Map of Unit GA-2 is presented at paragraph (70)(ii) of this
entry.
(72) Unit GA-3: Wassaw Island Beach, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-3 consists of approximately 4,296 ac (1,738 ha) of
occupied habitat on Wassaw Island, a barrier island off the coast in
Chatham County. The unit boundary begins on the southwestern side of
Wassaw Sound off the northern tip of Wassaw Island and extends
southwest to Ossabaw Sound shoreline. The unit includes all emergent
land from MLLW (which includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy
intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide)
to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by
the red knot, begins. This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with the southwestern side of Wassaw Sound off the northern
tip of Wassaw Island. Lands within this unit include approximately
3,001 ac (1,215 ha) in Federal ownership (Wassaw Island NWR), 274 ac
(111 ha) in private/other ownership, and 1,020 ac (412 ha) that are
uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-3 follows:
[[Page 37592]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.057
(73) Unit GA-4: Raccoon Key, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-4 consists of approximately 1,599 ac (647 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Raccoon Key, an island in
Ossabaw Sound in Chatham County. The unit includes all emergent land
from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat
(not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline
and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within Ossabaw Sound associated
with Raccoon Key. All lands within this unit are in State ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-4 is presented at paragraph (72)(ii) of this
entry.
(74) Unit GA-5: Ossabaw Island Beach, Georgia.
[[Page 37593]]
(i) Unit GA-5 consists of approximately 32,357 ac (13,095 ha) of
occupied habitat on Ossabaw Island, a barrier island off the coast in
Chatham County. The unit boundary begins at the Ogeechee River
shoreline of Ossabaw Island and extends southwest to the St.
Catherine's Sound shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas
associated with Ossabaw Sound off the northeastern tip of the island
and St. Catherine's Sound off the southwestern tip of the island. Lands
within this unit include approximately 28,621 ac (11,591 ha) in State
ownership and 3,736 ac (1,503 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-5 follows:
[[Page 37594]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.058
(75) Unit GA-6: St. Catherine's Island Beach, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-6 consists of approximately 15,962 ac (6,460 ha) of
occupied habitat on St. Catherine's Island, a barrier island off the
coast in Liberty County. The unit boundary begins at the St.
Catherine's Sound shoreline of St. Catherine's Island and extends
southwest to the Sapelo Sound shoreline. The unit includes all emergent
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with St. Catherine's Sound entrance off the
northern tip of the island, McQueen Inlet, and Sapelo Sound entrance
off the
[[Page 37595]]
southern tip of the island. Lands within this unit include
approximately 2,106 ac (853 ha) in State ownership, 11,810 ac (4,783
ha) in private/other ownership, and 2,046 ac (824 ha) that are
uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-6 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.059
[[Page 37596]]
(76) Unit GA-7: Blackbeard Island Beach, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-7 consists of approximately 6,321 ac (2,558 ha) of
occupied habitat on Blackbeard Island, a barrier island off the coast
in McIntosh County. The unit boundary begins at the Sapelo Sound
shoreline of Blackbeard Island and extends southwest to the Cabretta
Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with
the Sapelo Sound entrance off the northern tip of the island and the
northeastern side of Cabretta Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within
this unit include approximately 4,954 ac (2,006 ha) in Federal
ownership (Blackbeard Island NWR), 80 ac (32 ha) in State ownership,
and 1,287 ac (519 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-7 follows:
[[Page 37597]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.060
(77) Unit GA-8: Sapelo Island Beach, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-8 consists of approximately 2,482 ac (845 ha) of
occupied habitat on Sapelo Island, a barrier island off the coast in
McIntosh County. The unit boundary begins at the Cabretta Inlet
shoreline of Sapelo Island and extends southwest to the Doboy Sound
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot)
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal
zone that are
[[Page 37598]]
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat
also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side
of Cabretta Inlet's navigable channel. The lands within this unit are
State-owned and comprise the Sapelo Island Wildlife Management Area and
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR).
(ii) Map of Unit GA-8 is presented at paragraph (76)(ii) of this
entry.
(78) Unit GA-9: Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island, and
Little Egg Island Bar, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-9 consists of approximately 5,308 ac (2,148 ha) of
occupied habitat on Wolf, Egg, and Little Egg Islands, and Little Egg
Island Bar, which are islands at the mouth of the Altamaha River in
McIntosh County. The unit boundary begins at the South River shoreline
of Wolf Island and extends south to the southern side of Altamaha
Sound. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the
dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot)
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the
entrance to Altamaha Sound and Beacon Creek. Lands within this unit
include approximately 2,975 ac (1,204 ha) in Federal ownership (Wolf
Island NWR, which is also a designated wilderness area), 240 ac (97 ha)
in State ownership, and 2,093 ac (847 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-9 follows:
[[Page 37599]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.061
(79) Unit GA-10: Little St. Simon's Island Beach, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-10 consists of approximately 9,053 ac (3,664 ha) of
occupied habitat on Little St. Simon's Island off the coast of Glynn
County. The unit boundary begins at the Altamaha Sound shoreline of
Little St. Simon's Island and extends south to the Hampton River
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot)
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal
zone
[[Page 37600]]
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Altamaha Sound
off the northeastern tip of the island, Mosquito Creek, and the
northern side of Hampton River Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within
this unit include approximately 113 ac (46 ha) in State ownership,
7,462 ac (3,022 ha) in private/other ownership (TNC-owned preserve
lands), and 1,479 ac (596 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-10 follows:
[[Page 37601]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.062
(80) Unit GA-11: Sea and St. Simon's Island Beaches, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-11 consists of approximately 4,033 ac (1,632 ha) of
occupied habitat across the entirety of Sea Island and a portion of St.
Simon's Island, both of which are barrier islands off the coast of
Glynn County. The unit boundary begins at the Hampton River shoreline
of Sea Island and extends southwest to the St. Simon's Sound shoreline
of St. Simon's Island. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to
the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by
the red
[[Page 37602]]
knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with
Gould's Inlet. Lands within this unit include approximately 4 ac (2 ha)
in State ownership, 3,448 ac (1,395 ha) in private/other ownership, and
581 ac (235 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-11 is presented at paragraph (79)(ii) of this
entry.
(81) Unit GA-12: Jekyll Island Beach, Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-12 consists of approximately 6,287 ac (2,544 ha) of
occupied habitat on Jekyll Island, a barrier island off the coast of
Glynn County. The unit boundary begins at the St. Simon's Sound
shoreline of Jekyll Island and extends south to St. Andrew Sound
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot)
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars)
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the
southern side of St. Simon's Sound off the northern tip of the island.
