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Proposed Rule2023-06619

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Rufa Red Knot

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Published

April 13, 2023

Issuing agencies

Interior DepartmentFish and Wildlife Service

Abstract

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the reopening of the comment period on our July 15, 2021, proposed rule (hereinafter the "2021 proposed rule") to designate critical habitat for the rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In this document, we present revisions to the critical habitat designation we proposed for the species in the 2021 proposed rule. As a result of the critical habitat revisions, we now propose to designate a total of approximately 683,405 acres (276,564 hectares) as critical habitat for the rufa red knot across 127 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. This amounts to an overall increase of 32,615 acres (13,199 hectares) in our proposed critical habitat designation for the species. This revision includes seven new units in Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia; revised units in Massachusetts, New Jersey, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas; and corrections to reported acreages/hectares for four other units and the total acreage in the 2021 proposed rule. We are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties the opportunity to comment on the 2021 proposed rule, as well as the revisions described in this document. Comments previously submitted need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in preparation of the final rule. If the determination is finalized, the final rule will include responses to the comments previously received from the 2021 proposed rule and any comments received as part of this document's reopening of comments.

Full Text

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[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 71 (Thursday, April 13, 2023)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 22530-22693]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2023-06619]

[[Page 22529]]

Vol. 88

Thursday,

No. 71

April 13, 2023

Part II

Department of the Interior

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Fish and Wildlife Service

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50 CFR Part 17

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical
Habitat for Rufa Red Knot; Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 88 , No. 71 / Thursday, April 13, 2023 /
Proposed Rules

[[Page 22530]]

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032; FF09E21000 FXES1111090FEDR 234]
RIN 1018-BF87

Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of
Critical Habitat for Rufa Red Knot

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule; revisions and reopening of comment period.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the
reopening of the comment period on our July 15, 2021, proposed rule
(hereinafter the ``2021 proposed rule'') to designate critical habitat
for the rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa) under the Endangered
Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In this document, we present
revisions to the critical habitat designation we proposed for the
species in the 2021 proposed rule. As a result of the critical habitat
revisions, we now propose to designate a total of approximately 683,405
acres (276,564 hectares) as critical habitat for the rufa red knot
across 127 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. This amounts to an overall increase of 32,615
acres (13,199 hectares) in our proposed critical habitat designation
for the species. This revision includes seven new units in
Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and
Georgia; revised units in Massachusetts, New Jersey, South Carolina,
Georgia, and Texas; and corrections to reported acreages/hectares for
four other units and the total acreage in the 2021 proposed rule. We
are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties the
opportunity to comment on the 2021 proposed rule, as well as the
revisions described in this document. Comments previously submitted
need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in
preparation of the final rule. If the determination is finalized, the
final rule will include responses to the comments previously received
from the 2021 proposed rule and any comments received as part of this
document's reopening of comments.

DATES: The comment period for the 2021 proposed rule is reopened. So
that we can fully consider your comments in our final determination,
submit them on or before May 30, 2023. 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.

ADDRESSES:
Document availability: You may obtain copies of the 2021 proposed
rule and associated documents on the internet at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> under Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032.
Written comments: You may submit written comments by one of the
following methods:
(1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. In the Search box, enter the docket number or RIN
for this rulemaking (presented above in the document headings). For
best results, do not copy and paste either number; instead, type the
docket number or RIN into the Search box using hyphens. Then, click on
the Search button. On the resulting page, in the 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.''
(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 <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>. 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. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind,
hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or
TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals
outside the United States should use the relay services offered within
their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in
the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Comments

We will accept written comments, information, and additional data
during this reopened comment period on our July 15, 2021, proposed rule
to designate critical habitat for the rufa red knot (86 FR 37410)
(hereinafter the ``2021 proposed rule''), the revisions to the proposed
critical habitat designation that are described in this document, and
our revised draft economic assessment (DEA) of the proposed critical
habitat designation. We will consider information and recommendations
from all interested parties. We are interested in 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

[[Page 22531]]

(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) Information on land ownership and land use designations and
current or planned activities in the subject areas and their possible
impacts on the 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 our data 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 or to better effectuate the purposes of the Act.
If you submitted comments or information on the 2021 proposed rule
or DEA during the comment period that was open from July 15, 2021, to
September 13, 2021, please do not resubmit them. Any such comments are
already part of the public record of this rulemaking proceeding, and we
will fully consider them in the preparation of our final determination.
Once the determination is finalized, the final rule will take into
consideration all written comments and any additional information we
receive during both comment periods. The final decision may differ from
this revised proposed rule, based on our review of all information we
receive during this rulemaking proceeding.
You may submit your comments and materials by one of the methods
listed in ADDRESSES. We request that you send comments only by the
methods described in ADDRESSES.
If you submit a comment via <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, your
entire comment--including any personal identifying information--will be
posted on the website. We will post all hardcopy comments on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> as well. If you submit a hardcopy comment 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.
Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting
documentation we used in preparing the proposed rule and DEA, will be
available for public inspection on <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at
Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, or by appointment, during normal
business hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey
Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).
You may obtain copies of the proposed rule and the DEA on the internet
at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> at Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, or by
mail from the New Jersey Ecological Services Field Office.

Background

It is our intent to discuss in this document only those topics
directly relevant to these revisions of the proposed designation of
critical habitat. For more information on the species, its habitat, and
previous Federal actions concerning the rufa red knot, refer to the
2021 proposed rule. Proposed critical habitat for the rufa red knot
consists of the area described in the 2021 proposed rule, as modified
by the revisions explained in this document; both together constitute
the revised proposed designation of critical habitat.
On July 15, 2021, we published the 2021 proposed rule to designate
critical habitat for the federally threatened rufa red knot in 120
units (18 of which are further subdivided into 46 subunits)
encompassing approximately 649,066 ac (262,667 ha) in Massachusetts,
New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
In addition, we announced the availability of a DEA of the proposed
critical habitat designation. We accepted comments on the proposed rule
and DEA for 60 days, ending September 13, 2021. We also received a
congressional request for additional time to review and comment on the
proposed rule. Based on information we received during the public
comment period and our reanalysis of the best available information, we
propose to revise the critical habitat designation and are, therefore,
reopening the comment period to allow the public additional time to
submit comments on both the 2021 proposed rule as well as the revisions
described in this document.

New Information and Revisions to Proposed Critical Habitat

During the public comment period, we received 92 comment letters,
59 of which contained substantive comments on the proposed critical
habitat designation. We became aware of some new information during
this time period, including some information based on comments received
(i.e., site-specific survey or observation data from multiple sources,
and flock count data across the range of the species from
<a href="http://bandedbirds.org">bandedbirds.org</a>). This new information and comments received during the
open comment period prompted us to reevaluate the best available
information across the range of the species. In some areas, this
resulted in the addition or revision of unit boundaries per the
methodology used to designate critical habitat (see <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a>, Docket No. FWS-

[[Page 22532]]

