[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 133 (Thursday, July 15, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 37410-37668]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14406]



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Vol. 86

Thursday,

No. 133

July 15, 2021

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 (Calidris canutus rufa); Proposed Rule

Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 133 / Thursday, July 15, 2021 / 
Proposed Rules

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

[Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032; FF09E21000 FXES11110900000 212]
1018-BF87


Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of 
Critical Habitat for Rufa Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa)

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to 
designate critical habitat for the federally threatened rufa red knot 
(Calidris canutus rufa) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as 
amended (Act). In total, approximately 649,066 acres (ac) (262,667 
hectares (ha)) are proposed in 120 units (18 of which are further 
subdivided into 46 subunits) in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, 
Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, 
Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. We also announce a public 
informational meeting and public hearing and the availability of a 
draft economic analysis of the proposed critical habitat designation.

DATES: 
    Comment submission: We will accept comments received or postmarked 
on or before September 13, 2021. Comments submitted electronically 
using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, below) must be 
received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date.
    Public informational meeting and public hearing: On August 18, 
2021, we will hold a public informational meeting from 6:00 to 7:30 
p.m., Eastern Time, followed by a public hearing from 7:30 to 9:00 
p.m., Eastern Time. See Public Hearing, in SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION, 
for more information.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments by one of the following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, 
which is the docket number for this rulemaking. Then, click on the 
Search button. On the resulting page, in the Search panel on the left 
side of the screen, under the Document Type heading, check the Proposed 
Rule box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking 
on ``Comment Now!''
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments 
Processing, Attn: FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We request that you send comments only by the methods described 
above. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This 
generally means that we will post any personal information you provide 
us (see Public Comments, below, for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Eric Schrading, Field Supervisor, U.S. 
Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey Ecological Services Field Office, 
4 East Jimmie Leeds Road, Suite 4, Galloway, NJ 08205; telephone 609-
382-5272. Persons who use a telecommunications device for the deaf 
(TDD) may call the Federal Relay Service at 800-877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Executive Summary

    Why we need to publish a rule. Under the Act, when we determine 
that any species is an endangered or threatened species, we are 
required to designate critical habitat, to the maximum extent prudent 
and determinable. Designations of critical habitat can only be 
completed by issuing a rule.
    What this document does. This document proposes a designation of 
critical habitat for the rufa red knot, a threatened species of bird, 
in portions of 61 counties (or parishes) in 13 States.
    The basis for our action. Under the Act, if we determine that a 
species is an endangered or threatened species we must, to the maximum 
extent prudent and determinable, designate critical habitat. Section 
4(b)(2) of the Act states that the Secretary shall designate critical 
habitat on the basis of the best available scientific data after taking 
into consideration the economic impact, national security impact, and 
any other relevant impact of specifying any particular area as critical 
habitat. The Secretary may exclude an area from critical habitat if she 
determines that the benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of 
specifying such area as part of the critical habitat, unless she 
determines, based on the best scientific data available, that the 
failure to designate such area will result in the extinction of the 
species.
    Peer Review. In accordance with our joint policy on peer review 
published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34270), and 
our August 22, 2016, memorandum updating and clarifying the role of 
peer review of listing actions under the Act, we sought the expert 
opinions of five appropriate specialists regarding the species status 
assessment report (Service 2020a, entire) that informed this proposed 
rule. The purpose of peer review is to ensure that the science behind 
our critical habitat designation is based on scientifically sound data, 
assumptions, and analyses. We received review of the Species Status 
Assessment (SSA) report from two experts outside the Service. We are 
also conducting a peer review of this proposed critical habitat 
designation (including the supplemental ``Methodology'' document 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket 
No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032) to ensure that this proposal is based on 
scientifically sound data and analysis. We have invited peer reviewers 
to comment on our specific assumptions and conclusions in this proposed 
rule, and we will consider any comments received, as appropriate, 
before a final agency determination.

Uncommon Acronyms Used in This Proposed Rule

    For the convenience of the reader, listed below are some of the 
acronyms used in this proposed rule:

Act = Endangered Species Act
ASMFC = Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission
CFR = Code of Federal Regulations
DDFW = Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife
DEA = draft economic analysis
DHS = Department of Homeland Security
DMR = Department of Marine Resources
DoD = Department of Defense
DHS = Department of Homeland Security
EIS = environmental impact statement
FDEP = Florida Department of Environmental Protection
FGDC = Federal Geographic Data Committee
FR = Federal Register
GDNR = Georgia Department of Natural Resources
HCP = habitat conservation plan
IEc = Industrial Economics, Incorporated
IEM = incremental effects memorandum
INRMP = integrated natural resources management plan
IPCC = Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
LDWF = Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
MLLW = mean lower low water
NASA = National Aeronautics and Space Administration
NCWRC = North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission
NERR = National Estuarine Research Reserve
NPS = National Park Service
NWR = National Wildlife Refuge
ORV = off-road vehicle
SCDNR = South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
SCDPRT = South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation & Tourism

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Service = U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
SSA = Species Status Assessment
TNC = The Nature Conservancy
USCCSP = U.S. Climate Change Science Program

Information Requested

Public Comments

    We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed rule 
will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and 
be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we request 
comments or information from other concerned governmental agencies, 
Native American Tribes, the scientific community, industry, or any 
other interested parties concerning this proposed rule.
    We particularly seek comments concerning:
    (1) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as 
``critical habitat'' under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.), including information to inform the following factors that the 
regulations identify as reasons why designation of critical habitat may 
be not prudent:
    (a) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity and 
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the 
degree of such threat to the species;
    (b) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a threat to the 
species, or threats to the species' habitat stem solely from causes 
that cannot be addressed through management actions resulting from 
consultations under section 7(a)(2) of the Act;
    (c) Areas within the jurisdiction of the United States provide no 
more than negligible conservation value, if any, for a species 
occurring primarily outside the jurisdiction of the United States; or
    (d) No areas meet the definition of critical habitat.
    (2) Specific information on:
    (a) The amount and distribution of rufa red knot habitat;
    (b) What areas, that were occupied at the time of listing 
(specifically referring to January 12, 2015, which is the effective 
date for the December 11, 2014, final listing rule (79 FR 73705)) and 
that contain the physical or biological features essential to the 
conservation of the species, should be included in the designation and 
why;
    (c) Special management considerations or protection that may be 
needed in critical habitat areas we are proposing, including managing 
for the potential effects of climate change; and
    (d) What areas not occupied at the time of listing are essential 
for the conservation of the species. We particularly seek comments 
regarding:
    (i) Whether occupied areas are adequate for the conservation of the 
species; and
    (ii) Specific information regarding whether or not unoccupied areas 
would, with reasonable certainty, contribute to the conservation of the 
species and contain at least one physical or biological feature 
essential to the conservation of the species.
    (3) Land use designations and current or planned activities in the 
subject areas and their possible impacts on proposed critical habitat.
    (4) Information on the projected and reasonably likely impacts of 
climate change on the rufa red knot's proposed critical habitat.
    (5) Any probable economic, national security, or other relevant 
impacts of designating any area that may be included in the final 
designation, and the benefits of including or excluding specific areas.
    (6) Information on the extent to which the description of probable 
economic impacts in the draft economic analysis is a reasonable 
estimate of the likely economic impacts.
    (7) Whether any specific areas we are proposing for critical 
habitat designation should be considered for exclusion under section 
4(b)(2) of the Act, and whether the benefits of potentially excluding 
any specific area outweigh the benefits of including that area under 
section 4(b)(2) of the Act, in particular those based on a conservation 
program or plan, and why. These may include Federal, Tribal, State, 
county, local, or private lands with permitted conservation plans 
covering the species in the area such as habitat conservation plans, 
safe harbor agreements, or conservation easements, or non-permitted 
conservation agreements and partnerships that would be encouraged by 
designation of, or exclusion from, critical habitat. Detailed 
information regarding these plans, agreements, easements, and 
partnerships is also requested, including:
    (a) The location and size of lands covered by the plan, agreement, 
easement, or partnership;
    (b) The duration of the plan, agreement, easement, or partnership;
    (c) Who holds or manages the land;
    (d) What management activities are conducted;
    (e) What land uses are allowable; and
    (f) If management activities are beneficial to the rufa red knot 
and its habitat.
    (8) Ongoing or proposed conservation efforts that could result in 
direct or indirect ecological benefits to the associated habitat for 
the rufa red knot; as such, those efforts would lend to the recovery of 
the species and therefore areas covered may be considered for exclusion 
from the final critical habitat designation.
    (9) Whether we could improve or modify our approach to designating 
critical habitat in any way to provide for greater public participation 
and understanding, or to better accommodate public concerns and 
comments.
    Please include sufficient information with your submission (such as 
scientific journal articles or other publications) to allow us to 
verify any scientific or commercial information you include. Also, 
please note that submissions merely stating support for, or opposition 
to, the action under consideration without providing supporting 
information, although noted, will not be considered in making a 
determination.
    You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed 
rule by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. We request that you 
send comments only by the methods described in ADDRESSES.
    If you submit information via http://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire submission--including any personal identifying information--will 
be posted on the website. If your submission is made via a hardcopy 
that includes personal identifying information, you may request at the 
top of your document that we withhold this information from public 
review. However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. We 
will post all hardcopy submissions on http://www.regulations.gov.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing this proposed rule, will be 
available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by 
appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and 
Wildlife Service, New Jersey Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION 
CONTACT).