Lands within this unit include approximately 5,944 ac (2,406 ha) in
State ownership (including Jekyll Island State Park) and 343 ac (139
ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-12 follows:
[[Page 37603]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.063
(82) Unit GA-13: Little Cumberland and Cumberland Island Beaches,
Georgia.
(i) Unit GA-13 consists of approximately 28,136 ac (11,386 ha) of
occupied habitat on Little Cumberland Island and Cumberland Island, a
barrier island complex off the coast in Camden County. The unit
boundary begins at the St. Andrew Sound shoreline of Little Cumberland
Island and extends west across the Cumberland River and marsh to the
East River and continues south to the St. Mary's River shoreline of
Cumberland Island. The unit includes
[[Page 37604]]
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with St. Andrew Sound off the
northern tip of Little Cumberland Island and Christmas Creek Inlet
between Little Cumberland and Cumberland Islands. Lands within this
unit include approximately 23,367 ac (9,464 ha) in Federal ownership
(Cumberland Island National Seashore, which is also a designated
wilderness area), 1,685 ac (682 ha) in State ownership, and 3,085 ac
(1,241 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit GA-13 follows:
[[Page 37605]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.064
(83) Unit FL-1: Nassau Sound-Fort George Sound-Fort George Inlet
Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-1 consists of approximately 4,324 ac (6,742 ha) of
occupied habitat consisting of beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats
in Nassau and Duval Counties. The unit extends from the north shore of
Nassau Sound in Nassau County south to the north shore of the St. Johns
River at Huguenot Memorial Park in Duval County. The landward boundary
is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures,
[[Page 37606]]
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. The majority of this unit is within the
Talbot Islands State Parks Complex and Huguenot Memorial Park, which is
a Federal and State-owned parcel leased to the City of Jacksonville.
Lands within this unit include approximately 996 ac (404 ha) in Federal
ownership, 522 ac (211 ha) in State ownership, 27 ac (11 ha) in
private/other ownership, and 2,779 ac (6,116 ha) that are
uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-1 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.065
[[Page 37607]]
(84) Unit FL-2: Ponce Inlet Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-2 consists of approximately 19,683 ac (7,965 ha) of
occupied habitat consisting of beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats
in Volusia and Brevard Counties. The unit extends from approximately
Ocean Edge Drive in Ormond Beach south to the south end of Merritt
Island NWR along the Atlantic Ocean. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit include
approximately 16,660 ac (6,742 ha) in Federal ownership (Merritt Island
NWR), 3,005 ac (1,216 ha) in State ownership (Smyrna Dunes State Park),
and 18 ac (7 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-2 follows:
[[Page 37608]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.066
(85) Unit FL-3: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge
Impoundments, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-3 consists of approximately 6,947 ac (2,811 ha) of
occupied and managed impoundment and intertidal mudflats in Brevard
County. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide. This unit consists of Federal lands (Merritt Island NWR).
[[Page 37609]]
(ii) Map of Unit FL-3 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.067
(86) Unit FL-4: Cape Romano and Marco Island, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-4 consists of two subunits comprising 26,629 ac (10,776
ha) of occupied habitat in Collier County. This unit consists of
Federal (Ten Thousand
[[Page 37610]]
Islands NWR), State, and private landowners.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-4 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.068
[[Page 37611]]
(iii) Subunit FL-4A (Cape Romano Complex) consists of approximately
26,213 ac (10,608 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal sandflats
habitat in Collier County, in the wetland complex south of Marco Island
and the community of Goodland. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent,
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide. Lands within this subunit include approximately 13,138 ac
(5,321 ha) in Federal ownership (Ten Thousand Islands NWR), 12,605 ac
(5,105 ha) in State ownership (Rookery Bay NERR), and 470 ac (182 ha)
that are uncategorized.
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-4A is presented at paragraph (86)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-4B (Marco Island) consists of approximately 416 ac
(168 ha) of occupied habitat beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats in
Collier County. The subunit extends from the south side of the inlet
north of Marco Island south along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 4 mi
(6.5 km). The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide. Lands within this subunit include approximately 408 ac (165 ha)
in State ownership (Rookery Bay NERR) and 8 ac (3 ha) in private/other
ownership.
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-4B is presented at paragraph (86)(ii) of
this entry.
(87) Unit FL-5: Marco Bay Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-5 consists of approximately 3,589 ac (1,453 ha) of
occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Collier
County, from the north side of the inlet north of Marco Island north
along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3.7 mi (6 km) and inclusive of
the wetland complex inland to the east side of Rookery Bay. The
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit
include approximately 3,531 ac (1,429 ha) in State ownership (Rookery
Bay NERR) and 58 ac (24 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-5 is presented at paragraph (86)(ii) of this
entry.
(88) Unit FL-6: Cocohatchee Inlet Complex and Barefoot Beach,
Florida.
(i) Unit FL-6 consists of two subunits comprising 48 ac (20 ha) of
occupied habitat in Collier County. This unit consists of Delnor-
Wiggins Pass State Park and private landowners.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-6 follows:
[[Page 37612]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.069
(iii) Subunit FL-6A (Cocohatchee Inlet Complex) consists of
approximately 9 ac (4 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal
sandflats habitat in Collier County, from the south side of the
Cocohatchee Inlet south along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3,281 ft
(1 km). The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
subunit are entirely under State ownership (Delnor-Wiggins Pass State
Park).
[[Page 37613]]
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-6A is presented at paragraph (88)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-6B (Barefoot Beach) consists of approximately 39 ac
(16 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in
Collier County, from the north side of the Cocohatchee Inlet north
along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3.1 mi (5 km). The landward
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or
hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that
is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
subunit include approximately 18 ac (7 ha) in State ownership and 21 ac
(9 ha) in private/other ownership.
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-6B is presented at paragraph (88)(ii) of
this entry.
(89) Unit FL-7: Lovers Key and Estero Island, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-7 consists of two subunits comprising 175 ac (70 ha) of
occupied habitat in Lee County. This unit consists of portions of
Lovers Key State Park and Estero Island.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-7 follows:
[[Page 37614]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.070
(iii) Subunit FL-7A (Lovers Key) consists of approximately 4 ac (1
ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Lee
County, at the north point of Lovers Key. The landward boundary is the
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
subunit are entirely State owned (Lovers Key State Park).