R5-ES-2021-0032, Supplementary Document FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032-0004). This
information has resulted in changes to six units described in the 2021
proposed rule's critical habitat designation, and the addition of seven
units based on areas that we found to meet the definition of critical
habitat. No new areas are being proposed beyond the coastal States and
counties already included in the 2021 proposed rule's critical habitat
designation. The revised and new units are described in this document.
In this document, we propose certain revisions to the critical
habitat designation we proposed for the rufa red knot in the 2021
proposed rule. Because of these revisions, the numbering for some of
the critical habitat units has changed from the 2021 proposed rule,
although the names and descriptions remain the same for these units/
subunits (with the exception of one unit in Georgia (GA-7) with a name
change). All revisions to unit numbers are described below and listed
in table 1.
Specifically, there are no changes within the States of Alabama,
Louisiana, and Mississippi. We corrected acreages, hectares, or both
for Unit DE-4 in Delaware, VA-14 in Virginia, GA-9 in Georgia, and FL-1
in Florida that were incorrectly reported in the 2021 proposed rule; no
other changes were made to these or other units in Delaware, Virginia,
and Florida. We propose the following unit revisions or unit additions
in the States of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas; all revisions or
additions are areas occupied by the rufa red knot at the time of
listing. 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). Revisions are summarized here
and full descriptions and acreage changes follow in the ``Revised
Proposed Critical Habitat Designation'' section, below:
(1) Massachusetts: We are revising unit numbers because we are
adding one unit based on our review of comments received during the
previous open comment period. Specifically, this addition is based on
our reanalysis and consideration of observation data (Harrington et al.
2010, entire; Faherty 2021a, pers. comm.; Faherty 2021b, pers. comm.),
and consideration of flock count observations between 2010 and 2019
from <a href="http://bandedbirds.org">bandedbirds.org</a> (BandedBirds 2021, entire). The new Unit MA-1
(Nauset Marsh) occurs in the towns of Orleans and Eastham in Barnstable
County, to include the area of Salt Bay Pond, Nauset Bay, Nauset Spit,
and Coast Guard Beach. We are also revising Unit MA-2 (Pleasant Bay;
formerly Unit MA-1) based on our review of the same <a href="http://bandedbirds.org">bandedbirds.org</a>
flock count observations. This revised unit begins at the northeastern
end of Little Pleasant Bay and continues south along Nauset Beach South
and North Beach to North Beach Island, terminating at the natural
channel between North Beach Island and South Beach Island (Chatham).
(2) New York: We are revising unit numbers because we are adding
one unit based on our reanalysis of information in our files (i.e.,
past surveys by Virginia Tech conducted on Fire Island for the Service
between 2016 and 2018). In other words, during our reevaluation of the
best available information, we determined an error when applying the
methodology and this unit should have been included previously. The new
Unit NY-2 (Old Inlet) occurs in Suffolk County, surrounded by the
waters of Bellport Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Also, we corrected the
county name on the map for NY-1 to Suffolk County.
(3) New Jersey: We are revising the boundary of Unit NJ-1 to
reflect the development and growth of a new island east of Little Beach
Island. Little Beach Island is within the Edwin B. Forsythe National
Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The new island, located approximately 1,250 feet
(ft) (381 meters (m)) offshore of Little Beach, is State-owned land.
Prior to emerging as a full island in 2020, a smaller exposed shoal was
present in this area in 2017, and was known to support rufa red knots
during fall migration by 2019. Based on the high quality of this
habitat, the high level of use by rufa red knots, and its protection
from disturbance, we made a minor adjustment to the boundary of this
unit to include the entire island at its current size and
configuration. Due to the highly dynamic and shifting nature of this
new island, the expanded boundary also includes areas of open waters
surrounding the island in which shoaling was indicated in recent years.
These minor adjustments to the boundary of this unit were made by
referencing recent base maps that show the current extent of the
island.
(4) Virginia: We are revising some unit numbers because we are
adding two units based on rufa red knot occupancy and habitat use
information received by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and also
recommended by the State of Virginia (Virginia Department of Wildlife
Resources 2021, p. 1; TNC 2021, p. 2; Wilke 2021, pers. comm.). The new
Unit VA-12 (Ship Shoal Island) occurs in Northampton County, including
both Ship Shoal Island and the area known as Godwin Island. The new
unit VA-15 (Fisherman Island) occurs in Northampton County at the mouth
of the Chesapeake Bay and just south of the tip of the Eastern Shore
peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic
Ocean. As noted above, we also corrected the acreage/hectares that were
incorrectly reported for Unit VA-14 (Smith Island; formerly VA-13) in
the 2021 proposed rule.
(5) North Carolina: We are revising some unit numbers because we
are adding one unit based on rufa red knot occupancy and habitat use
information received from Audubon North Carolina (Audubon North
Carolina 2021, p. 2; Addison 2021, pers. comm.). The new Unit NC-6
(Lea-Hutaff Island) occurs in Pender and New Hanover Counties,
stretching from the west side of New Topsail Inlet channel west across
the Rich Inlet channel to the northeast end of Figure Eight Island.
(6) South Carolina: We are revising some unit numbers because we
are adding one unit based on our review of comments received from the
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) (SCDNR 2021, p.
3). The new Unit SC-22 (Bay Point Beach) occurs east of Hilton Head
Island on the eastern side of Port Royal Sound in Beaufort County. We
are also revising and renaming Unit SC-21 (Fripp Island, Pritchards
Island, and Little Capers Island Beaches) and revising Unit SC-25
(Turtle Island and Tomkins Island Beaches; formerly Unit SC-24, Turtle
Island Beach) based on our review of comments received from the SCDNR
(SCDNR 2021, p. 3). Units SC-21 and SC-25 include both a change to the
unit name and the unit boundary. The revised Unit SC-21 begins at the
Fripp Inlet shoreline of Fripp Island, continues along the Atlantic
coast shoreline of Fripp Island, and now extends along the Atlantic
coast shoreline of Pritchards Island and Little Capers Island. The
revised Unit SC-25 begins at the Calibogue Sound shoreline of Turtle
Island and now includes all of Tompkins Island in Calibogue Sound east
of Turtle Island, although the adjusted boundary actually resulted in
an overall decrease of 27 ac (11 ha) in unit size compared to the 2021
proposed rule.