Public Hearing

    Section 4(b)(5) of the Act provides for a public hearing on this 
proposal, if requested. At this time, we have preemptively scheduled a 
public informational meeting and public hearing on this proposed rule. 
We will hold the public informational meeting and public hearing on the 
date and at the times listed above under Public informational meeting 
and public hearing in DATES. We are holding the public informational 
meeting and public

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hearing via the Zoom online video platform and via teleconference so 
that participants can attend remotely. For security purposes, 
registration is required. To listen and view the meeting and hearing 
via Zoom, listen to the meeting and hearing by telephone, or provide 
oral public comments at the public hearing by Zoom or telephone, you 
must register. For information on how to register, or if you encounter 
problems joining Zoom the day of the meeting, visit https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/. Registrants will receive the Zoom link and the 
telephone number for the public informational meeting and public 
hearing. If applicable, interested members of the public not familiar 
with the Zoom platform should view the Zoom video tutorials (https://support.zoom.us/hc/en-us/articles/206618765-Zoom-video-tutorials) prior 
to the public informational meeting and public hearing.
    The public hearing will provide interested parties an opportunity 
to present verbal testimony (formal, oral comments) regarding this 
proposed rule to designate critical habitat for the rufa red knot. 
While the public informational meeting will be an opportunity for 
dialogue with the Service, the public hearing is not. Rather, the 
public hearing is a forum for accepting formal verbal testimony. In the 
event there is a large attendance, the time allotted for oral 
statements may be limited. Therefore, anyone wishing to make an oral 
statement at the public hearing for the record is encouraged to provide 
a prepared written copy of their statement to us through the Federal 
eRulemaking Portal, or U.S. mail (see ADDRESSES, above). There are no 
limits on the length of written comments submitted to us. Anyone 
wishing to make an oral statement at the public hearing must register 
before the hearing https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/. The use of a 
virtual public hearing is consistent with our regulations at 50 CFR 
424.16(c)(3).

Reasonable Accommodation

    The Service is committed to providing access to the public 
informational meeting and public hearing for all participants. Closed 
captioning will be available during the public informational meeting 
and public hearing. Further, a full audio and video recording and 
transcript of the public hearing will be posted online at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ after the hearing. Participants will also 
have access to live audio during the public informational meeting and 
public hearing via their telephone or computer speakers. Persons with 
disabilities requiring reasonable accommodations to participate in the 
meeting and/or hearing should contact the person listed under FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT at least 5 business days prior to the date 
of the meeting and hearing to help ensure availability. An accessible 
version of the Service's public informational meeting presentation will 
also be posted online at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ prior to 
the meeting and hearing (see DATES, above). See https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ for more information about reasonable 
accommodation.

Previous Federal Actions

    It is our intent to discuss only those topics directly relevant to 
the designation of critical habitat for the rufa red knot in this 
document. For more information on the rufa red knot or its habitat, 
refer to:
    (1) The final listing rule published in the Federal Register on 
December 11, 2014 (79 FR 73706), available online at http://www.regulations.gov (at Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2013-0097).
    (2) The November 2014 Rufa Red Knot Background Information and 
Threats Assessment (Supplemental Document; Service 2014, entire), 
available online at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ and http://www.regulations.gov (at Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2013-0097). And
    (3) The Species Status Assessment Report for the Rufa Red Knot 
(Calidris canutus rufa), Version 1.1, available on the internet at 
https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ and http://www.regulations.gov 
(Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032).
    For more information on previous Federal actions associated with 
listing rufa red knot, please refer to the supplemental document 
(``Previous Federal Actions'') on the internet at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/ and http://www.regulations.gov (Docket No. FWS-R5-
ES-2013-0097).
    On June 22, 2018, Defenders of Wildlife filed a complaint (Case 
1:18-cv-01474-APM) alleging that the Service violated the Act by 
missing the statutory deadline to designate critical habitat (i.e., 12 
months following publication of the final listing rule on December 11, 
2014). On February 1, 2019, the Service and Defenders of Wildlife filed 
with the United States District Court for the District of Columbia a 
joint motion to stay proceedings until June 30, 2021, whereby the 
Service agreed to submit to the Federal Register a proposed critical 
habitat designation. The court granted the motion on February 7, 2019. 
This document constitutes the proposed critical habitat designation for 
rufa red knot, and complies with the court order issued February 7, 
2019.

Supporting Documents

    An SSA team prepared an SSA report (Service 2020a, entire) for the 
rufa red knot primarily to inform the development of a draft recovery 
plan for the species (Service 2021, entire). The timing and 
thoroughness of the peer-reviewed SSA report supported the analysis and 
development of this proposed critical habitat rule. The SSA report 
represents a compilation of the best scientific and commercial data 
available concerning the status of the species, including the impacts 
of past, present, and future factors (both negative and beneficial) 
affecting the species. The Service sent the SSA report (which 
accompanied the draft Recovery Plan) to five independent peer 
reviewers; two peer reviewers provided a review of the document. The 
Service also sent the SSA report and draft Recovery Plan for review by 
more than 177 parties, which included both internal/Service biologists 
and managers, and external partners, including scientists with 
expertise in rufa red knot biology, habitat management, and threats. We 
received review from 24 partners, including Federal and State agencies. 
We are also conducting a peer review of this proposed critical habitat 
designation (including the supplemental ``Methodology'' document 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket 
No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032) during the open comment period to ensure that 
this proposal is based on scientifically sound data and analysis.

Availability of Supporting Materials

    The SSA report and other materials relating to this critical 
habitat proposal, including coordinates or plot points or both from 
which the maps are generated, are included in the administrative record 
and are available at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-
R5-ES-2021-0032. Any additional tools or supporting information that we 
may develop for the critical habitat designation will also be available 
at https://www.fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/, and may also be included in 
the preamble of this proposal and/or at http://www.regulations.gov.

Background

    Critical habitat is defined in section 3 of the Act as:

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    (1) The specific areas within the geographical area occupied by the 
species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which 
are found those physical or biological features
    (a) Essential to the conservation of the species, and
    (b) Which may require special management considerations or 
protection; and
    (2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the 
species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas 
are essential for the conservation of the species.
    Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define the geographical area 
occupied by the species as an area that may generally be delineated 
around species' occurrences, as determined by the Secretary (i.e., 
range). Such areas may include those areas used throughout all or part 
of the species' life cycle, even if not used on a regular basis (e.g., 
migratory corridors, seasonal habitats, and habitats used periodically, 
but not solely, by vagrant individuals).
    Conservation, as defined under section 3 of the Act, means to use 
and the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring 
an endangered or threatened species to the point at which the measures 
provided pursuant to the Act are no longer necessary. Such methods and 
procedures include, but are not limited to, all activities associated 
with scientific resources management such as research, census, law 
enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live 
trapping, and transplantation, and, in the extraordinary case where 
population pressures within a given ecosystem cannot be otherwise 
relieved, may include regulated taking.
    Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act 
through the requirement that Federal agencies ensure, in consultation 
with the Service, that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is 
not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of 
critical habitat. The designation of critical habitat does not affect 
land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or 
other conservation area. Such designation does not allow the government 
or public to access private lands. Such designation does not require 
implementation of restoration, recovery, or enhancement measures by 
non-Federal landowners. Where a landowner requests Federal agency 
funding or authorization for an action that may affect a listed species 
or critical habitat, the Federal agency would be required to consult 
with the Service under section 7(a)(2) of the Act. However, even if the 
Service were to conclude that the proposed activity would result in 
destruction or adverse modification of the critical habitat, the 
Federal action agency and the landowner are not required to abandon the 
proposed activity, or to restore or recover the species; instead, they 
must implement ``reasonable and prudent alternatives'' to avoid 
destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat.
    Under the first prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat, 
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time 
it was listed are included in a critical habitat designation if they 
contain physical or biological features (1) which are essential to the 
conservation of the species and (2) which may require special 
management considerations or protection. For these areas, critical 
habitat designations identify, to the extent known using the best 
scientific and commercial data available, those physical or biological 
features that are essential to the conservation of the species (such as 
space, food, cover, and protected habitat). In identifying those 
physical or biological features that occur in specific occupied areas, 
we focus on the specific features that are essential to support the 
life-history needs of the species, including, but not limited to, water 
characteristics, soil type, geological features, prey, vegetation, 
symbiotic species, or other features. A feature may be a single habitat 
characteristic, or a more complex combination of habitat 
characteristics. Features may include habitat characteristics that 
support ephemeral or dynamic habitat conditions. Features may also be 
expressed in terms relating to principles of conservation biology, such 
as patch size, distribution distances, and connectivity.
    Under the second prong of the Act's definition of critical habitat, 
we can designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical 
area occupied by the species at the time it is listed, upon a 
determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the 
species. When designating critical habitat, the Secretary will first 
evaluate areas occupied by the species. The Secretary will only 
consider unoccupied areas to be essential where a critical habitat 
designation limited to geographical areas occupied by the species would 
be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species. In addition, 
for an unoccupied area to be considered essential, the Secretary must 
determine that there is a reasonable certainty both that the area will 
contribute to the conservation of the species and that the area 
contains one or more of those physical or biological features essential 
to the conservation of the species.
    Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on 
the basis of the best scientific data available. Further, our Policy on 
Information Standards under the Endangered Species Act (published in 
the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271)), the Information 
Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and General Government 
Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; H.R. 5658)), 
and our associated Information Quality Guidelines, provide criteria, 
establish procedures, and provide guidance to ensure that our decisions 
are based on the best scientific data available. They require our 
biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of 
the best scientific data available, to use primary and original sources 
of information as the basis for recommendations to designate critical 
habitat.
    When we are determining which areas should be designated as 
critical habitat, our primary source of information is generally the 
information from the SSA report and information developed during the 
listing process for the species. Additional information sources may 
include any generalized conservation strategy, criteria, or outline 
that may have been developed for the species; the draft recovery plan 
for the species; articles in peer-reviewed journals; conservation plans 
developed by States and counties; scientific status surveys and 
studies; biological assessments; other unpublished materials; or 
experts' opinions or personal knowledge.
    Habitat is dynamic, and species may move from one area to another 
over time. We recognize that critical habitat designated at a 
particular point in time may not include all of the habitat areas that 
we may later determine are necessary for the recovery of the species. 
For these reasons, a critical habitat designation does not signal that 
habitat outside the designated area is unimportant or may not be needed 
for recovery of the species. Areas that are important to the 
conservation of the species, both inside and outside the critical 
habitat designation, will continue to be subject to: (1) Conservation 
actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act; (2) regulatory 
protections afforded by the requirement in section 7(a)(2) of the Act 
for Federal agencies to ensure their actions are not likely to 
jeopardize the

[[Page 37414]]

continued existence of any endangered or threatened species; and (3) 
the prohibitions found in section 9 of the Act. Federally funded or 
permitted projects affecting listed species outside their designated 
critical habitat areas may still result in jeopardy findings in some 
cases. These protections and conservation tools will continue to 
contribute to recovery of this species. Similarly, critical habitat 
designations made on the basis of the best available information at the 
time of designation will not control the direction and substance of 
future recovery plans, habitat conservation plans (HCPs), or other 
species conservation planning efforts if new information available at 
the time of these planning efforts calls for a different outcome.

Prudency Determination

    Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, as amended, and implementing 
regulations (50 CFR 424.12), require that, to the maximum extent 
prudent and determinable, the Secretary shall designate critical 
habitat at the time the species is determined to be an endangered or 
threatened species. Our regulations (50 CFR 424.12(a)(1)) state that 
the Secretary may, but is not required to, determine that a designation 
would not be prudent in the following circumstances:
    (i) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity and 
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the 
degree of such threat to the species;
    (ii) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a threat to the 
species, or threats to the species' habitat stem solely from causes 
that cannot be addressed through management actions resulting from 
consultations under section 7(a)(2) of the Act;
    (iii) Areas within the jurisdiction of the United States provide no 
more than negligible conservation value, if any, for a species 
occurring primarily outside the jurisdiction of the United States;
    (iv) No areas meet the definition of critical habitat; or
    (v) The Secretary otherwise determines that designation of critical 
habitat would not be prudent based on the best scientific data 
available.
    There is currently no imminent threat of collection or vandalism 
identified under Factor B for the rufa red knot, and identification and 
mapping of critical habitat is not expected to initiate any such 
threat. In the proposed listing determination for rufa red knot (79 FR 
73705, December 11, 2014) and our more recent SSA report (Service 
2020a, entire), we determined that the present or threatened 
destruction, modification, or curtailment of habitat or range is a 
threat to rufa red knot and that those threats in some way can be 
addressed by section 7(a)(2) consultation measures. Additionally, 
although the species range occurs in other parts of North, Central, and 
South America outside of the United States, the areas within the 
jurisdiction of the United States serve a significant conservation 
value to the species during both its northbound and southbound 
migration to/from its breeding grounds and overwintering regions, using 
these migration areas as key staging and stopover areas to rest and 
feed. Some portions of the United States also provide significant 
conservation value for certain populations of overwintering rufa red 
knots. Our analysis of the best available scientific and commercial 
information indicates there are areas within the range of the species 
in the United States that meet the definition of critical habitat. 
Therefore, because none of the circumstances enumerated in our 
regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(a)(1) have been met and because there are 
no other circumstances the Secretary has identified for which this 
designation of critical habitat would be not prudent, we have 
determined that the designation of critical habitat for rufa red knot 
is prudent.

Critical Habitat Determinability

    Having determined that designation is prudent, under section 
4(a)(3) of the Act we must find whether critical habitat for the rufa 
red knot is determinable. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(a)(2) state 
that critical habitat is not determinable when one or both of the 
following situations exist:
    (i) Data sufficient to perform required analyses are lacking, or
    (ii) The biological needs of the species are not sufficiently well 
known to identify any area that meets the definition of ``critical 
habitat.''
    When critical habitat is not determinable, the Act allows the 
Service an additional year to publish a critical habitat designation 
(16 U.S.C. 1533(b)(6)(C)(ii)).
    We reviewed the available information pertaining to the biological 
needs of the species and habitat characteristics where the species is 
located. This and other information represent the best scientific data 
available and led us to conclude that the designation of critical 
habitat is determinable for the rufa red knot.

Physical or Biological Features Essential to the Conservation of the 
Species

    In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) of the Act and regulations at 
50 CFR 424.12(b), in determining which areas we will designate critical 
habitat from within the geographical area occupied by the species at 
the time of listing, we consider the physical or biological features 
that are essential to the conservation of the species and that may 
require special management considerations or protection. The 
regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define ``physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of the species'' as the features that 
occur in specific areas and that are essential to support the life-
history needs of the species, including, but not limited to, water 
characteristics, soil type, geological features, sites, prey, 
vegetation, symbiotic species, or other features. A feature may be a 
single habitat characteristic or a more complex combination of habitat 
characteristics. Features may include habitat characteristics that 
support ephemeral or dynamic habitat conditions. Features may also be 
expressed in terms relating to principles of conservation biology, such 
as patch size, distribution distances, and connectivity. For example, 
physical features essential to the conservation of the species might 
include gravel of a particular size required for spawning, alkali soil 
for seed germination, protective cover for migration, or susceptibility 
to flooding or fire that maintains necessary early-successional habitat 
characteristics. Biological features might include prey species, forage 
grasses, specific kinds or ages of trees for roosting or nesting, 
symbiotic fungi, or a particular level of nonnative species consistent 
with conservation needs of the listed species. The features may also be 
combinations of habitat characteristics and may encompass the 
relationship between characteristics or the necessary amount of a 
characteristic essential to support the life history of the species.
    In considering whether features are essential to the conservation 
of the species, the Service may consider an appropriate quality, 
quantity, and spatial and temporal arrangement of habitat 
characteristics in the context of the life-history needs, condition, 
and status of the species. These characteristics include, but are not 
limited to, space for individual and population growth and for normal 
behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or 
physiological requirements; cover or shelter; sites for breeding, 
reproduction,