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-7A is presented at paragraph (89)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-7B (Estero Island) consists of approximately 171 ac
(69 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in
Lee County, from Key West Court on Fort Myers Beach south along the
Gulf of Mexico to the southern point of the island. The landward
boundary is the line
[[Page 37615]]
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely
in State ownership.
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-7B is presented at paragraph (89)(ii) of
this entry.
(90) Unit FL-8: Bunche Beach, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-8 consists of approximately 334 ac (135 ha) of occupied
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Lee County, in San
Carlos Bay south of the Sanibel Causeway in Fort Myers. The landward
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or
hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that
is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
unit include approximately 23 ac (9 ha) in Federal ownership (Matlacha
Pass NWR), 264 ac (107 ha) in State ownership (Bunche Beach Preserve),
and 47 ac (19 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-8 follows:
[[Page 37616]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.071
(91) Unit FL-9: Sanibel Island Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-9 consists of two subunits comprising 3,759 ac (1,521
ha) of occupied habitat in Lee County. This unit consists of Federal
lands that are part of the J.N. ``Ding'' Darling NWR and Sanibel
Island.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-9 follows:
[[Page 37617]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.072
(iii) Subunit FL-9A (J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife
Refuge) consists of approximately 3,451 ac (1,397 ha) of occupied
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat, as well as managed
impoundments in Lee County on Sanibel Island. The landward boundary is
the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
subunit are entirely in Federal ownership (J.N. ``Ding'' Darling NWR).
[[Page 37618]]
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-9A is presented at paragraph (91)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-9B (Sanibel Island) consists of approximately 307 ac
(124 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in
Lee County on Sanibel Island. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely
in State ownership.
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-9B is presented at paragraph (91)(ii) of
this entry.
(92) Unit FL-10: Don Pedro Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-10 consists of two subunits comprising 158 ac (64 ha)
of occupied habitat in Charlotte County. This unit consists of State
lands, a portion of which are part of the Don Pedro Island State Park
and Stump Pass Beach State Park.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-10 follows:
[[Page 37619]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.073
(iii) Subunit FL-10A (Don Pedro) consists of approximately 147 ac
(60 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in
Charlotte County on Don Pedro Island. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely
in State ownership, a portion of which includes Don Pedro Island State
Park.
[[Page 37620]]
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-10A is presented at paragraph (92)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-10B (Stump Pass Beach State Park) consists of
approximately 11 ac (4 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal
sandflats habitat in Charlotte County at the southern point of Manasota
Key. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
subunit are entirely in State ownership (Stump Pass Beach State Park).
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-10B is presented at paragraph (92)(ii) of
this entry.
(93) Unit FL-11: Siesta Key, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-11 consists of approximately 53 ac (21 ha) of occupied
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Sarasota County on
Siesta Key, from Avenida Messina (road) south to Avenida del Mare. The
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit
are entirely in State ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-11 follows:
[[Page 37621]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.074
(94) Unit FL-12: Lido-Longboat Keys Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-12 consists of two subunits comprising 450 ac (182 ha)
of occupied habitat in Sarasota County. This unit consists of State
lands.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-12 follows:
[[Page 37622]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.075
(iii) Subunit FL-12A (Lido Key) consists of approximately 81 ac (33
ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in
Sarasota County on Lido Key. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent,
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State ownership.
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-12A is presented at paragraph (94)(ii) of
this entry.
[[Page 37623]]
(v) Subunit FL-12B (Longboat Key) consists of approximately 369 ac
(149 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in
Sarasota County on Longboat Key. The landward boundary is the line
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely
in State ownership.
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-12B is presented at paragraph (94)(ii) of
this entry.
(95) Unit FL-13: North Anna Maria Island, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-13 consists of approximately 945 ac (383 ha) of
occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Manatee
County, from the north point of Anna Maria Island south to Cortez Road
West. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit
include approximately 56 ac (23 ha) in Federal ownership (Passage Key
NWR) and 889 ac (360 ha) in State ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-13 follows:
[[Page 37624]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.076
(96) Unit FL-14: Egmont Key, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-14 consists of approximately 15 ac (6 ha) of occupied
beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in Manatee County, on the south
end of Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The landward boundary is
the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including
emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit are entirely under
Federal ownership (Egmont Key NWR).
[[Page 37625]]
(ii) Map of Unit FL-14 is presented at paragraph (95)(ii) of this
entry.
(97) Unit FL-15: Fort De Soto Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-15 consists of three subunits comprising 856 ac (346
ha) of occupied habitat in Pinellas County. This unit consists of State
lands and private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-15 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.077
[[Page 37626]]
(iii) Subunit FL-15A (Fort De Soto County Park) consists of
approximately 427 ac (173 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal
sandflats habitat in Pinellas County, from North Beach south along the
Gulf of Mexico to the Fort De Soto Fishing Pier at the mouth of Tampa
Bay. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in county ownership (which
is captured under the private/other category) within Fort De Soto
County Park.
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-15A is presented at paragraph (97)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-15B (Shell Key Preserve) consists of approximately
322 ac (130 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats
habitat in Pinellas County on Shell Key. The landward boundary is the
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent,
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State/county
ownership (Shell Key Preserve).
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-15B is presented at paragraph (97)(ii) of
this entry.
(vii) Subunit FL-15C (Saint Petersburg Beach) consists of
approximately 107 ac (43 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal
sandflats habitat in Pinellas County on Saint Petersburg Beach from
46th Avenue south to 1st Avenue inclusive of the inlet. The landward
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely
in State ownership.
(viii) Map of Subunit FL-15C is presented at paragraph (97)(ii) of
this entry.
(98) Unit FL-16: Indian Shores/Redington Beach, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-16 consists of approximately 196 ac (79 ha) of occupied
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Pinellas County, from
the Indian Shores Florida Coastal Range Monument R-086 at the north end
of the unit to the Redington Beach Long Pier at the south end of the
unit. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit
are entirely in State ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-16 follows:
[[Page 37627]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.078
(99) Unit FL-17: Belleair Beach, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-17 consists of approximately 123 ac (50 ha) of occupied
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Pinellas County, on
Belleair Beach from the north point (Sand Key) south to 19th Street.
The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit
are entirely in State ownership.
[[Page 37628]]
(ii) Map of Unit FL-17 is presented at paragraph (98)(ii) of this
entry.