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(7) Georgia: We are revising unit numbers because we are adding one
unit and revising two units based on our review of comments received
from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources (GADNR) (GADNR 2021,
p. 2; Smith 2021, pers. comm.). The new Unit GA-1 (Cockspur Island and
Daymark Island Beaches) occurs in the Savannah River adjacent to Tybee
Island in Chatham County. Units GA-5 and GA-10 include both a change to
the unit name and the unit boundary; we also renamed Unit GA-7 to St.
Catherine's Island Beach and St. Catherine's Island Bar (formerly St.
Catherine's Island Beach). The revised Unit GA-5 (Little Ogeechee River
Shoreline and Raccoon Key; formerly Raccoon Key) now begins at the
Green Island shoreline of the Little Ogeechee River, continues east
along the shorelines of Little Wassaw Island and Pine Island to the
Odingsell River entrance behind Wassaw Island. The revised Unit GA-10
(Queens Island, Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island, and Little
Egg Bar; formerly Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island, and
Little Egg Island Bar) now begins at the Black River shoreline of
Queens Island and extends south along the Wolf Island shoreline, which
includes Wolf Island Bar, to the eastern and southern shorelines of
Little Egg Island Bar Natural Area southwest to Egg Island in the
Altamaha Sound. As noted above, we also corrected the acreage/hectares
that were incorrectly reported for Unit GA-9 (Sapelo Island Beach;
formerly GA-8), and changed the name for Unit GA-7 to ``St. Catherine's
Island Beach and St. Catherine's Island Bar'' (formerly GA-6, St.
Catherine's Island Beach) in the 2021 proposed rule.
(8) Texas: We are revising two proposed units of critical habitat--
Units TX-1 (Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats) and TX-11 (South Bay/Boca
Chica)--based on our reanalysis of the best available information,
including comments received during the open comment period. In our
review of the flock count observation data from <a href="http://bandedbirds.org">bandedbirds.org</a>
provided during the open comment period, we identified an error in the
proposed boundary of Unit TX-1, which occurs in Galveston County. Based
on eBird data and our assessment of habitat features, as described in
the 2021 proposed rule, unit description, Unit TX-1 should include
additional sand flats habitat on the bayside of Rollover Pass.
Additionally, due to an oversight, we are proposing including
additional adjacent habitat to the proposed Unit TX-11, which occurs in
Cameron County. This unit should be extended to the east of South Bay
to include important habitat features that should have been included
previously; although the boundary should change to incorporate adjacent
habitat features, the detailed unit description will not change.
Finally, when we conducted a reanalysis of the best available
information, we determined two incorrect total State acreages for rufa
red knot proposed critical habitat that affected the calculation for
the overall/total acreage of the proposed critical habitat designation.
In short, the total acreages calculated for the States of North
Carolina and Florida were incorrectly summed, resulting in the overall
proposed critical habitat acreage reported as 649,066 ac (262,668 ha).
With the corrected summed values for these two States, the total
acreage for the 2021 proposed rule should have been 650,791 ac (263,366
ha). When considering this corrected total acreage and the revisions,
additions, and corrections described herein, the revised proposed
critical habitat designation total is 683,405 ac (276,564 ha),
resulting in an overall increase in proposed critical habitat of 32,615
ac (13,199 ha).
All of the additional unit acreage in the above-described revised
and new units were occupied at the time of listing and are currently
occupied, contain one or more of the physical or biological features to
support life-history functions essential to the conservation of the
rufa red knot, and may require special management considerations or
protection from threats as described in the 2021 proposed rule. For
clarity, we also propose to add short textual descriptions of each
proposed unit in the regulatory text of the critical habitat
designation.
The Draft Economic Analysis (DEA) for the proposed critical habitat
designation, entitled: Draft Screening Analysis of the Likely Economic
Impacts of the Proposed Rule to Designate Critical habitat for the Rufa
Red Knot (IEc 2021a) has been revised to include additional information
for the counties containing the new units (MA-2, NY-2, VA-12, VA-15,
NC-6, SC-22, and GA-1) and revised units (Units NJ-1, SC-21, SC-25, GA-
5, GA-10, TX-1, and TX-11) (IEc 2021b). Based on consultation history
for the rufa red knot and with consideration of the areas added in this
revised proposed rule, the number of future consultations, including
technical assistances, is likely to be approximately 250 per year on
average. The additional administrative cost of addressing adverse
modification in these consultations is likely to be less than $550,000
per year. This represents a 15 percent increase in cost relative to the
April 2021 version of the DEA, which also likely overstates rather than
understates the impacts (IEc 2021b, p. 17).

Physical or Biological Features Essential to the Conservation of the
Species

For a full description of the physical or biological features
essential to the conservation of the rufa red knot, refer to the 2021
proposed rule. No changes were made to the physical or biological
features, which include:
(1) Beaches and tidal flats used for foraging;
(2) Upper beach areas used for roosting, preening, resting, or
sheltering;
(3) Ephemeral and/or dynamic coastal features used for foraging or
roosting;
(4) Ocean vegetation deposits or surf-cast wrack used for foraging
and roosting;
(5) Intertidal peat banks used for foraging and roosting;
(6) Features landward of the beach that support foraging or
roosting; and,
(7) Artificial habitat mimicking natural conditions or maintaining
the physical or biological features 1 to 6 (above).

Revised Proposed Critical Habitat Designation

In total, we now propose to designate approximately 683,405 ac
(276,564 ha) in 127 units (18 of which are further subdivided into 46
subunits) as critical habitat for rufa red knot in Massachusetts, New
York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The
proposed critical habitat areas described below constitute our best
assessment, at this time, of areas that meet the definition of critical
habitat, and all units were occupied at the time of listing and are
considered currently occupied by the species. Table 1, below, shows the
proposed unit or subunit names, land ownership, and approximate
acreage. Where appropriate, table 1 also notes the previous number for
units for which the numbering has changed.
As noted in the 2021 proposed rule, 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

[[Page 22534]]

the edges of certain coastal ponds, marsh blowouts, 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
organized by State, north to south; thus, some units were renumbered
when new units were included in between other units that were presented
in the 2021 proposed rule's critical habitat designation. This document
presents brief descriptions of the revised and new units, including the
reasons why they meet the definition of critical habitat for the rufa
red knot. Also, many of the proposed units presented in the 2021
proposed rule (including some of the revised and new units presented in
this document) overlap in part or whole with existing critical habitat
designated for one or more 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 Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)), and one federally
endangered species (i.e., the aboriginal prickly-apple (Harrisia
aboriginum)). Table 2, below, shows the acreage of overlap between the
rufa red knot proposed critical habitat designation and the existing
critical habitat designated for these other federally listed species,
including notation of changes based on this revised proposed rule.
Additional considerations for the previously proposed units and the
revised or new units presented in this document 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--Revised Proposed Critical Habitat Units for the Rufa Red Knot
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Critical habitat unit or Land ownership Approx. Proposed Previous unit
subunit name (State) by type Approx. acres hectares changes numbering
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Massachusetts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA-1 Nauset Marsh............ Federal........ 1,340 543 New Unit....... New Unit.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 136 55
Uncategorized.. 744 301
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,219 899
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA-2 Pleasant Bay............ Federal........ 126 51 No Change...... Formerly MA-1.
State.......... 0 0 No Change......
Private/Other.. 2,005 812 +409 ac (166
ha).
Uncategorized.. 2,827 1,144 +193 ac (78 ha)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 4,959 2,007 +602 ac (244
ha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA-3 Monomoy and South Beach Federal........ 4,047 1,638 No Change...... Formerly MA-2.
Islands.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 63 25
Private/Other.. 163 66
Uncategorized.. 697 282
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,001 405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY-2 Old Inlet............... Federal........ 1,481 599 New Unit....... New Unit.
State.......... 232 94
Private/Other.. 67 27
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,781 721
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY-3 Jones Inlet............. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly NY-2.
State.......... 710 287
Private/Other.. 1,111 450

[[Page 22535]]

Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,821 737
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY-4 Jamaica Bay............. Federal........ 5,458 2,209 No Change...... Formerly NY-3.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 5,458 2,209
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
New Jersey
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-1 Brigantine and Little Federal........ 1,560 632 No Change...... No Change.
Egg Inlets.
State.......... 3,187 1,291 No Change......
Private/Other.. 10 4 No Change......
Uncategorized.. 5,194 2,101 +233 ac (95 ha)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 9,952 4,027 +233 ac (95 ha)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-2 Seven Mile Beach........ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 536 217
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 536 217
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-3 Hereford Inlet.......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 175 71
Private/Other.. 735 297
Uncategorized.. 721 292
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,631 660
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-4 Two Mile Beach.......... Federal........ 128 52 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 128 52
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-5 Cape May Bayshore....... Federal........ 133 54 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 44 18
Private/Other.. 167 67
Uncategorized.. 858 347
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,202 487
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-6 Dennis Creek............ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 279 113
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 279 113
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-7 Heislerville............ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 524 211
Private/Other.. 459 186
Uncategorized.. 127 52
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,110 449
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-8 Egg Island.............. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 1,908 773
Private/Other.. 32 13
Uncategorized.. 14 5
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,955 791
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-9 Newport Neck............ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 202 82
Private/Other.. 176 71

[[Page 22536]]