[[Page 37415]]

or rearing (or development) of offspring; and habitats that are 
protected from disturbance.
    We derive the specific physical or biological features essential 
for the rufa red knot from studies of the species' habitat, ecology, 
and life history, which are described more fully in the final listing 
rule (79 FR 73706, December 11, 2014) and associated supplemental 
materials (Service 2014, entire). Additionally, these features were 
most recently described in the SSA report (Service 2020a, entire), in 
the context of the needs of individuals, populations, and the species.
    With regard to ``space for individual and population growth and for 
normal behavior; food, water, air, light, minerals, or other 
nutritional or physiological requirements; and cover or shelter,'' 
these characteristics are captured by the summary discussion in the 
following paragraphs. The characteristic of ``sites for breeding, 
reproduction, or rearing (or development) of offspring'' does not apply 
for this proposed critical habitat designation because the rufa red 
knot does not breed in the United States. Regarding ``habitats that are 
protected from disturbance,'' rufa red knots are particularly sensitive 
to disturbance from human activities, which are nearly ubiquitous along 
the U.S. coasts. Thus, management of habitats to ensure minimal human 
activity during those seasons when birds are present is essential to 
the conservation of this subspecies. Overall, rufa red knot requires 
both an abundance of suitable nonbreeding habitats, as well as a 
suitable distribution of those habitats across the landscape.

Habitat Features

    Coastal habitats used by rufa red knots (i.e., for foraging and 
roosting) are similar across both migration and wintering areas 
(Harrington 2001, p. 9), and can be generally characterized as sparsely 
vegetated coastal marine and estuarine habitats with large areas of 
exposed intertidal substrates. Migration and wintering habitats include 
high-energy ocean- or bay-front barrier island or mainland beaches, as 
well as shorelines and tidal flats in more sheltered estuaries (e.g., 
bays, sounds, lagoons) (Harrington 2001, p. 9). Beaches used by rufa 
red knots may be backed by dune fields, tidal waters, salt marsh, 
mangroves, or human development. Unimproved tidal inlets (e.g., the 
mouths of creeks or larger rivers) often provide an optimal mosaic of 
preferred habitat types. Along the U.S. Atlantic and Gulf coasts, 
dynamic and ephemeral features are important rufa red knot habitats, 
including sand spits, islets, shoals, and sandbars, features often 
associated with inlets (Harrington 2001, p. 8; Sitters 2005, entire; 
Winn and Harrington in Guilfoyle et al. 2006, pp. 8-10; Harrington in 
Guilfoyle et al. 2007, pp. 18-19; Harrington 2008, pp. 2, 4-5; Niles et 
al. 2008, p. 30; Lott et al. 2009, pp. 18-19; North Carolina Wildlife 
Resources Commission (NCWRC) 2013, entire).
    In the United States, there has been considerable loss or 
degradation of dynamic and ephemeral coastal features, including the 
associated loss of rufa red knot habitat as a result of shoreline 
stabilization and other engineering practices that support coastal 
development (Nordstrom 2000, pp. 20, 98-107; Nordstrom and Mauriello 
2001, entire; U.S. Climate Change Science Program (USCCSP) 2009, pp. 
99-100; Defeo et al. 2009, p. 4; Kisiel 2009, p. 65; Titus et al. 2009, 
p. 5; Rice 2012, p. 6; Rice 2017, entire). In some cases, however, 
engineered or artificial features may be used as habitat, or may 
enhance habitat (Botton et al. 1994, p. 614; Niles et al. 2008, pp. 40, 
46; Schwarzer 2013, pers. comm.; Breese 2013, pers. comm.; Niles et al. 
2013, entire; Firmin 2020, pers. comm.). In some localized areas, rufa 
red knots will use artificial habitats that mimic natural conditions, 
such as nourished beaches, dredge spoil sites, elevated road causeways, 
rock structures (e.g., jetties, breakwaters), or impoundments. In other 
areas, living shorelines or even traditional (``hard'') engineering 
structures may enhance rufa red knot habitat, for example by 
concentrating surf-cast prey items or by calming wave energies. 
Notwithstanding these localized examples, rufa red knots generally 
require areas where natural coastal processes (e.g., erosion, 
accretion, overwashes, island migration, inlet migration) are allowed 
to operate in order to create and maintain optimal habitat, which is 
typically dynamic and ephemeral.
    In all nonbreeding habitats, rufa red knots require sparse 
vegetation and open landscapes, affording the birds good visibility of 
the surrounding area in order to avoid predation (Piersma et al. 1993, 
pp. 338-339, 349; Niles et al. 2008, p. 44). Rufa red knots tend to 
migrate in large single-species flocks, and may also flock with other 
shorebirds, particularly when roosting or staging for spring and fall 
migration (Harrington 2001, p. 8). Thus, areas that provide foraging 
and resting habitat capable of supporting large concentrations of birds 
are especially important.
    Foraging Habitat: In coastal areas, rufa red knot foraging habitats 
include intertidal portions of beaches, islands, and shoals; tidal 
flats; wind-exposed bay bottoms or oyster reefs; peat banks; brackish 
ponds or impoundments; and ephemeral tidal pools. Foraging substrates 
can include sand, mud, peat, and sand embedded with shell, gravel, or 
cobble (Niles et al. 2008, pp. 30, 47; Harrington 2001, pp. 8-9; 
Newstead 2014, pp. 13-14; Service 2014, pp. 63-67). Feeding birds may 
be concentrated at higher tides, pushed into a smaller area by rising 
waters and also attracted to higher food densities along the high water 
line, where food may be concentrated in wrack material and where 
horseshoe crabs (Limulus polyphemus) tend to nest. However, rufa red 
knots have also been shown to spread out and forage across the full 
tidal range (Service 2014, pp. 63-67; Service 2016a, pp. 76-82; Burger 
et al. 2018, entire).
    Roosting Habitat: In many wintering and coastal stopover areas, 
quality high-tide roosting habitat (i.e., close to feeding areas, 
protected from predators, with sufficient space during the highest 
tides, free from excessive human disturbance) is limited (Kalasz 2008, 
p. 9; Kalasz 2012, pers. comm.; Niles 2012, pers. comm.; Conseil 
Scientifique R[eacute]gional du Patrimoine Naturel 2013, entire). 
Typical roosting areas are relatively open and flat beaches between the 
high water line and the primary dune line. In some locations, roosts 
can include shoals, sand bars, areas of upper beach between/among 
unstabilized dunes, overwashes, patches of mostly bare ground (e.g., 
blowouts, depressions, salt pannes) within salt marshes, dredge spoil 
sites, rock structures (e.g., jetties, breakwaters), or among wrack 
including atop mounds of seaweed deposited on the beach (Service 2014, 
pp. 63-67). Such areas may have microtopographic relief offering 
shelter from high winds, storms, and cold weather. Rufa red knots' 
selection of high-tide roosting areas on the coast appears to be 
strongly influenced by raptor predation (Niles et al. 2008, p. 28).
    Inland Habitat: Rufa red knots use inland saline lakes as stopover 
habitat in the Northern Great Plains (Skagen et al. 1999, pp. 80-81; 
Newstead et al. 2013, p. 57). We have little information to indicate 
whether or not rufa red knots may also use inland freshwater habitats 
during migration, but certain freshwater areas (e.g., wetlands, 
riverine sandbars) may warrant further study as potential stopover 
habitats (Dovichin 2014, pers. comm.; Russell 2014, entire). Small 
numbers of rufa red knots sometimes