(100) Unit FL-18: Saint Joseph Sound Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-18 consists of three subunits comprising 888 ac (360
ha) of occupied habitat in Pinellas County. This unit consists of
State-owned lands.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-18 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.079
[[Page 37629]]
(iii) Subunit FL-18A (Caladesi Island) consists of approximately
259 ac (105 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in
Pinellas County. This subunit includes shoreline from the southern
boundary of Caladesi Island State Park to Dunedin Pass. The landward
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation,
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands in this subunit are entirely in
State ownership (Caladesi Island State Park).
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-18A is presented at paragraph (100)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-18B (Honeymoon Island) consists of approximately 294
ac (119 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in
Pinellas County. This subunit includes the Gulf of Mexico shoreline in
Honeymoon Island State Park from Dunedin Pass to Hurricane Pass. The
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands in this subunit
are entirely in State ownership (Honeymoon Island State Park).
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-18B is presented at paragraph (100)(ii) of
this entry.
(vii) Subunit FL-18C (Three Rooker Bar) consists of approximately
335 ac (136 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat on
Three Rooker Island in Pinellas County. Three Rooker Island includes
shoreline from Hurricane Pass to the northern tip of Three Rooker
Island. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands in this subunit
are entirely State ownership (Three Rooker Bar Wildlife Management
Area).
(viii) Map of Subunit FL-18C is presented at paragraph (100)(ii) of
this entry.
(101) Unit FL-19: Anclote Key, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-19 consists of approximately 1,547 ac (626 ha) of
occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in Pasco County on
Anclote Key. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning
of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that
is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
unit are entirely in State ownership (Anclote Key Preserve State Park).
(ii) Map of Unit FL-19 follows:
[[Page 37630]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.080
(102) Unit FL-20: Cedar Keys Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-20 consists of approximately 35,626 ac (14,417 ha) of
occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in Levy County on Cedar
Key, including the complex of sandbars and flats seaward. The landward
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or
hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that
is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this
unit include approximately 2,498 ac (1,012 ha) in Federal ownership
(Cedar
[[Page 37631]]
Keys NWR), 7,792 ac (3,153 ha) in State ownership (Waccasassa Preserve
State Park), 5,928 ac (2,293 ha) in private/other ownership, and 19,407
ac (7,959 ha) that are uncategorized.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-20 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.081
(103) Unit FL-21: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-21 consists of approximately 2,074 ac (839 ha) of
occupied beach, inlets, shoals, intertidal mud, mud flats, and
impoundments habitat in Wakulla County. The unit extends from the
eastern boundary of
[[Page 37632]]
Big Cove inlet west to the inlet west of Lighthouse Pool and includes
areas to the north up to 1.25 mi (2 km) into East River Pool. This unit
includes from the base of the berm road to the lowest water level and
areas up to 4 in (10 cm) of water depth within Lighthouse Pool, Picnic
Pond, Tower Pond, Headquarters Pond, Mounds Pools 1 and 2, Stoney Bayou
Pool 1, and within the open water and emergent marsh portion of East
River Pool and all shoals and shoreline habitats within Sand Cove and
Minnie Cove. Areas to the east of Lighthouse Road between Lighthouse
Pool and Picnic Pond, and areas to the east of Picnic and Tower Ponds
that have the physical or biological features, are also included. This
unit includes lands from MLLW to the landward limit of the physical or
biological features and any ephemeral pools, or natural brackish ponds
and any emergent sand shoals in Apalachee Bay appearing near shore
within 3 mi (4.8 km) of the critical habitat boundary found along the
southernmost portion of Lighthouse Road and Lighthouse Levee Trail that
parallels Apalachee Bay. Lands within this unit are entirely in Federal
ownership (St. Marks NWR).
(ii) Map of Unit FL-21 follows:
[[Page 37633]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.082
(104) Unit FL-22: Eastern Franklin County Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-22 consists of three subunits comprising 1,429 ac (578
ha) of occupied habitat in Wakulla and Franklin Counties. This unit
consists of beaches within the areas of Apalachee Bay, Dickson Bay,
Ochlockonee Bay, and Alligator Point.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-22 follows:
[[Page 37634]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.083
(iii) Subunit FL-22A (Mashes Sands) consists of approximately 262
ac (106 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, shoals, and intertidal sandflats
at Mashes Sands Park beach, and the inlet and shoals of Apalachee Bay,
Dickson Bay, and Ochlockonee Bay in Wakulla County, from near
Ochlockonee Point in Ochlockonee Bay north towards Dickson Bay. This
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense
[[Page 37635]]
vegetation or hardened structures. This area includes any ephemeral
pools, lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or near-
shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit are all in State
ownership but leased and managed by Wakulla County.
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-22A is presented at paragraph (104)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-22B (Bald Point State Park) consists of
approximately 445 ac (180 ha) of occupied beaches and shoals habitat in
Franklin County, from a dirt road 0.35 mi (0.56 km) north of Marlin
Street to the north near Bald Point, and including shoals within
Ochlockonee Bay approximately 0.9 mi (1.4 km) north of Bald Point. This
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense
vegetation or hardened structures. It includes any ephemeral pools,
lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or near-shore
emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit include approximately
439 ac (178 ha) in State ownership (Bald Point State Park) and 6 ac (2
ha) in private/other ownership.
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-22B is presented at paragraph (104)(ii) of
this entry.
(vii) Subunit FL-22C (Alligator Point) consists of approximately
722 ac (292 ha) of occupied beaches at Alligator Point and John S.
Phipps Preserve, and shoals in Franklin County, from 0.07 mi (0.11 km)
east of Florida Coastal Range Monument 210 west to the shoals
associated with the northwestern end of the point. This subunit
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the
landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or
hardened structures. It includes any ephemeral pools, lagoons, or
natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or near-shore emergent sand
shoals. Lands within this subunit are entirely in private/other
ownership (John S. Phipps Preserve, managed by the TNC).
(viii) Map of Subunit FL-22C is presented at paragraph (104)(ii) of
this entry.
(105) Unit FL-23: Central Franklin County Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-23 consists of seven subunits comprising 4,175 ac
(1,689 ha) of occupied habitat in Franklin County. This unit consists
of beaches and barrier island areas of St. George Sound shoreline, the
Carrabelle River outlet, Boggy Jordan Bayou outlet, Dog Island, and St.