Uncategorized.. 93 38
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 472 191
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Delaware
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-1A St. Jones North........ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 37 15
Private/Other.. 3 1
Uncategorized.. 3 1
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 43 18
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-1B St. Jones South........ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 1 0.5
Private/Other.. 2 0.6
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 3 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-2A North Brokonbridge Gut. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 2 1
Private/Other.. 91 37
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 93 37
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-2B South Brokonbridge Gut. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 70 29
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 70 29
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-3A Main Harbor............ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 32 13
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 29 12
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 61 25
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-3B Rawley Island Roost.... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 1,139 461
Private/Other.. 153 62
Uncategorized.. 6 2
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,298 525
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-3C Slaughter Beach........ Federal........ 1 0.25 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 59 24
Private/Other.. 2 1
Uncategorized.. 528 213
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 590 239
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-4 Prime Hook.............. Federal........ 482 195 +2 ac (0 ha); No Change.
correction.
State.......... 0 0 No Change......
Private/Other.. 6 2 No Change......
Uncategorized.. 14 6 -49 ac (19 ha);
correction.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 503 203 -46 ac (19 ha);
correction.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Virginia
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-1 Assateague Island....... Federal........ 2,817 1,140 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,817 1,140
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-2A Wallops Island North... Federal........ 540 218 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0

[[Page 22537]]

Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 540 218
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-2B Wallops Island South... Federal........ 31 13 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 31 13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-3 Assawoman Island........ Federal........ 633 256 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 633 256
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-4 Metompkin Island........ Federal........ 64 26 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 56 22
Private/Other.. 1,239 502
Uncategorized.. 110 44
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,468 594
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-5 Cedar Island............ Federal........ 203 82 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 77 31
Private/Other.. 920 372
Uncategorized.. 1,074 434
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,274 920
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-6 Parramore Island........ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 1,224 496
Private/Other.. 285 116
Uncategorized.. 495 200
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,004 811
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-8 Hog Island.............. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 16 7
Private/Other.. 2,966 1,201
Uncategorized.. 253 101
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 3,235 1,309
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-9 Cobb Island............. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 16 7
Private/Other.. 1,778 720
Uncategorized.. 547 221
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,342 948
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-10 Little Cobb Island..... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 82 33
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 82 33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-11 Wreck Island........... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 1,270 514
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22538]]

Total......... 1,270 514
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-12 Ship Shoal Island...... Federal........ 0 0 New Unit....... New Unit.
State.......... 426 172
Private/Other.. 1,941 785
Uncategorized.. 60 24
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,426 982
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-13 Myrtle Island.......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly VA-12.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 1,028 417
Uncategorized.. 388 156
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,416 573
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-14 Smith Island........... Federal........ 0 0 No Change to Formerly VA-13.
Unit But
Corrected
Acreage.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 3,258 1,319
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 3,258 1,319
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-15 Fisherman Island....... Federal........ 2,413 977 New Unit....... New Unit.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,413 977
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-1A Hatteras Island and Federal........ 4,940 1,999 No Change...... No Change.
Shoals.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 814 329
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 5,754 2,329
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-1B Ocracoke Island........ Federal........ 1,427 577 No Change...... No Change.
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 No Change...... No Change.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 3,094 1,252
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-3 Shackleford Island...... Federal........ 4,972 2,012 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 4,972 2,012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-4 Emerald Isle-Atlantic Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Beach.
State.......... 1,908 772
Private/Other.. 122 50
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22539]]

Total......... 2,030 822
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-5 New Topsail Inlet- Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Topsail Beach.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 1,612 652
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,612 652
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-6 Lea-Hutaff Island....... Federal........ 0 0 New Unit....... New Unit.
State.......... 72 29
Private/Other.. 427 173
Uncategorized.. 586 237
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,085 439
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-7 Cape Fear-Fort Fisher... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly NC-6.
State.......... 1,713 693
Private/Other.. 274 111
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,986 804
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-8 Ocean Isle Beach........ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly NC-7.
State.......... 182 73
Private/Other.. 116 47
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 298 120
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-9 Sunset Beach-Bird Island Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly NC-8.
State.......... 345 139
Private/Other.. 39 16
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 384 155
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
South Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-1 Garden City Beach....... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 267 108
Private/Other.. 349 141
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 616 249
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-2 Huntington Beach State Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Park-Litchfield Beach.
State.......... 80 32
Private/Other.. 1,554 629
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,634 661
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-3 Sand and South Island Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Beaches.
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 No Change...... No Change.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 495 200

[[Page 22540]]

Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,270 514
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-6 South Cape and Federal........ 1,552 628 No Change...... No Change.
Lighthouse Island Beaches.
State.......... 485 196
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,037 824
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-7 Raccoon Key Complex and Federal........ 5,324 2,154 No Change...... No Change.
White Banks Beaches.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 5,324 2,154
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-8 Marsh Island............ Federal........ 415 168 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 415 168
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-9 Bulls Island Beach...... Federal........ 5,200 2,104 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 941 381
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 6,141 2,485
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-10 Capers Island Beach.... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 265 107
Private/Other.. 1,547 626
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,812 733
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-12 Isle of Palms Beach.... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 694 281
Private/Other.. 1,005 407
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,782 721
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-14 Folly Beach............ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 1,989 805
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,989 805
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-15 Bird Key Stono......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 294 119

[[Page 22541]]

Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 294 119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-16 Kiawah and Seabrook Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Island Beaches.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 1,328 538
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,328 538
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-18 Edisto Island Beaches.. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 650 263
Private/Other.. 1,093 442
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,743 705
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-19 Pine and Otter Island Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Beaches.
State.......... 6,296 2,548
Private/Other.. 6 2
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 6,302 2,550
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-20 Harbor and Hunting Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Island Beaches.
State.......... 3,246 1,313
Private/Other.. 820 331
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 4,066 1,645
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-21 Fripp, Pritchards, and Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Little Capers Islands'
Beaches.
State.......... 4,055 1,641 +3,750 ac
(1,517 ha).
Private/Other.. 6,123 2,478 +5,694 ac
(2,304 ha).
Uncategorized.. 0 0 No Change......
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 10,178 4,119 +9,444 ac
(3,822 ha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-22 Bay Point Island Beach. Federal........ 0 0 New Unit....... New Unit.
State.......... 553 224
Private/Other.. 1,145 464
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,698 687
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-23 Hilton Head Island Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly SC-22.
Beach.
State.......... 1,015 411
Private/Other.. 667 270
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,682 681
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-24 Daufuskie Island Beach. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly SC-23.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 6,370 2,578
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 6,370 2,578
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22542]]

SC-25 Turtle Island and Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly SC-
Tomkins Island Beaches. 24..
State.......... 1,771 717 -27 ac (11 ha).
Private/Other.. 0 0 No Change......
Uncategorized.. 0 0 No Change......
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,771 717 -27 ac (11 ha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-26 Jones Island Beach..... Federal........ 785 318 No Change...... Formerly SC-25.
State.......... 2,240 907
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 3,025 1,225
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Georgia
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-1 Cockspur Island and Federal........ 708 287 New Unit....... New Unit.
Daymark Island Beaches.
State.......... 94 38
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 802 325
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-2 Tybee Island Beach...... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly GA-1.
State.......... 6 2
Private/Other.. 1,721 697
Uncategorized.. 319 129
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,046 828
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-3 Little Tybee Island Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly GA-2.
Complex.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 8,265 3,345
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 8,265 3,345
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-4 Wassaw Island Beach..... Federal........ 3,001 1,215 No Change...... Formerly GA-3.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 274 111
Uncategorized.. 1,020 412
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 4,296 1,738
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-5 Little Ogeechee River Federal........ 3,136 1,267 +3,136 ac Formerly GA-4.
Shoreline and Raccoon Key. (1,267 ha).
State.......... 1,435 581 -164 ac (66 ha)
Private/Other.. 0 0 No Change......
Uncategorized.. 0 0 No Change......
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 4,571 1,850 +2,972 ac
(1,203 ha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-6 Ossabaw Island Beach.... Federal........ 0 0 No Change to Formerly GA-5.
Unit But
Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 28,621 11,582
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 3,736 1,512
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 32,357 13,095
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-7 St. Catherine's Island Federal........ 0 0 No Change to Formerly GA-6.
Beach and St. Catherine's Unit But
Island Bar. Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 2,106 853
Private/Other.. 11,810 4,779
Uncategorized.. 2,046 828
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 15,962 6,460
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-8 Blackbeard Island Beach. Federal........ 4,954 2,006 No Change...... Formerly GA-7.
State.......... 80 32