[[Page 37416]]

use manmade freshwater habitats (e.g., impoundments) along inland 
migration routes (Simnor 2012, pers. comm.; Russell 2014, entire; 
Service 2014, pp. 68-70).
    Diet: The rufa red knot is a specialized molluscivore, eating 
primarily hard-shelled mollusks, though sometimes supplemented with 
softer invertebrate prey such as arthropods, marine worms, and 
horseshoe crab eggs (Harrington 2001, pp. 9-11; Piersma and van Gils 
2011, p. 9). In most U.S. coastal habitats, rufa red knots feed 
primarily on bivalves such as small clams and mussels (including mussel 
spat) (Harrington 2001, pp. 10-11; Niles et al. 2008, p. 30; Service 
2014, pp. 71-73). Prey size is approximately 0.16 to 0.79 inch (in) (4 
to 20 millimeters (mm)) long, and up to 1.18 in (30 mm) in 
circumference. Foraging activity is largely dictated by tidal 
conditions, as rufa red knots rarely wade in water more than 0.8 to 1.2 
in (2 to 3 centimeters (cm)) deep (Harrington 2001, p. 10). Due to bill 
morphology, rufa red knots forage on only shallow-buried prey, within 
the top 0.8 to 1.2 in (2 to 3 cm) of sediment (Zwarts and Blomert 1992, 
p. 113; Gerasimov 2009, p. 227). Long-distance migrant shorebirds, such 
as rufa red knots, must take advantage of seasonally abundant food 
resources at migration stopovers to build up fat reserves for the next 
nonstop, long-distance flight (Clark et al. 1993, p. 694). Although 
migrating rufa red knots can be found widely distributed in small 
numbers within suitable stopover habitats, birds tend to concentrate in 
those areas where abundant food resources are consistently available 
from year to year. The spatial distribution of rufa red knots in many 
different stopover areas has been correlated with the distribution of 
the primary prey species (Service 2014, p. 71).
    A prominent departure from typical prey items occurs each spring 
when rufa red knots feed on the eggs of horseshoe crabs, particularly 
during the key migration stopover at Delaware Bay. Delaware Bay serves 
as the principal spring migration stopover area for the rufa red knot 
because of the abundance and availability of horseshoe crab eggs 
(Harrington 2001, pp. 2, 7; Niles et al. 2008, pp. 36-39; Clark et al. 
2009, p. 85; Service 2014, pp. 73-76). Outside of Delaware Bay, 
horseshoe crab eggs are eaten opportunistically when available. In 
several areas along the Atlantic coast, horseshoe crab eggs are a 
preferred food resource and may be a locally important component of the 
diet, particularly in spring (Service 2014, pp. 71-76).

Sensitivity to Disturbance

    We define ``disturbance'' as any human activity that is audible or 
visible to rufa red knots and that interrupts the normal behavior of 
the birds. The daily and seasonal selection of non-breeding habitats by 
individual rufa red knots represents an adaptive optimization of 
several factors and the fitness trade-offs among them. These factors 
include seasonal time pressures (particularly during migration) 
(Hedenstr[ouml]m 2008, p. 287; Service 2014, pp. 249-250), food 
availability (Service 2014, p. 71), predator avoidance (Niles et al. 
2008, p. 28), tides (Newstead 2014, pp. 13-14; Burger et al. 2018, 
entire), and weather. It is in this context that disturbance from human 
activities occurs, such that interruption of normal behaviors can 
result in reduced fitness of the affected birds (West et al. 2002, p. 
319; Goss-Custard et al. 2006, p. 88). Typical rufa red knot behaviors 
include feeding in intertidal areas, and roosting, resting, or preening 
above the high water line. Rufa red knot reactions to human activity 
that indicate disturbance typically include stopping or slowing 
feeding, assuming an alert posture, calling, walking, running, or 
flying (Koch and Paton 2014, entire). Rufa red knots are exposed to 
disturbance from recreational and other human activities throughout 
their non-breeding range (Niles et al. 2008, pp. 105-107; Service 2014, 
pp. 266-272).
    Among shorebird species, rufa red knots appear to be particularly 
reactive to the presence of humans (Burger and Niles 2013, p. 657; Koch 
and Paton 2014, p. 64; Hunt et al. 2018, pp. 18-19). Although 
population-level impacts cannot be concluded from species' differing 
behavioral responses to disturbance (Gill et al. 2001, p. 265; Stillman 
et al. 2007, p. 73), behavior-based models can be used to relate the 
number and magnitude of human disturbances to impacts on the fitness of 
individual birds (West et al. 2002, p. 319; Goss-Custard et al. 2006, 
p. 88). When the time and energy costs arising from disturbance were 
included, disturbance could be more damaging to shorebirds than 
permanent habitat loss (West et al. 2002, p. 319).
    Excessive disturbance precludes rufa red knot use of otherwise 
preferred habitats (Service 2014, pp. 267-270; Watts 2017, p. 72; Hunt 
et al. 2018, p. 22). Disturbance can also impact shorebird energy 
budgets (Service 2014, pp. 270-272; Hunt et al. 2018, pp. 26-29). Both 
of these effects are likely to exacerbate other threats to the rufa red 
knot, such as habitat loss from erosion and development, reduced food 
availability, asynchronies in the annual cycle, and competition with 
gulls. Disturbance that displaces birds from preferred habitats and/or 
disrupts their behavioral patterns can impair the ability of rufa red 
knots to gain or maintain sufficient weight, which can in turn impact 
fitness. Studies have found a link between the weights of rufa red 
knots leaving Delaware Bay after their spring stopover and subsequent 
survival rates, and possibly also to reproductive success (Baker et al. 
2004, p. 878; McGowan et al. 2011, p. 9; Duijins et al. 2017, entire).

Habitat Abundance and Distribution

    Rufa red knots move among, and depend on, multiple foraging and 
roosting habitat areas on local, regional, and rangewide scales. As 
discussed above, habitat selection by rufa red knots represents trade-
offs among factors including seasonal time pressures, food 
availability, predator avoidance, tides, weather, and human 
disturbance. This complex suite of factors results in shifting patterns 
of habitat use on daily, seasonal, and annual temporal scales. In 
addition, the dynamic and shifting nature of the shoreline also 
influences habitat selection over multiyear scales (e.g., through 
natural cycles of erosion and accretion). Rufa red knots make regular 
movements within (though not between) wintering regions (Niles et al. 
2012, pp. 198, 200, 202; Newstead 2014, pp. 3, 6-8; Service 2014, pp. 
43-44) and to use clusters of habitats as regional stopover complexes 
during migration (Clark et al. 2009, pp. 87, 89; Watts 2009, entire; 
Service 2014, pp. 54-55).
    We define ``staging areas'' as those stopover sites with abundant, 
predictable food resources where birds prepare for an energetic 
challenge (usually a long flight over a barrier such as an ocean) 
requiring substantial fuel stores and physiological changes without 
which significant fitness costs are incurred (Warnock 2010, p. 622). 
Staging areas are a subset of stopover habitats (Service 2020a, p. 31), 
and they serve as vital stepping stones between wintering and breeding 
areas. Shorebirds migrate along traditional routes characterized by a 
chain of key staging areas that are essential to successful migration; 
staging areas serve as vital stepping stones between wintering and 
breeding areas (Myers 1983, p. 23; International Wader Study Group 
2003, p. 10; Service 2014, p. 49). However, even a robust network of 
staging areas is not sufficient to support recovery of this subspecies. 
Rufa red knots also require an ample supply of other coastal and inland 
stopover

[[Page 37417]]

habitats distributed across the range, allowing birds to shift among 
habitat patches across multiple temporal and geographic scales in 
response to a number of stochastic conditions. Because rufa red knots 
require this flexibility, even some highly suitable and important 
nonbreeding habitats may not be used every year, and, within a given 
season, usage of particular habitat patches is likely to fluctuate 
across days and months (Service 2014, pp. 53-60; Smith et al. 2017a, p. 
3; Service 2020a, p. 32). One particular non-breeding habitat is that 
used by juvenile rufa red knots. Rufa red knots do not reach adulthood 
until 2 years of age, at which point they make their first full 
northern migration to their nesting grounds. Where they spend their 
first 2 years and their movement patterns are largely unknown. However, 
Florida and the Caribbean are likely important for this stage of their 
life (Kalasz 2021, pers. comm.).