George Island.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-23 follows:
[[Page 37636]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.084
BILLING CODE 4333-15-C
(iii) Subunit FL-23A (Turkey Point Shoal) consists of approximately
531 ac (215 ha) of occupied habitat, including emergent, isolated shoal
habitat within the Gulf of Mexico and St. George Sound, Franklin
County. This subunit includes emergent shoals approximately 1 mi (1.5
km) south of Turkey Point. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e.,
highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the physical
or biological features, including any ephemeral pools, lagoons, and
emergent sand shoals adjacent to the island or reef. All lands within
this subunit are in State ownership.
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-23A is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of
this entry.
[[Page 37637]]
(v) Subunit FL-23B (Lanark Reef) consists of approximately 865 ac
(350 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal shoreline habitat of Lanark
Reef in St. George Island Sound off the coast of Franklin County. This
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide) to the landward limit of the physical or biological features,
including any ephemeral pools, lagoons, and emergent sand shoals within
3 mi (4.8 km) of the island or reef. Lands within this subunit include
805 ac (326 ha) in State ownership and 61 ac (25 ha) in private/other
ownership.
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-23B is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of
this entry.
(vii) Subunit FL-23C (East Dog Island) consists of approximately
771 ac (312 ha) of occupied beach shoreline and shoals on East Dog
Island off the coast of Franklin County. The subunit is from midway
between Florida Coastal Range Monuments 168 and 169 east to the tip of
the island and extending around the tip to include St. George Sound
shoreline and shoals approximately horizontal to Florida Coastal Range
Monument 190. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly
dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, and also includes
ephemeral pools, lagoons, natural brackish ponds, and any adjacent or
near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit are entirely
private/other ownership (including the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve,
which is owned/managed by the TNC).
(viii) Map of Subunit FL-23C is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of
this entry.
(ix) Subunit FL-23D (West Dog Island) consists of approximately 751
ac (304 ha) of occupied habitat on West Dog Island in Franklin County.
This subunit includes the entirety of this island from the eastern
boundary at the Gulf of Mexico shoreline midway between Florida Coastal
Range Monuments 168 and 169 and west 3.1 mi (5 km) to East Pass. This
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense
vegetation or hardened structures, as well as ephemeral and emergent
sand shoals appearing in the near shore. Lands within this subunit are
entirely in private/other ownership, including the Jeff Lewis
Wilderness Preserve that is owned/managed by the TNC.
(x) Map of Subunit FL-23D is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of
this entry.
(xi) Subunit FL-23E (McKissack Beach, Carrabelle) consists of
approximately 117 ac (47 ha) of occupied habitat along McKissack Beach
and Marsh in Carrabelle and associated shoals in Franklin County, from
0.18 mi (0.30 km) east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and Cape
Street east to the cove that forms the outlet of Boggy Jordan Bayou.
This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense
vegetation or hardened structures, as well as any ephemeral and
emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore. Lands within this
subunit include 114 ac (46 ha) in State ownership (the Florida Trustees
of the Internal Improvement Fund, although the City of Carrabelle
retains a lease on McKissack Beach and Marsh), and 3 ac (1 ha) in
private/other ownership.
(xii) Map of Subunit FL-23E is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of
this entry.
(xiii) Subunit FL-23F (East St. George Island State Park) consists
of approximately 978 ac (396 ha) of occupied habitat within Dr. Julian
G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Beach in Franklin County, from
Florida Coastal Range Monument 105 to the eastern tip of the island at
East Pass. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. All lands within
this subunit are in State ownership (East St. George Island State
Park).
(xiv) Map of Subunit FL-23F is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of
this entry.
(xv) Subunit FL-23G (St. George Island State Park and Bayshore
Shoals) consists of approximately 162 ac (65 ha) of occupied habitat on
Goose Island and associated shoals in Franklin County. This subunit
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the
landward limit of the physical and biological features, including
ephemeral pools, lagoons, and any emergent sand shoals adjacent to the
island. All lands within this subunit are in State ownership (St.
George Island State Park).
(xvi) Map of Subunit FL-23G is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of
this entry.
(106) Unit FL-24: St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Complex,
Florida.
(i) Unit FL-24 consists of three subunits comprising 2,212 ac (895
ha) of occupied habitat in Franklin and Gulf Counties. This unit
consists of beaches of Apalachicola Bay, St. Vincent Sound, Indian
Pass, St. Vincent Island, and Flagg Island.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-24 follows:
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
[[Page 37638]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.085
(iii) Subunit FL-24A (Little St. George Island State Park-West)
consists of approximately 953 ac (386 ha) of occupied habitat on Little
St. George Island beach and shoals in Franklin County, from West Pass
east to Florida Coastal Range Monument 25 and including bayside beach
from West Pass east to the point at the Marshall Dock. This subunit
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the
landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or
hardened structures, and includes ephemeral pools, natural brackish
ponds, and emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore of the Gulf
or Apalachicola Bay. All lands within
[[Page 37639]]
this subunit are in State ownership (Little St. George Island State
Park).
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-24A is presented at paragraph (106)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-24B (St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge) consists
of approximately 742 ac (300 ha) of occupied beach and shoals habitat
on the St. Vincent NWR in Franklin and Gulf Counties, from the Refuge
boat house at the confluence of St. Vincent Sound and Indian Pass east
to 0.60 mi (0.96 km) north of Shell Road. This subunit includes lands
from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward
boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened
structures, including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, and
emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore of the Gulf. Lands
within this subunit are all in Federal ownership (St. Vincent NWR).
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-24B is presented at paragraph (106)(ii) of
this entry.
(vii) Subunit FL-24C (Flagg Island Shoals) consists of
approximately 517 ac (209 ha) of occupied habitat that encompasses the
entire ebb-tidal delta referred to as Flagg Island off the southernmost
tip of St. Vincent Island (near Oyster Pond outfall) in Franklin
County. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the physical or
biological features, including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds,
and emergent sand shoals. All lands within this subunit (which
constantly change in size and shape due to the dynamic nature of the
area) are in State ownership.
(viii) Map of Subunit FL-24C is presented at paragraph (106)(ii) of
this entry.
(107) Unit FL-25: Gulf County Complex, Florida.
(i) Unit FL-25 consists of two subunits comprising 1,520 ac (616
ha) of occupied habitat in Gulf County. This unit consists of beaches
of Cape San Blas, Money, and Indian Pass, and the southeastern portion
of St. Joseph Bay.