[[Page 22543]]

Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 1,287 519
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 6,321 2,557
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-9 Sapelo Island Beach..... Federal........ 0 0 Total Hectares Formerly GA-8.
Corrected.
State.......... 2,481 1,004
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,481 1,004
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-10 Queens Island, Wolf Federal........ 5,527 2,237 +2,552 ac Formerly GA-9.
Island, Egg Island, Little (1,033 ha).
Egg Island, and Little Egg
Island Bar.
State.......... 261 106 +21 ac (9 ha)..
Private/Other.. 1,865 755 +1,865 ac (755
ha).
Uncategorized.. 4,248 1,719 +2,155 ac (872
ha).
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 11,901 4,816 +6,593 ac
(2,668 ha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-11 Little St. Simon's Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly GA-10.
Island Beach.
State.......... 113 46
Private/Other.. 7,462 3,022
Uncategorized.. 1,479 596
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 9,053 3,664
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-12 Sea and St. Simon's Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly GA-11.
Island Beaches.
State.......... 4 2
Private/Other.. 3,448 1,395
Uncategorized.. 581 235
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 4,033 1,631
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-13 Jekyll Island Beach.... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... Formerly GA-12.
State.......... 5,944 2,406
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 343 139
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 6,287 2,545
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-14 Little Cumberland and Federal........ 23,367 9,456 No Change to Formerly GA-13.
Cumberland Island Beaches. Unit But
Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 1,685 682
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 3,085 1,248
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 28,137 11,387
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Florida
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-1 Nassau Sound-Fort George Federal........ 996 404 No Change to No Change.
Sound-Fort George Inlet Unit But
Complex. Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 522 211
Private/Other.. 27 11
Uncategorized.. 2,779 1,125
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 4,324 1,750
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-2 Ponce Inlet Complex..... Federal........ 16,660 6,742 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 3,005 1,216
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 18 7
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 19,683 7,965
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-3 Merritt Island National Federal........ 6,947 2,811 No Change...... No Change.
Wildlife Refuge Impoundments.
State.......... 0 0

[[Page 22544]]

Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 6,947 2,811
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-4A Cape Romano Complex.... Federal........ 13,138 5,317 No Change to No Change.
Unit But
Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 12,605 5,101
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 470 190
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 26,213 10,608
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-4B Marco Island........... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 408 165
Private/Other.. 8 3
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 416 168
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-5 Marco Bay Complex....... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 3,531 1,429
Private/Other.. 58 24
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 3,589 1,453
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-6A Cocohatchee Inlet Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Complex.
State.......... 9 4
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 9 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-6B Barefoot Beach......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 18 7
Private/Other.. 21 9
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 39 16
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-7A Lovers Key............. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 4 1
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 4 1
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-7B Estero Island.......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 171 69
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 171 69
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-8 Bunche Beach............ Federal........ 23 9 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 264 107
Private/Other.. 47 19
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 334 135
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-9A J.N. ``Ding'' Darling Federal........ 3,451 1,397 No Change...... No Change.
National Wildlife Refuge.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 3,451 1,397
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-9B Sanibel Island......... Federal........ 307 124 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0

[[Page 22545]]

Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 307 124
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-10A Don Pedro............. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 147 60
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 147 60
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-10B Stump Pass Beach State Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Park.
State.......... 11 4
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 11 4
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-11 Siesta Key............. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 53 21
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 53 21
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-12A Lido Key.............. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 81 33
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 81 33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-12B Longboat Key.......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 369 149
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 369 149
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-13 North Anna Maria Island Federal........ 56 23 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 889 360
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 945 383
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-14 Egmont Key............. Federal........ 15 6 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 15 6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-15A Fort De Soto County Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Park.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 427 173
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 427 173
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-15B Shell Key Preserve.... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 322 130
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 322 130
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-15C Saint Petersburg Beach Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 107 43
Private/Other.. 0 0

[[Page 22546]]

Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 107 43
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-16 Indian Shores-Redington Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Beach.
State.......... 196 79
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 196 79
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-17 Belleair Beach......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 123 50
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 123 50
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-18A Caladesi Island....... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 259 105
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 259 105
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-18B Honeymoon Island...... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 294 119
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 294 119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-18C Three Rooker Bar...... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 335 136
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 335 136
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-19 Anclote Key............ Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 1,547 626
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,547 626
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-20 Cedar Keys Complex..... Federal........ 2,498 1,011 No Change to No Change.
Unit But
Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 7,792 3,153
Private/Other.. 5,928 2,399
Uncategorized.. 19,407 7,854
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 35,626 14,417
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-21 St. Marks National Federal........ 2,074 839 No Change...... No Change.
Wildlife Refuge.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,074 839
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-22A Mashes Sands.......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 262 106
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 262 106
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-22B Bald Point State Park. Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 439 178

[[Page 22547]]

Private/Other.. 6 2
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 445 180
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-22C Alligator Point....... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 722 292
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 722 292
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-23A Turkey Point Shoal.... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 531 215
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 531 215
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-23B Lanark Reef........... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 805 326
Private/Other.. 61 25
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 865 350
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-23C East Dog Island....... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 771 312
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 771 312
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-23D West Dog Island....... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 751 304
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 751 304
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-23E McKissack Beach, Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Carrabelle.
State.......... 114 46
Private/Other.. 3 1
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 117 47
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-23F East St. George Island Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State Park.
State.......... 978 396
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 978 396
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-23G St. George Island Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State Park and Bayshore
Shoals.
State.......... 162 65
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 162 65
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-24A Little St. George Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Island State Park-West.
State.......... 953 386
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 953 386
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22548]]

FL-24B St. Vincent National Federal........ 742 300 No Change...... No Change.
Wildlife Refuge.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 742 300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-24C Flagg Island Shoals... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 517 209
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 517 209
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-25A Cape San Blas to Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Indian Pass.
State.......... 133 54
Private/Other.. 486 197
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 620 251
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-25B St. Joseph Bay-Eastern Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Shore.
State.......... 761 308
Private/Other.. 66 27
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 827 335
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Alabama
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL-1 Dauphin Island.......... Federal........ 484 196 No Change...... No Change.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,452 993
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MS-2 Cat Island.............. Federal........ 686 278 No Change...... No Change.
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 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 0 0
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 7,632 3,088
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA-2 Barataria Barrier Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Islands and Headlands.
State.......... 126 51
Private/Other.. 7,669 3,104
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 7,795 3,155
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22549]]