Sea Level Rise

    Due to background rates of sea level rise and the naturally dynamic 
nature of coastal habitats, we concluded at the time of listing that 
rufa red knots are adapted to moderate (although sometimes abrupt) 
rates of habitat change in their wintering and migration areas. 
However, we also concluded, based on overwhelming evidence, that rates 
of sea level rise have increased beyond those that have occurred over 
recent millennia and continue to accelerate (Service 2014, pp. 142-143; 
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) 2013, pp. 11, 25). 
These conclusions are further supported by newer information evaluated 
in the SSA report (Service 2020a, pp. 32-36). Over the period 1902 to 
2015, global mean sea level rose by 0.5 feet (ft) (0.16 meters (m)) 
(likely range of 0.4 to 0.7 ft (0.12 to 0.21 m)) (IPCC 2019, p. 42). 
The rate of sea level rise since the mid-19th century has been larger 
than the mean rate during the previous two millennia (high confidence) 
(IPCC 2014a, p. 4). Extreme wave heights, which contribute to extreme 
sea level events and coastal erosion, have increased in the North 
Atlantic by around 0.3 in (0.8 cm) per year over the period 1985 to 
2018 (medium confidence) (IPCC 2019, p. 42).
    The rufa red knot is vulnerable to inundation of tidal flats and 
erosion of sandy beaches, which are typically caused or accelerated by 
climate-driven sea level rise (Service 2014, pp. 126-143; Vousdoukas et 
al. 2019, entire). In most of the rufa red knot's nonbreeding range, 
shorelines are expected to undergo dramatic reconfigurations over the 
next century as a result of accelerating sea level rise (USCCSP 2009, 
pp. 13, 44, 50). Extensive areas of marsh are likely to become 
inundated, which may reduce foraging and roosting habitats. Marshes may 
be able to establish farther inland, but the rate of new marsh 
formation (e.g., intertidal sediment accumulation, development of 
hydric soils, colonization of marsh vegetation) may be slower than the 
rate of deterioration of existing marsh, particularly under the high 
sea level rise scenarios (Nikitina et al. 2013, p. 11; Glick et al. 
2008, p. 6). The primary rufa red knot foraging habitats, intertidal 
flats, and sandy beaches will likely be locally or regionally inundated 
or eroded, but replacement habitats are likely to re-form along the 
shoreline in its new position (Scavia et al. 2002, p. 152; USCCSP 2009, 
p. 186). However, if shorelines experience a decades-long period of 
high instability and landward migration (i.e., under higher rates of 
sea level rise), the formation rate of new beach habitats may be slower 
than the rate of loss of existing habitats (Iwamura et al. 2013, p. 6). 
Additionally, low-lying and narrow islands, such as those along the 
U.S. Gulf and Atlantic coasts, may disintegrate rather than migrate 
(Titus 1990, p. 67; IPCC 2014b, p. 15), representing a net loss of rufa 
red knot habitat. Galbraith et al. (2002, p. 178) examined several 
scenarios of future sea level rise and projected major losses of 
intertidal habitat in Delaware Bay.
    Superimposed on these changes are widespread human attempts to 
stabilize the shoreline, which exacerbate losses of intertidal habitats 
by preventing their landward migration, and human infrastructure that 
blocks the landward migration of coastal habitats (Service 2014, pp. 
143-159). The cumulative loss of habitat across the nonbreeding range 
could affect the ability of rufa red knots to complete their annual 
cycles, possibly affecting fitness and survival, and is thereby likely 
to negatively influence the long-term survival of the rufa red knot 
(Galbraith et al. 2014, p. 7 and Supplement 1).

Summary of Physical or Biological Features

    We derive the specific physical or biological features essential to 
the conservation of rufa red knot from studies of the species' habitat, 
ecology, and life history as described below. Additional information 
can be found in the SSA report (Service 2020a, entire; available on 
http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032). We 
have determined that rufa red knots need areas where natural coastal 
processes will be able to continue well into the future to allow the 
formation of ephemeral features and the landward migration of 
coastlines in response to sea level rise. Therefore, based on the 
information above, we identify areas that support natural coastal 
processes, as well as localized areas where artificially created, 
maintained, or enhanced habitat supports important concentrations of 
red knots, as physical or biological features for the rufa red knot. 
These features are as follows:
    (1) Beaches and tidal flats used for foraging. This feature 
includes high-energy ocean- or bay-front barrier island or mainland 
beaches, as well as shorelines and tidal flats in more sheltered 
estuaries (e.g., bays, sounds, lagoons). Foraging substrates can 
include sand, mud, peat, and sand embedded with shell, gravel, or 
cobble. Foraging areas are between mean lower low water and mean higher 
high water. Suitable foraging habitats provide abundant quantities of 
accessible and appropriately sized prey items (e.g., mussels and mussel 
spat, clams, other mollusks, horseshoe crab eggs, crustaceans, 
polychaete worms), timed to occur in high densities during those 
seasons when rufa red knots are present. ``Superabundant'' prey 
densities, typically bivalves or horseshoe crab eggs, are needed in 
migration staging areas to support rapid weight gain following long-
distance flights. Large areas capable of supporting concentrations of 
shorebirds are especially important.
    (2) Upper beach areas used for roosting, preening, resting, or 
sheltering. This feature includes unvegetated or sparsely vegetated 
sand between the high water line and the primary dune line. Generally 
these sites are open, with a large viewscape for predator avoidance. 
Many sites have micro-topographic relief offering refuge from high 
winds. Large areas capable of supporting concentrations of shorebirds--
close to foraging areas, with limited predation pressure and protected 
from human disturbance--are especially important.
    (3) Ephemeral and/or dynamic coastal features used for foraging or 
roosting. This includes dynamic and ephemeral features such as sand 
spits, islets, shoals, and sandbars, features often associated with 
inlets. Other ephemeral features used by rufa red knots include tidal 
pools; wind-exposed bay bottoms or oyster reefs; and unvegetated 
overwash areas (e.g., among or behind dunes, as formed by storms or 
extreme wave action).
    (4) Ocean vegetation deposits or surf-cast wrack used for foraging 
and roosting. This feature includes Sargassum (a species of macroalgae 
in

[[Page 37418]]

oceans that inhabits shallow water and coral reefs), seagrass, or 
seaweed deposits with mussel spat attached, or surf-cast wrack that 
accumulates along beaches and supports or captures food items, such as 
horseshoe crab eggs. In some areas, rufa red knots may also roost atop 
wrack mounds.
    (5) Intertidal peat banks used for foraging and roosting. In some 
areas, exposed intertidal peat banks (e.g., along bay front beaches and 
fronting tidal marshes) provide important foraging and roosting 
habitat.
    (6) Features landward of the beach that support foraging or 
roosting. In some areas, rufa red knots use sparsely vegetated habitats 
landward of the beach berm, such as unstabilized dunes, mangrove edges, 
brackish ponds, and patches of mostly bare ground (e.g., blowouts, 
depressions, pannes) within salt marshes.
    (7) Artificial habitat mimicking natural conditions or maintaining 
the physical or biological features 1 to 6 (above). Coastal engineering 
that interferes with natural coastal processes is generally considered 
a threat to the rufa red knot. However, in some cases, artificial 
habitats mimic the natural conditions described in the other physical 
or biological features described above. Such artificial habitats can 
include nourished beaches, dredged spoil deposition sites, elevated 
road causeways, jetties, or impoundments. Additionally, some 
anthropogenic structures may promote or maintain the natural physical 
or biological features. For example, in parts of Delaware Bay, rufa red 
knot habitat features are enhanced by living shorelines (e.g., shell 
bag reefs), and in one case by a rock breakwater.