(ii) Map of Unit FL-25 follows:
[[Page 37640]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.086
(iii) Subunit FL-25A (Cape San Blas to Indian Pass) consists of
approximately 620 ac (251 ha) of occupied beach habitat at Cape San
Blas, Money Bayou, and Indian Pass beaches in Gulf County, from the
southwestern point of Cape San Blas to 0.11 mi (0.18 km) northeast of
the Indian Pass Beach Boat Ramp. This subunit includes lands from MLLW
(i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at
high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the
physical or biological features, including ephemeral pools, natural
brackish ponds, and emergent sand shoals in the near shore. Lands
within this subunit include 133 ac (54 ha) in State ownership and 486
ac (197 ha) in private/other ownership. Adjacent Federal lands under
Eglin Air
[[Page 37641]]
Force Base jurisdiction are exempt under section 4(a)(3) of the Act,
but the shoal and any emergent shoal formations that appear along the
shoreline are considered part of this unit, starting from the MLLW
south and up 0.5 mi (0.81 km) from Eglin Air Force Base lands on the
southern-most side of Cape San Blas.
(iv) Map of Subunit FL-25A is presented at paragraph (107)(ii) of
this entry.
(v) Subunit FL-25B (St. Joseph Bay-Eastern Shore) consists of
approximately 827 ac (335 ha) of occupied beaches and shoals within the
southeastern portion of St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County, from 0.09 mi
(0.14 km) east of the intersection of County Road 30A and Cape San Blas
Road to the west 0.66 mi (1.1 km) and to the north 2.4 mi (3.8 km).
This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide) to the landward limit of the physical or biological features,
including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, lagoons, and
emergent sand shoals in the near shore. Lands within this subunit
include 761 ac (308 ha) in State ownership (St. Joseph Bay State Buffer
Preserve) and 66 ac (27 ha) in private/other ownership.
(vi) Map of Subunit FL-25B is presented at paragraph (107)(ii) of
this entry.
(108) Unit AL-1: Dauphin Island, Alabama.
(i) Unit AL-1 consists of approximately 5,164 ac (2,091 ha) of
occupied habitat on Dauphin Island, a barrier island south of Mobile
Bay in Mobile County. The unit includes all of Dauphin Island from the
historic 19th Century Fort Gaines site on the eastern side of the
island, continuing approximately 16 mi (26 km) west to the MLLW on the
western most tip, and all of Little Dauphin Island (which is
uninhabited) to MLLW. Lands within this unit include approximately 484
ac (196 ha) in Federal ownership (Bon Secour NWR), 848 ac (343 ha) in
State ownership (Shell Mound Park or Indian Mound Park, and a newly
acquired habitat conservation area on the west end of the island), and
3,834 ac (1,552 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit AL-1 follows:
[[Page 37642]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.087
(109) Unit MS-1: Ship Island, Mississippi.
(i) Unit MS-1 consists of approximately 2,452 ac (993 ha) of
occupied habitat on Ship Island in Harrison County. The unit consists
of emergent lands and intertidal area to MLLW on the island and its
adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This
unit is all under Federal ownership (Gulf Islands National Seashore).
(ii) Map of Unit MS-1 follows:
[[Page 37643]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.088
(110) Unit MS-2: Cat Island, Mississippi.
(i) Unit MS-2 consists of approximately 2,121 ac (858 ha) of
occupied habitat on Cat Island in Harrison County. This unit consists
of emergent lands and intertidal area to MLLW on Cat Island and its
adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). Lands
within this unit include approximately 686 ac (278 ha) in Federal
ownership (Gulf Islands National Seashore), 1,305 ac (528 ha) in State
ownership, and 129 ac (52 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit MS-2 is presented at paragraph (109)(ii) of this
entry.
(111) Unit LA-1: Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana.
[[Page 37644]]
(i) Unit LA-1 consists of approximately 7,632 ac (3,088 ha) of
occupied habitat in St. Bernard Parish. The unit includes all emergent
lands to MLLW on the Chandeleur Islands and their adjacent sand shoals
(i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). All lands in this unit are
federally owned (Breton NWR, and designated wilderness area created as
a refuge and breeding ground for resident and migratory birds).
(ii) Map of Unit LA-1 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.089
[[Page 37645]]
(112) Unit LA-2: Barataria Barrier Islands and Headlands,
Louisiana.
(i) Unit LA-2 consists of approximately 7,795 ac (3,155 ha) of
occupied habitat within Plaquemines, Jefferson, and Lafourche Parishes,
including emergent lands and/or sand shoals to MLLW (i.e., highly
dynamic beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide
and uncovered at low tide). This unit includes: Emergent lands of
Lanaux and Shell Islands to MLLW in Plaquemines Parish; emergent sand
shoals of Grand Bayou Pass in Plaquemines Parish; the Gulf of Mexico
shoreline to MLLW between Grand Bayou Pass and Quatre Bayou Pass (known
as the Chaland Headland and Chenier Ronquille); emergent sand shoals of
Bastian Bay, Bay Joe Wise, Chaland Pass, and Bayou Cheniere Ronquille
in Plaquemines Parish; all emergent lands of the Grand Terre Islands
and adjacent unnamed island to MLLW between Quatre Bayou Pass and
Barataria Pass in Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes; the Gulf of
Mexico shoreline of Grand Isle from the toe of the Gulf-side hurricane
protection levee to MLLW in Jefferson Parish; the west side of the
Caminada Pass shoreline and the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to MLLW
beginning just north of Louisiana Highway 1 in Caminada Pass extending
approximately 15 mi (24 km) westward to the east side of Belle Pass
(known as the Caminada Headland, which includes the LDWF's Elmer's
Island Wildlife Refuge) in Jefferson and Lafourche Parishes; and all
emergent lands of the West Belle Pass peninsula to the MLLW. Lands
within this unit include approximately 126 ac (51 ha) in State
ownership (Grand Isle State Park) and 7,669 ac (3,104 ha) in private/
other ownership (including Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge).
(ii) Map of Unit LA-2 follows:
[[Page 37646]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.090
(113) Unit LA-3: Terrebonne Barrier Islands, Louisiana.
(i) Unit LA-3 consists of approximately 5,072 ac (2,052 ha) of
occupied habitat within Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, including
emergent lands and/or sand shoals to MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beaches
and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at
low tide). This unit includes: Emergent lands on East Timbalier Island
in Lafourche Parish; emergent sand shoals at Little Pass Timbalier in
Jefferson Parish; emergent lands of Timbalier Island (also
[[Page 37647]]
known as Big or West Timbalier Island) in Terrebonne Parish; and
emergent lands and associated sand shoals on East, Trinity, Whiskey,
and Raccoon Islands (known as the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and
Fisheries Isles Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuge) in Terrebonne Parish.