LA-3 Terrebonne Barrier Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Islands.
State.......... 2,900 1,173
Private/Other.. 2,172 879
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 5,072 2,052
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA-4 Southwest Louisiana Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Beaches.
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 Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Flats.
State.......... 482 195 +214 ac (87 ha)
Private/Other.. 996 403 No Change......
Uncategorized.. 0 0 No Change......
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,478 598 +214 ac (87 ha)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-2 West Galveston Island... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 307 124
Private/Other.. 282 114
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 590 239
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-3 Cedar Lake to Colorado Federal........ 0 0 No Change to No Change.
River. Unit But
Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 1,075 435
Private/Other.. 128 52
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,204 487
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-4 Mustang Island.......... Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 395 160
Private/Other.. 253 102
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 648 262
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-5 Mollie Beattie Coastal Federal........ 0 0 No Change...... No Change.
Habitat.
State.......... 505 205
Private/Other.. 218 88
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 723 293
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-6 North Padre Island...... Federal........ 2,487 1,007 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 68 27
Private/Other.. 262 106
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 2,817 1,140
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-7 Upper Laguna Madre/ Federal........ 273 111 No Change...... No Change.
Nighthawk Bay.
State.......... 816 330
Private/Other.. 68 28
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 1,157 469
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-8 Dagger Hill-Yarborough Federal........ 9,731 3,938 No Change to No Change.
Pass-Nine Mile Hole. Unit But
Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 23,042 9,325
Private/Other.. 0 0
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22550]]

Total......... 32,773 13,263
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-9 Pintail Lake-Padre Federal........ 25,881 10,474 No Change to No Change.
Island-La Punta Larga. Unit But
Corrected
Hectares.
State.......... 34,165 13,826
Private/Other.. 34,125 13,810
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 94,171 38,110
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-10 Peyton's Bay-Arroyo Federal........ 8,145 3,296 No Change...... No Change.
Colorado-Three Islands-
Gabrielson Island.
State.......... 25,316 10,245
Private/Other.. 2,190 886
Uncategorized.. 0 0
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 35,651 14,427
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-11 South Bay-Boca Chica... Federal........ 5,536 2,242 No Change...... No Change.
State.......... 4,080 1,652 +157 ac (63 ha)
Private/Other.. 5,784 2,342 No Change......
Uncategorized.. 0 0 No Change......
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Total......... 15,400 6,236 +157 ac (63 ha)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Totals may not sum due to rounding. Rounding in some cases has been corrected/updated in this table.

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 Total overlap
red knot units or subunits overlapping) (combined) for
State ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- each state in
Loggerhead Sea West Indian Aboriginal acres (ac)/
Piping Plover Turtle Manatee Gulf Sturgeon Prickly-apple hectares (ha)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina \1\.............. 11,495 ac/4,652 ha 3,438 ac/1,391 ha N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... 14,069 ac/5,693
(11). (4). ha.
South Carolina \1\.............. 5,615 ac/2,272 ha 6,007 ac/2,431 ha N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... 9,399 ac/3,804 ha.
(14). (14).
Georgia \1\..................... 15,877 ac/6,425 ha 10,903 ac/4,412 ha N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... 21,698 ac/8,781
(12). (7). ha.
Florida......................... 7,617 ac/3,082 ha 7,114 ac/2,879 ha 20,720 ac/8,385 ha 8,970 ac/3,630 ha 77 ac/31 ha (4)... 37,801 ac/15,297
(20). (17). (11). (11). ha.
Alabama......................... 2,381 ac/963 ha N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... 2,381 ac/963 ha.
(1).
Mississippi..................... 4,538 ac/1,837 ha N/A............... N/A............... 1,866 ac/755 ha N/A............... 4,488 ac/1,816 ha.
(2). (2).
Louisiana....................... 17,154 ac/6,942 ha N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... 17,154 ac/6,942
(4). ha.
Texas \1\....................... 154,097 ac/62,361 N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... N/A............... 154,097 ac/62,361
ha (11). ha.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total \2\................... 218,774 ac/88,537 27,463 ac/11,114 20,720 ac/8,385 ha 10,836 ac/4,385 ha 77 ac/31 ha (4)... 261,087 ac/105,659
ha (74). ha (40). (11). (13). ha.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ The amount of rufa red knot proposed critical habitat overlapping with piping plover designated critical habitat increased by 852 ac (345 ha) in
North Carolina, 660 ac (267 ha) in South Carolina, 508 ac (205 ha) in Georgia, and 371 ac (150 ha) in Texas; this resulted in a total increase of
2,413 ac (976 ha) for piping plover compared to the July 15, 2021, proposed rule. The amount of rufa red knot proposed critical habitat overlapping
with loggerhead sea turtle designated critical habitat was corrected for North Carolina, to include adding acreage for the new NC-6 unit, to 3,438 ac
(1,391 ha); overlap also increased by 692 ac (280 ha) in South Carolina, resulting in a total increase of 608 ac (246 ha) for loggerhead compared to
the July 15, 2021, proposed rule.
\2\ Totals may not sum due to rounding.

The revised 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 under Proposed Regulation Promulgation. The
rule portion of this document depicts all the proposed critical habitat
units, including those originally proposed July 15, 2021, and unchanged
via this document. Because we are adding proposed critical habitat
units, the paragraph designations have changed, so we are setting forth
the entire proposed rule in this document instead

[[Page 22551]]

of just the new and revised proposed critical habitat units.
We include more detailed information on the boundaries of the
revised proposed critical habitat designation in the discussion of new
and revised proposed individual units below. For units for which we are
not proposing any changes from the July 15, 2021, proposed rule, please
refer to information at <a href="https://www.regulations.gov">https://www.regulations.gov</a> under Docket No.
FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032.

Unit MA-1: Nauset Marsh

Unit MA-1 consists of approximately 2,219 ac (899 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 Orleans
and Eastham in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. The unit includes
exposed intertidal flats, shoals, mudflats, and intertidal salt marsh
pannes in Salt Pond Bay and Nauset Bay, and ephemeral tidal pools,
primary sand dunes, and beaches associated with Nauset Spit (Orleans
and Eastham) and Coast Guard Beach (Eastham). The southern end of the
unit begins at Nauset Spit north of Mill Pond where the peninsula is
bordered by bay and oceanside waters, and heads east following the
mainland shoreline past Woods Cove (but not including the cove) to the
shoreline of Fort Hill (Eastham). The unit then follows the shoreline
around Salt Pond Bay to the north end of Nauset Bay where the boundary
continues east across Coast Guard Beach to mean low low water (MLLW;
i.e., the lowest of the low tides per day averaged over a 19-year
period) on the ocean side. The eastern unit border continues south
crossing the inlet between Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Spit (Eastham)
following oceanside MLLW until the spit is no longer bordered by the
bay and ocean, at which point the boundary heads west. Lands within
this unit include approximately 1,340 ac (543 ha; 60 percent) in
Federal ownership, 136 ac (55 ha; 6 percent) in private/other
ownership, and 744 ac (301 ha; 34 percent) that are uncategorized.
General land use within this unit is primarily recreational, including
offshore 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 fall migration period, serving as an important southbound
stopover site in the New England portion of the subspecies' range.
Additionally, this location consistently supports large concentrations
of migrating rufa red knots annually 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, off-road vehicles
(ORVs), powered and unpowered boats, surf kites, and surf fishing,
predation (especially by migrating raptors and owls), possible
modification or loss of habitat (i.e., dredging), and natural or 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),
and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills through protective
spill response plans and training (see Special Management
Considerations or Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). The National
Park Service (NPS) lands within the unit (i.e., Cape Cod National
Seashore) are managed under a comprehensive shorebird management plan
(NPS 2018, entire).