Special Management Considerations or Protection

    When designating critical habitat, we assess whether the specific 
areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time 
of listing contain features that are essential to the conservation of 
the species and which may require special management considerations or 
protection. The features essential to the conservation of the rufa red 
knot may require special management considerations or protection to 
reduce the threats to the species; these threats are described in the 
final listing rule (79 FR 73706, December 11, 2014; pp. 73707-73708), 
the Service's supplement to the proposed and final listing rule 
(Service 2014, pp. 124-314), and an updated summary in the recent SSA 
report (Service 2020a, pp. 15-18). For rufa red knot habitat, we 
grouped the primary threats that may require special management 
considerations or protection into seven threat categories:
    (1) Disturbance of foraging and roosting red knots by humans, pets 
and domestic animals (e.g., dogs (Canis lupus familiaris), cats (Felis 
catus), horses (Equus ferus caballus)), vehicles (e.g., off-road 
vehicles (ORVs), golf carts, segways, all-terrain vehicles, 
automobiles, heavy equipment, beach rakes), ships/dredges, powered and 
unpowered (e.g., kayaks) boats, personal watercraft (e.g., jet skis), 
bicycles, surf kites, kite boards, dune surfers, surf fishing, paddle 
boards, para-sails, low-flying aircraft, drones, and research 
activities. Special management considerations or protection that could 
reduce or ameliorate this threat may include (but not be limited to): 
Managing access to rufa red knot foraging or roosting habitat during 
different seasonal windows; reducing disturbance (e.g., managing 
sources of disturbance that could include humans, pets, vehicles, 
construction equipment, watercraft, and aircraft), such as through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities; providing 
designated beach access points that reduce conflict with rufa red 
knots; enforcing or creating dog restrictions during key periods; or 
minimizing boat or aircraft activity during key periods.
    (2) Predation, especially by peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus), 
hawks (Buteo spp. or Accipter spp.), red fox (Vulpes vulpes), coyotes 
(Canis latrans), raccoons (Procyon lotor), gulls (Larus spp.), feral 
cats, and owls (Bubo spp. or Tyto spp.). Special management 
considerations or protection that could reduce or ameliorate this 
threat may include (but not be limited to): Conducting predator 
control, controlling trash that may attract predators, or relocating 
any unnatural perches that attract avian predators.
    (3) Competition with gulls, especially laughing gulls (Larus 
atricilla). Special management considerations or protection that could 
reduce or ameliorate this threat may include (but not be limited to): 
Controlling trash and removing any unnatural perches, both of which 
attract gulls; and prohibiting the feeding of gulls.
    (4) Modification or loss of habitat, or both, due to residential 
and commercial development, uncontrolled recreational activities, beach 
cleaning, hard and soft beach stabilization efforts (e.g., beach 
nourishment, sediment backpassing, sand scraping, sand fencing, dredged 
material disposal, inlet channelization or relocation, construction of 
jetties, revetments, and other armoring structures), invasive species, 
sand mining and dredging, erosion, and sea level rise. Special 
management considerations or protection that could reduce or ameliorate 
this threat may include (but not be limited to): Implementing 
conservation measures (e.g., beach profiles designed to mimic natural 
habitat, ensuring a close grain size match to the native beach, 
limiting the frequency of activities to allow recovery of the prey 
base, seasonal timing to allow habitat recovery before red knots 
return) that help reduce modification or loss of habitat; managing 
sediment to abate habitat impacts from coastal engineering projects and 
sea level rise, and to maintain habitat features such as wide beaches, 
tidal flats, overwash areas, and high prey densities; coordinating with 
landowners and local managers to improve beach management practices, 
such as beach cleaning and sand fencing; implementing best management 
practices when conducting habitat restoration activities (e.g., 
creating living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, conducting 
facilitated shoreline migration, maintaining and managing water control 
structures to provide rufa red knot habitat); conducting public 
outreach and education (especially on private and possibly State 
lands); and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas 
drilling activities through facility placement, spill response plans, 
and training.
    (5) Threats to the rufa red knot's food supply that can be managed 
or mitigated at the local or regional level (e.g., unsustainable levels 
of marine crab harvest, excessive driving, and certain coastal 
engineering practices). Special management considerations or protection 
that could reduce or ameliorate this threat may include (but not be 
limited to): Monitoring and managing beach invertebrates; limiting 
vehicle use; implementing conservation measures for coastal engineering 
projects (e.g., sediment grain size; frequency, timing, and scope of 
sediment placement); and managing horseshoe crab fisheries, such as for 
bait and biomedical uses.
    (6) Insufficient water quality or pollution control that may 
trigger or worsen harmful algal blooms. Special management 
considerations or protection that could reduce or ameliorate this 
threat may include (but not be limited to): Working with local 
pollution authorities to limit those point discharges or non-point 
sources that are substantially impairing water quality or contributing 
to the frequency or severity of red tides or other harmful blooms.

[[Page 37419]]

    (7) Human-caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused 
disasters such as oil spills, oil spill response including beach 
cleaning and berm construction, and response to natural disasters 
(e.g., hurricanes). Special management considerations or protection 
that could reduce or ameliorate this threat may include (but not be 
limited to): Considering oil facility placement alternatives, preparing 
spill response plans, conducting oil spill training, conducting debris 
cleanup after a natural disaster while concurrently minimizing 
disturbance to rufa red knots, and establishing protocols and 
agreements to allow storm-enhanced habitats to persist.

Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat

    As required by section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we use the best 
scientific data available to designate critical habitat. In accordance 
with the Act and our implementing regulations at 50 CFR 424.12(b), we 
review available information pertaining to the habitat requirements of 
the species and identify specific areas within the geographical area 
occupied by the species at the time of listing and any specific areas 
outside the geographical area occupied by the species to be considered 
for designation as critical habitat. We are not currently proposing to 
designate any areas outside the geographical area occupied by the 
species because we have not identified any unoccupied areas that meet 
the definition of critical habitat. Within areas of the species' range 
under U.S. jurisdiction, we determined that occupied areas are 
sufficient for the conservation of the species, following our 
evaluation of all suitable habitat across the species range that has 
documented use by rufa red knots.
    The recovery strategy detailed in the species' draft Recovery Plan 
(Service 2021, entire) is to prevent loss of the rufa red knot's 
adaptive capacity by maintaining representation within and among four 
Recovery Units: (1) Southern (Atlantic coasts of Argentina and Chile), 
(2) North Coast of South America, (3) Western Gulf of Mexico/Central 
America, and (4) Southeast United States/Caribbean, and improving their 
resiliency and redundancy. Recovery efforts in the United States and in 
other portions of the subspecies' range will focus on protecting, 
restoring, maintaining, and managing important nonbreeding habitats for 
adults and juveniles. Recovery actions are designed to directly abate 
threats to rufa red knots in their wintering and migration ranges 
(which includes those areas identified as proposed critical habitat in 
this rule), and will also increase resiliency of populations to 
withstand threats that stem from climate change on their Arctic 
breeding grounds and elsewhere. These actions include monitoring and 
safeguarding ample food supplies, preventing impacts from development 
and shoreline stabilization, managing human disturbance, and restoring 
key habitats. They may also include land acquisition, facilitated 
migration of certain beaches or tidal flats, and restoring natural 
coastal processes that create and maintain rufa red knot habitat. 
Consistent with the Act and implementing policies, as well as recovery 
needs throughout the species' annual cycles, the draft Recovery Plan 
includes necessary recovery actions across the range of the rufa red 
knot. Although many Service-led recovery actions will focus on the U.S. 
portions of the range, the Service will also coordinate with and 
support the recovery efforts of foreign governments and other partners 
in portions of the range outside the United States.
    Sources of data for this proposed critical habitat designation 
include 2020 eBird data (eBird 2020, website), and multiple local and 
regional sources as available (e.g., reports, databases, and 
geolocator/resighting data maintained by State Fish and Wildlife 
Departments, universities, local governments, and nonprofit 
organizations across the range of the species (see SSA report; Service 
2020a, entire)). For some areas where multiple sources of information 
were available, we used either one or both sources, ensuring that 
records used were not duplicated and included the best available 
information. Our analysis included reviewing the best available 
information that pertains to the habitat requirements of this species, 
as presented in the ``Species Biology'' and ``Subspecies Needs'' 
sections of the SSA report (Service 2020a, pp. 4-14); sources of this 
information include studies conducted at occupied sites and published 
in peer-reviewed articles and agency reports, and data collected during 
monitoring efforts, such as aerial surveys and tracking or resighting 
data.
    A detailed step-down methodology was developed for identifying 
proposed critical habitat areas (see the supplemental ``Methodology'' 
document available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov under 
Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032). In summary, for areas within the 
geographic area occupied by the species at the time of listing, we 
delineated critical habitat unit boundaries based on our evaluation and 
consideration of the following:
    (1) Migration patterns/locations across the range of the subspecies 
within the United States, including migratory stopovers away from the 
coasts. This includes the migration premise that 100 percent of rufa 
red knots winter within or south of the United States and 100 percent 
of the subspecies breed north of the United States. Therefore, 100 
percent of rufa red knots migrate through the United States. However, 
rufa red knots from the four different wintering regions (as described 
in Service 2020a, p. 9) are differentially reliant on the various 
regions of the U.S. coast for migration stopovers (Service 2020a, pp. 
6-7).
    (2) Landforms (e.g., islands, inlet complexes) and breaks in 
suitable habitats (e.g., sections of high-density development, open 
water), which are key factors in delineating units.
    (3) Gaps between rufa red knot records (another key factor in 
delineating units).
    (4) Temporal metrics to delineate seasonal occurrence windows 
(i.e., spring migration, fall migration, wintering) and to minimize the 
potential for double-counting birds.
    (5) Numerical metrics showing consistent habitat use by substantial 
numbers of rufa red knots, as an indicator that the physical and 
biological features of each area are essential to the conservation of 
the subspecies. Regarding bird numbers, we adapted the approach of the 
Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network, which designates as 
``Sites of Regional Importance'' those areas that support at least one 
percent of a biogeographic population. We used one percent as a key 
indicator of a habitat's importance, and we applied the one percent 
metric to derived estimates of regional population sizes. Best 
available data from several sources were considered and used to 
estimate the wintering and/or migration population sizes for each of 
several U.S. regions. (The various regions were delineated based on 
resighting and tracking data.) Consistency of use was indicated for 
those areas that supported the minimum number of rufa red knots (i.e., 
at least one percent of the estimated population for that region in 
that season) for at least 3 of the past 10 years. In some areas, 10-
year data sets were unavailable; in those cases, we used 1 year in 3 as 
the minimum.
    (6) Adjustments to account for differences between observational 
data (e.g., ground and aerial surveys, eBird) versus population 
estimates derived from modeling.
    (7) Food availability, including the rufa red knot's need to take 
advantage