Lands within this unit include approximately 2,890 ac (1,173 ha) in
State ownership (Isles Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuge) and 2,172 ac
(879 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit LA-3 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.091
[[Page 37648]]
(114) Unit LA-4: Southwest Louisiana Beaches, Louisiana.
(i) Unit LA-4 consists of approximately 6,130 ac (2,481 ha) of
occupied habitat within Cameron and Vermillion Parishes. The unit
includes land along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to the MLLW (i.e.,
highly dynamic intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide) from the eastern Vermilion Parish line starting
at the eastern boundary of the Audubon Society's Paul J. Rainey
Wildlife Sanctuary, extending approximately 128 mi (206 km) westward
and terminating at Louisiana Point, and also including its associated
sand/mud shoals on the east side of Sabine Pass in Cameron Parish.
Along its entire length, the unit includes the shoreline beach from the
MLLW line landward to the edge of where dense vegetation begins. Lands
within this unit include approximately 1,497 ac (606 ha) in State
ownership (Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge) and 4,633 ac (1,875 ha) in
private/other ownership (including the Paul J. Rainey Wildlife
Sanctuary, managed by the Audubon Society).
(ii) Map of Unit LA-4 follows:
[[Page 37649]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.092
(115) Unit TX-1: Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-1 consists of approximately 1,264 ac (511 ha) of
occupied habitat in Galveston County. This unit begins at the west side
of Rollover Pass and extends southwest ending at the north jetty on the
Bolivar Peninsula. It includes 17 mi (27 km) of Gulf shoreline. The
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense
vegetation, and the gulf-side boundary is the MLLW, including emergent
lands and intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The
west end of the unit includes lands known as wind tidal flats that are
infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within this unit
include: Estuarine (bayside)
[[Page 37650]]
seagrass mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are
nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below
the water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine
(bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal
fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is
irregularly or regularly, depending upon the location, inundated by
tides; and marine sandy coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly
inundated by tides, depending upon the location. Lands within this unit
include approximately 268 ac (108 ha) in State ownership and 996 ac
(403 ha) in private/other ownership (includes the Bolivar Flats Bird
Sanctuary).
(ii) Map of Unit TX-1 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.093
[[Page 37651]]
(116) Unit TX-2: West Galveston Island, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-2 consists of approximately 590 ac (238 ha) of occupied
habitat in Galveston County. The unit is along the gulf with boundaries
from the MLLW up to the vegetation line, including emergent lands and
intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The northeastern
boundary is the end of the Seawall Boulevard (end of the seawall), and
the southwestern boundary is San Luis Pass. Specific habitat types
within this unit include marine sandy coastline beach that is
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the
location. Lands within this unit include approximately 307 ac (124 ha)
in State ownership and 283 ac (114 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-2 follows:
[[Page 37652]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.094
(117) Unit TX-3: Cedar Lake to Colorado River, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-3 consists of approximately 1,203 ac (487 ha) of
occupied habitat in Matagorda County. The unit is along the gulf with
boundaries from the MLLW up to the vegetation line, including emergent
lands and intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The
northeastern boundary is the south side of Cedar Lake Cut, and the
southwestern boundary is near the Colorado River. Specific habitat
types within this unit include marine sandy coastline beach that is
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the
location. Lands within this unit include 1,075 ac (432 ha) in State
[[Page 37653]]
ownership and 128 ac (52 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-3 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.095
(118) Unit TX-4: Mustang Island, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-4 consists of approximately 648 ac (262 ha) of occupied
habitat in Nueces County. The unit is along the gulf with boundaries
from the MLLW up to the vegetation line, including emergent lands and
intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The northern boundary
is the south jetty
[[Page 37654]]
at Port Aransas, and the southern boundary is the north jetty of
Packery Channel. Specific habitat types within this unit include marine
sandy coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly inundated by
tides, depending upon the location. Lands within this unit include
approximately 395 ac (160 ha) in State ownership and 253 ac (102 ha) in
private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-4 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.096
(119) Unit TX-5: Mollie Beattie Coastal Habitat, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-5 consists of approximately 723 ac (293 ha) of occupied
habitat in Nueces County. This unit is located north of Packery
[[Page 37655]]
Channel and extends along the bayside west of Sylvan Beach Park west of
Texas State Highway 361. The northern boundary is the Corpus Christi
Pass with the southern boundary approximately 2 mi (3.2 km) south of
Corpus Christi Pass. The eastern boundary is where the dense vegetation
begins, and the western boundary is the MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and
uncovered at low tide). This unit includes two hurricane washover
passes known as Newport and Corpus Christi Passes in areas where wind
tidal flats are infrequently inundated, and bayside flats that are
exposed during low tide regimes and wind tidal flats that are
infrequently inundated. The unit does not include densely vegetated
habitat within these boundaries, but it includes all seagrass beds
exposed at low tides. Specific habitat types within this unit include:
Estuarine (bayside) sandy shore/beach/sandbar that is irregularly or
regularly, depending upon the location, inundated by tides; and
estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) and spoils irregularly
inundated by tides. Lands within this unit include approximately 505 ac
(205 ha) in State ownership and 218 ac (88 ha) in private/other
ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-5 follows:
[[Page 37656]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.097
(120) Unit TX-6: North Padre Island, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-6 consists of approximately 2,817 ac (1,140 ha) of
occupied habitat in Nueces, Kleberg, Kenedy, and Willacy Counties. The
unit is along the gulf with boundaries from the MLLW up to the
vegetation line, to include emergent lands and intertidal area
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high
tide and uncovered at low tide. The northern boundary is the south side
of Packery Channel extending along the Gulf shoreline to Port Mansfield
East Cut. Specific habitat types within this unit include marine sandy
coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly inundated by tides,
depending upon the location. Lands within this unit include
approximately 2,487 ac (1,007 ha) in
[[Page 37657]]
Federal ownership (Padre Island National Seashore), 68 ac (27 ha) in
State ownership, and 262 ac (106 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-6 follows:
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.098
(121) Unit TX-7: Upper Laguna Madre/Nighthawk Bay, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-7 consists of approximately 1,157 ac (469 ha) of
occupied habitat in Kleberg County. The unit is along the bayside of
Texas Park Road 22. The northeastern boundary is the northern edge of
the Kleberg County line in Nighthawk Bay, and the southwestern boundary
ends bayside of Bird Island Basin Road. This unit includes a series of
small flats along the
[[Page 37658]]
bayside of Padre Island in the Upper Laguna Madre. The unit includes
bayside flats and seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide
regimes and wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific
habitat types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass
mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are nearly
flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the
water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside)
sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation;
and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly
or regularly inundated by tide, depending upon the location. Lands
within this unit include approximately 273 ac (111 ha) in Federal
ownership (Padre Island National Seashore), 816 ac (330 ha) in State
ownership, and 68 ac (28 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-7 follows:
[[Page 37659]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.099
(122) Unit TX-8: Dagger Hill/Yarborough Pass/Nine Mile Hole, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-8 consists of approximately 32,773 ac (13,270 ha) of
occupied habitat in Kleberg and Kenedy Counties. The unit is located
bayside along and within the Laguna Madre adjacent to the west side of
the Padre Island National Seashore. The northern boundary of the unit
is Dagger Hill, and the southern boundary is approximately 6 mi (9.7
km) south of the land cut at Nine Mile Hole. The eastern boundary of
this unit is the dense vegetation line on the bayside of the Padre
Island National Seashore. The western boundary extends toward the Gulf
Intracoastal Waterway to the MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and
emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low
tide).