Unit MA-2: Pleasant Bay

Unit MA-2 consists of approximately 4,959 ac (2,007 ha) of highly
dynamic barrier beaches and intertidal 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 at the northeastern end of Little Pleasant
Bay going east to the edge of the saltmarsh, continuing south on the
interior of Nauset Beach South approximately 1.7 mi (2.7 km) then east
to MLLW 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) and east of
Hog Island and Sampson Island, incorporating intertidal lands
associated with the islands. Lands within this unit include
approximately 126 ac (51 ha; 3 percent) in Federal ownership, 2,005 ac
(812 ha; 40 percent) in private/other ownership, and 2,827 ac (1,144
ha; 57 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this
unit is primarily recreational, including offshore and surf fishing,
shellfish digging (both recreational and commercial), boating, over-
sand vehicle use, sunbathing, swimming, and walking.
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. 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-2 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 in the 2021 proposed rule). The National Park Service (NPS)
manages Cape Cod National Seashore under a comprehensive shorebird
management plan (NPS 2018, entire) (Shorebird 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.

[[Page 22552]]

Unit NY-2: Old Inlet

Unit NY-2 (Old Inlet) consists of 1,781 ac (721 ha) of highly
dynamic beach, sand flats, bay islands, back bay shoreline, intertidal
areas, and surface water within the town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County,
New York. The unit is irregularly shaped and bounded to the south by
the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by the Fire Island National Seashore's
Federal Otis G. Pike Wilderness Area, and to the east by the
continuation of the Federal wilderness area. Its northern boundary lies
approximately in the lower third of Bellport Bay. Additionally,
portions of the northern and southern areas of the unit are not
contiguous, as they are separated by a vegetated dune and washover
areas. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,481 ac (599 ha;
83 percent) in Federal ownership; 232 ac (94 ha; 13 percent) in State
ownership; and 67 ac (27 ha; 4 percent) in private/other ownership
(including the town of Brookhaven). General land use within this unit
is recreational activities (e.g., fishing, bird watching, boating, open
space use). Coastal engineering structures are absent, but beach
nourishment programs are implemented along the ocean beach to the east
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smith Point County Park (via
coordination and agreements with the State of New York and Suffolk
County).
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 fall migration period, serving as an important southbound
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-2 include: (1) Sea level rise;
(2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., beach nourishment 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 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 in the 2021 proposed rule).
The town of Brookhaven 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 Units NY-1,
NY-2, and NY-3, and serves as a guidance document for municipalities
and private/public sectors to conserve or protect habitats and waters
within the Reserve. Unit NY-2 is within the boundaries of the Fire
Island National Seashore's Federal Otis G. Pike Wilderness Area. The
NPS prepared the ``Fire Island National Seashore Wilderness Breach
Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement'' to provide a thorough
evaluation to determine the potential benefits and consequences of
management strategies prior to making a decision on how to manage the
wilderness breach (NPS 2017, entire).

Unit NJ-1: Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets

Unit NJ-1 consists of 9,952 ac (4,027 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 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
(such as the new island east of Little Beach Island that is within the
Edwin B. Forsythe NWR), 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 5,194
ac (2,101 ha; 52 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

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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, and
watercraft), 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 in the July 15, 2021, proposed rule). 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 VA-12: Ship Shoal Island

This unit consists of a total of 2,426 ac (982 ha) in Northampton
County, Virginia, including both Ship Shoal Island and the area known
as Godwin Island. The north boundary is Red Drum Drain and New Inlet,
the south boundary is Ship Shoal Inlet, the west boundary is South Bay,
and the east boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. The boundary for the
island and marsh complex extends outward past the MLLW line and
includes the areas that are slightly inundated with less than 3 in (7.6
cm) of water. The unit is composed of 426 ac (172 ha; 18 percent) in
State ownership, 1,941 ac (785 ha; 80 percent) in private/other
ownership, and the remaining 60 ac (24 ha; 2 percent) is uncategorized.
The island is composed of extensive mud flats, low marsh, sandy
beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. 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-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 is essential to the conservation of the species
because it is used by rufa red knots in conjunction with other proposed
critical habitat units with large concentrations of rufa red knots
observed during the spring migration season and provides high-quality
habitat that is protected from disturbance. Additionally, rufa red
knots are known to move from island to island daily within the barrier
island chain; the whole chain of islands serves as important foraging
and roosting habitat for the rufa red knot. Therefore, inclusion of
unit VA-12 accurately captures how rufa red knots are using the
available habitat along Virginia's Eastern Shore.
The threats identified within Unit VA-12 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 in the 2021 proposed rule). 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-15: Fisherman Island

This unit consists of a total of 2,413 ac (977 ha) in Northampton
County, Virginia. The unit is an oval-shaped island located at the
mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and is just south of the tip of the Eastern
Shore peninsula. The island is surrounded by the waters of the
Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. It is bisected by U.S. Route 13 and
the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel complex. The interior 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 unit extends seaward past the MLLW line and
includes areas that are slightly inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm)
of water. The unit is federally owned by the Service's Eastern Shore of
Virginia NWR. General land use within this unit includes low-impact
recreational day use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, photography) only
provided through guided tours from September through February. In
addition, scientific research (e.g., survey and monitoring of natural
resources, such as federally listed species) may occur year-round.
Unit VA-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 is essential to the conservation of the species
because it is used by rufa red knots in conjunction with other proposed
critical habitat units with large concentrations of rufa red knots
observed during the spring migration season and provides high-quality
habitat that is protected from disturbance. Additionally, rufa red
knots are known to move from island-to-island daily within the barrier
island chain; the whole chain of islands serves as important foraging
and roosting habitat for the rufa red knot. Therefore, inclusion of
unit VA-15 accurately captures how rufa red knots are using the
available habitat along Virginia's Eastern Shore.
Threats identified within Unit VA-15 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by trespass recreational beach
use, (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 in the 2021 proposed rule). Currently, Eastern Shore of
Virginia and Fisherman Island NWRs address some of these threats in
their Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2004b, entire) and
Habitat Management Plan (Service 2018, entire).

Unit NC-6: Lea-Hutaff Island

Unit NC-6 consists of approximately 1,085 ac (439 ha) of occupied
habitat including all of Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender and New Hanover
Counties consisting of shoreline habitat that stretches approximately
4.8 mi (7.7 km) from the west side of the New Topsail Inlet channel
west across the Rich Inlet channel to the toe of the primary dune or
dense vegetation line on the northeast end of Figure Eight Island. 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 Topsail Inlet channel,
and the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal
deltas on the west side of Rich Inlet channel. Lands within this unit
include approximately 72 ac (29 ha; 7 percent) in State ownership, and
427 ac (173 ha; 39

[[Page 22554]]

percent) in private/other ownership, and 586 ac (237 ha; 54 percent)
that are uncategorized. State lands in this unit include parcels on the
northeast end of Lea-Hutaff Island. General land use within this unit
includes low-impact recreational day use (e.g., hiking, bird watching,
photography and shell collecting). Additionally, scientific research
(e.g., survey and monitoring of natural resources, such as federally
listed species) may occur year-round.
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 852 ac (345 ha) of this unit overlap with
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001) and 238 ac (96 ha) overlap with the
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10,
2014).
Threats identified within Unit NC-6 include: (1) Depredation by
native and nonnative predators; (2) modification or loss of habitat or
both due to erosion and sea level rise; and (3) 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 adjacent Rich Inlet and New Topsail Inlet (see Special
Management Considerations or Protection in the 2021 proposed rule).
State lands within this unit are managed under the 2015 North Carolina
Wildlife Action Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).

Unit SC-21: Fripp, Pritchards, and Little Capers Islands' Beaches

Unit SC-21 consists of 10,178 ac (4,119 ha) of Fripp Island,
Pritchards Island, and Little Capers Island, barrier islands off the
coast in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on
the shoreline of Fripp Island on the south side of Fripp Inlet and
extends southwest along the Atlantic Ocean shorelines of Fripp Island,
Pritchards Island, and Little Capers Island to the eastern side of
Trenchards Inlet where the boundary follows the southern shoreline of
the Story 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
Fripp, Skull, and Trenchards Inlets as well as the unnamed inlets along
the Little Capers Island shoreline. Lands within this unit include
approximately 4,055 ac (1,641 ha; 40 percent) in State ownership and
6,123 ac (2,478 ha; 60 percent) in private/other ownership. General
land use within this unit includes residential development, tourism,
and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, birdwatching, 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. The majority of this unit, with the exception of Fripp
Island, has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that
provides protection from intensive human uses. Approximately 660 ac
(267 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 97
ac (39 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-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 in the 2021 proposed rule). Private/other lands within this
unit are managed under the 1992 Comprehensive Beach Management Plan of
Beaufort County (Beaufort County Planning Board 1992, entire) and the
2020 Fripp Island Beach Management Plan (Beaufort County 2020, entire).

Unit SC-22: Bay Point Island Beach

Unit SC-22 consists of 1,698 ac (687 ha) of Bay Point Island, a
barrier island off the coast in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The
unit boundary begins on the Trenchards Inlet shoreline at the entrance
to Morse Island Creek and follows the Atlantic Ocean shoreline to the
eastern shoreline of Port Royal Round to the western entrance to Morse
Island Creek. 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
Morse Creek and Trenchards Inlet within the unit boundary. Lands within
this unit include approximately 553 ac (224 ha; 33 percent) in State
ownership and 1,145 ac (464 ha; 67 percent) in private/other ownership.
General land use within this unit includes outdoor recreational use
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, birdwatching, and fishing).
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 migration period, serving as an important northbound
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This
unit has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that
provides protection from intensive human uses. Approximately 595 ac
(241 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-22 include: (1) Disturbance of
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g.,
off-leash dogs, walking too close to flocks of red knots,

[[Page 22555]]

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 in the July 15, 2021, proposed rule). Private/other lands
within this unit are managed under the 1992 Comprehensive Beach
Management Plan of Beaufort County (Beaufort County Planning Board
1992, entire).

Unit SC-25: Turtle Island and Tomkins Island Beaches

Unit SC-25 consists of 1,771 ac (717 ha) on Turtle Island (a sea
island) and Tompkins Island (a human-made island) in Calibogue Sound in
Jasper County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the southern
shoreline of the New River and extends southwest along the Calibogue
Sound shoreline to the Wright River shoreline of Turtle Island. The
unit boundary also includes the entire Calibogue Sound shoreline of
Tompkins Island located east of Turtle 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 the unnamed inlet in the
center of the Turtle Island shoreline. Lands within this unit are
entirely in State ownership as SCDNR's Turtle Island Wildlife
Management Area and a SCDNR seabird sanctuary. General land use within
this unit includes wildlife management and outdoor recreational use
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, birdwatching, and 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
unit also has remote boat-only access and 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 in the 2021 proposed rule). State lands and waters within
this unit are managed under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan
(SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit GA-1: Cockspur Island and Daymark Island Beaches

Unit GA-1 consists of 802 ac (325 ha) of Cockspur and Daymark
Islands in the mouth of the Savannah River in Chatham County, Georgia.
The unit boundary includes the entire Savannah River and South Channel
of the Savannah River shorelines of Cockspur and Daymark Islands and
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 sandy intertidal zone that is covered
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). Lands within this unit include
approximately 708 ac (287 ha; 88 percent) in Federal ownership as part
of the U.S. Coast Guard's Station Tybee and NPS's Fort Pulaski National
Monument, and 94 ac (38 ha; 12 percent) in State ownership. General
land use within this unit includes a U.S. Coast Guard installation,
national monument visitation and recreational day uses (e.g., boating,
fishing, birdwatching).
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, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning.
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 rufa red
knot migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or
Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). Federal lands are managed under
the Fort Pulaski National Monument Final General Management Plan (NPS
2013, entire) and the U.S. Coast Guard's Environmental Planning
Implementation Procedures (U.S. Coast Guard 2020, entire).

Unit GA-5: Little Ogeechee River Shoreline and Raccoon Key

Unit GA-5 consists of 4,571 ac (1,850 ha) of the Little Ogeechee
River shoreline along Green Island, Little Wassaw Island, and Pine
Island and all of Raccoon Key in Ossabaw Sound in Chatham County,
Georgia. The unit boundary begins at the Green Island shoreline of the
Little Ogeechee River and continues east along the shorelines of Little
Wassaw Island and Pine Island to the Odingsell River entrance behind
Wassaw Island. The boundary continues north along the Pine Island and
Little Wassaw Island shoreline of the Odingsell River and follows the
Little Wassaw Island shoreline along Adams Creek through marshlands
south of Skidaway Island to Delegal Creek behind Green Island. The unit
includes all emergent land from MLLW to 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

[[Page 22556]]

ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the Ossabaw entrance.
Lands within this unit include approximately 3,136 ac (1,267 ha; 69
percent) in Federal ownership and 1,435 ac (581 ha; 31 percent) in
State ownership. 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, boating, fishing, and
birdwatching).
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, 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 GA-5 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, locations, and types
of activities) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection in
the 2021 proposed rule). State lands within this unit are managed under
the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire), and Federal
lands are managed under the 2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2011, entire).

Unit GA-10: Queens Island, Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island,
and Little Egg Island Bar

Unit GA-10 consists of 11,901 ac (4,816 ha) of Queens Island, Wolf
Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island, and Little Egg Island Bar at the
Altamaha Sound in McIntosh County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins at
the Black River shoreline of Queens Island and extends south along the
Wolf Island shoreline, which includes Wolf Island Bar, to the eastern
and southern shorelines of Little Egg Island Bar Natural Area southwest
to Egg Island in the Altamaha Sound. The boundary continues northwest
along the Altamaha River shoreline of Egg Island and north along the
Little Mud River shoreline of Wolf Island and Rockdedundy River
shoreline of Queens 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 the entrance to Altamaha Sound and Beacon Creek. Lands
within this unit include approximately 5,527 ac (2,237 ha; 46 percent)
in Federal ownership, 261 ac (106 ha; 2 percent) in State ownership,
1,865 ac (755 ha; 16 percent) in private/other ownership, and 4,248 ac
(1,719 ha; 36 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-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 and fall migration periods, serving as an important
northbound and southbound stopover site, particularly when horseshoe
crabs are spawning. 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 1,401 ac (567 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 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 in the 2021 proposed
rule). 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 TX-1: Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats

Unit TX-1 consists of 1,478 ac (598 ha) in Galveston County, Texas.
This unit begins bayside of Rollover Pass and extends southwest along
the beach front 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 bayside of Rollover Pass and 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 482 ac (195 ha; 33
percent) in State ownership and 996 ac

[[Page 22557]]

(403 ha; 67 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 1,015 ac (411 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 may 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 in
the 2021 proposed rule). 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-11: South Bay-Boca Chica

Unit TX-11 consists of 15,400 ac (6,236 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 at 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, 4,080 ac (1,652 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.
Approximately 13,280 ac (5,374 ha)) of this unit overlap 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/eros

[…truncated; see source link]

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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.