[[Page 37660]]
The southern portion of this unit extends across the Gulf Intracoastal
Waterway dredge spoil islands. The unit includes bayside flats and all
seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide regimes and wind tidal
flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within
this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that
are subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand
substrate; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the
location; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) and
spoils irregularly inundated by tides. Lands within this unit include
approximately 9,731 ac (3,938 ha) in Federal ownership (Padre Island
National Seashore) and 23,042 ac (9,332 ha) in State ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-8 follows:
[[Page 37661]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.100
(123) Unit TX-9: Pintail Lake/Padre Island/La Punta Larga, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-9 consists of approximately 94,171 ac (38,110 ha) of
occupied habitat in Kenedy, Willacy, and Cameron Counties. The northern
boundary is Pintail Cut, extending south along the bay side of North
Padre and South Padre Islands, with the southern boundary being Andy
Bowie County Park. The center of the unit is approximately at Port
Mansfield East Cut. North of the East Cut the western boundary is the
MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent sand
[[Page 37662]]
shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide), and
the eastern boundary is where dense vegetation begins. South of East
Cut the western boundary is the MLLW, and the eastern boundary includes
the beach side Gulf of Mexico out to the MLLW. The unit includes
bayside flats and seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide
regimes, and wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific
habitat types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) algal mud
or sand flats irregularly inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy
shore (beach/sandbar) regularly inundated by tides; and estuarine
(bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar); and marine sandy coastline beach
(irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the
location). Lands within this unit include approximately 25,881 ac
(10,482 ha) in Federal ownership (Laguna Atascosa NWR), 34,165 ac
(13,826 ha) in State ownership, and 34,125 ac (13,802 ha; 36 percent)
in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-9 follows:
[[Page 37663]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.101
(124) Unit TX-10: Peyton's Bay/Arroyo Colorado/Three Islands/
Gabrielson Island, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-10 consists of approximately 35,651 ac (14,427 ha) of
occupied habitat in Willacy and Cameron Counties. The northern boundary
of this unit is approximately 11 mi (18 km) north of the Arroyo
Colorado Cutoff and encompasses Peyton's Bay (north being Chubby
Island), and the southern boundary is approximately 9 mi (14 km) south
of the Arroyo Colorado Cutoff encompassing Rattlesnake Bay (south edge
near
[[Page 37664]]
Gabrielson Island). The eastern boundary is the western side of the
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway dredge spoil islands, and the western
boundary is where dense vegetation begins. The unit includes bayside
flats and seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide regimes and
wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated, and does not include
densely vegetated habitat within these boundaries. Specific habitat
types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or
sand flats that are subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted
vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal
mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats
regularly inundated by tides and that are nearly flat areas with a
layer of algae growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are
otherwise devoid of vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand
flats irregularly inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore
(beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine
(bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) areas that are irregularly or
regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the location; and
estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar), to include spoils
irregularly inundated by tides. Lands within this unit include
approximately 8,145 ac (3,296 ha) in Federal ownership (Laguna Atascosa
NWR), 25,316 ac (10,245 ha) in State ownership, and 2,190 ac (886 ha)
in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-10 follows:
[[Page 37665]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.102
(125) Unit TX-11: South Bay/Boca Chica, Texas.
(i) Unit TX-11 consists of approximately 15,243 ac (6,173 ha) of
occupied habitat in Cameron County. The Boca Chica gulf shoreline
portion of this unit begins south of the Brownsville Ship Channel and
extends approximately 6.5 mi (10 km) to the south. Within the South
Bay, the northern boundary is south of Brownsville Ship Channel dredge
spoil placement areas, and the southern boundary is north of the Rio
Grande River. The eastern boundary is the
[[Page 37666]]
bayside of the Boca Chica Beach (Gulf of Mexico) up to where dense
vegetation begins, and the western boundary is west of the Loma islands
up to where dense vegetation begins along the wind tidal flats. The
unit includes wind tidal flats and all seagrass beds that are
infrequently inundated and/or exposed as low tides, and the tidal flats
within the area known as South Bay. Specific habitat types within this
unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that are
subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand
substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats regularly
inundated by tides and that are nearly flat areas with a layer of algae
growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are otherwise devoid of
vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar)
rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy
shore (beach/sandbar) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides,
depending upon the location; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/
sandbar) spoils irregularly inundated by tides; and marine sandy
coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides,
depending upon the location. Lands within this unit include
approximately 5,536 ac (2,242 ha) in Federal ownership (Lower Rio
Grande Valley NWR), 3,923 ac (1,589 ha) in State ownership, and 5,784
ac (2,342 ha) in private/other ownership.
(ii) Map of Unit TX-11 follows:
[[Page 37667]]
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.103
* * * * *
Signing Authority
The Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approved this
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as
an official document of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Martha
Williams, Principal Deputy Director, Exercising the Delegated Authority
of the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approved this
[[Page 37668]]
document on June 30, 2021, for publication.
Madonna Baucum,
Regulations and Policy Chief, Division of Policy, Economics, Risk
Management, and Analytics, Joint Administrative Operations, U.S. Fish
and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14406 Filed 7-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-C