[[Page 37420]]

of seasonally abundant food resources. This relates to the well-
documented correlations (e.g., Botton et al. 1994, p. 605; Karpanty et 
al. 2006, p. 1,706; Niles et al. 2008, pp. 17, 19; Smith et al. 2008, 
p. 15; Cohen et al. 2010a, pp. 659-661; Cohen et al. 2010b, p. 355; 
Fraser et al. 2010, p. 97; GDNR 2013; SCDNR 2013, p. 37; Thibault and 
Levisen 2013, p. 6) between the spatial distribution of rufa red knots 
and the distribution of their primary prey species.
    (8) The subspecies' need for flexibility in the selection of 
wintering and migration habitats to respond to daily, seasonal, and 
annual changes in conditions such as weather, tides, coastal processes, 
predation pressure, competition, and disturbance from human activities 
(Service 2014, pp. 71, 195, 259; Smith et al. 2017a, p. 3).
    (9) Once areas were identified to meet the criteria summarized 
above, the best available data was further evaluated to ensure that the 
area(s) were occupied at the time of listing. For example, if all data 
used to meet the numerical metrics were recorded after January 12, 2015 
(i.e., the effective date of the rufa red knot final listing rule), 
then a separate check was conducted to verify that the area was known 
to be occupied by at least some rufa red knots at the time of listing.
    Once this methodology was applied and evaluated across the regions 
of the United States where concentrations of rufa red knots may occur, 
units and subunits were then drawn based on the most recent available 
aerial or satellite imagery. In deciding whether to draw a single large 
unit or multiple units/subunits, we aimed to facilitate consistent 
management of each unit and subunit through section 7 consultation by 
distinguishing concentration areas of the same ownership or 
jurisdiction. Additionally, we evaluated older imagery dating back as 
far as 2010 to estimate the range of landform movement (e.g., landward 
island migration, landward shoreline migration, cyclic patterns of 
erosion/accretion, movement of shoals). Due to the dynamic nature of 
the coastline, units and subunits inevitably include some areas that do 
not currently, or may not in the future, contain the physical or 
biological features such as densely vegetated marsh or open water. In 
some instances, these areas are included to allow the dynamic physical 
or biological features to move across the landscape, noting that where 
they occur within a unit, they will be excluded by the unit 
descriptions.
    We propose to designate as critical habitat lands that we have 
determined were occupied at the time of listing (i.e., specifically 
referring to January 12, 2015, which is the effective date for the 
December 11, 2014, final listing rule (79 FR 73706)), that contain one 
or more of the physical or biological features that are essential to 
support life-history processes of the species, and that may require 
special management considerations or protection.
    We propose to designate as critical habitat 120 units (18 of which 
are further subdivided into 46 subunits) based on one or more of the 
physical or biological features being present to support the rufa red 
knot's life-history processes. Some units contain all of the identified 
physical or biological features and support multiple life-history 
processes, while other units contain only some of the physical or 
biological features necessary to support the rufa red knot's particular 
use of that habitat.
    For the rufa red knot, most of the units contain highly dynamic 
barrier beaches and intertidal seashore areas that are covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. This area has the potential to vary 
year-to-year. In other words, the precise location of the physical or 
biological features may shift daily as a result of tides, but also may 
shift over time because of the intrinsically dynamic nature of 
shorelines, and due to sea level rise. In general, the physical or 
biological features we describe are the intertidal areas and sandy 
beaches up to the vegetated areas that do not contain the physical or 
biological features, noting that availability of different habitats 
based on the tide cycle may also cause rufa red knots to vary foraging 
or roosting locations throughout a day and/or forage at night.
    The proposed critical habitat designation is defined by the map or 
maps, as modified by any accompanying regulatory text, presented at the 
end of this document. We include more detailed information on the 
boundaries of the proposed critical habitat designation in the 
discussion of individual units, below. We will make the coordinates or 
plot points or both on which each map is based available to the public 
on http://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032. 
When determining proposed critical habitat boundaries, we made every 
effort to avoid including developed areas such as lands covered by 
pavement, buildings, and other structures (e.g., docks, maintained 
rights-of-way, work yards, and stormwater facilities) because such 
lands lack physical or biological features necessary for the rufa red 
knot. The scale of the maps we prepared under the parameters for 
publication within the Code of Federal Regulations may not reflect the 
exclusion of such developed lands. Any such lands inadvertently left 
inside critical habitat boundaries shown on the maps of this proposed 
rule have been excluded by text in the proposed rule and are not 
proposed for designation as critical habitat. Therefore, if the 
critical habitat is finalized as proposed, a Federal action involving 
these lands would not trigger section 7 consultation under the Act with 
respect to critical habitat and the requirement of no adverse 
modification unless the specific action would affect the physical or 
biological features in the adjacent critical habitat.

Proposed Critical Habitat Designation

    We are proposing 120 units (18 of which are further subdivided into 
46 subunits) as critical habitat for rufa red knot, all of which were 
occupied at the time of listing, and totaling approximately 649,066 ac 
(262,667 ha). Table 1, below, shows the proposed unit or subunit names, 
land ownership, and approximate acreage. The land ownership values in 
many (but not all) proposed critical habitat units also include a 
category called ``uncategorized lands.'' For the purposes of this 
analysis and proposed critical habitat designation, this category 
refers to open water. Although open water is not rufa red knot habitat 
per se, it is an integral part of the habitat mosaic that these birds 
require. Rufa red knots use the edges of certain coastal ponds, marsh 
blow-outs, salt pannes, and sand or mud flats that may be classified by 
some States as open water if they are submerged during high tides. 
Additionally, open waters at inlets are regularly reshaped by natural 
coastal processes that create and maintain dynamic and ephemeral rufa 
red knot habitat features, such as shoals and spits.
    The areas we propose as critical habitat for the rufa red knot are 
presented below and organized by State, north to south. Brief 
descriptions of all units and subunits are presented, including the 
reasons why they meet the definition of critical habitat for the rufa 
red knot. All units contain one or more of the physical and biological 
features essential to the conservation of the species and that may 
require special management considerations or protection. Also, many of 
the proposed units overlap in part or whole with existing critical 
habitat designated for other federally threatened species (i.e., the 
piping plover (Charadrius melodus), the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta 
caretta), the Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi), and the 
West

[[Page 37421]]

Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)), and one federally endangered 
species (i.e., the aboriginal prickly-apple (Harrisia aboriginum)), as 
specified below (Table 2).
    Additional considerations include:
    (1) Most of the units contain highly dynamic barrier beaches and 
intertidal seashore areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide. This area has the potential to vary year-to-year. In other 
words, the precise location of the physical or biological features may 
shift daily as a result of tides, but also may shift over time somewhat 
because of the intrinsically dynamic nature of shorelines and due to 
sea level rise. In general, the physical or biological features we 
describe are the intertidal areas and sandy beaches up to the vegetated 
or developed areas that do not contain the physical or biological 
features.
    (2) The availability of different habitats based on the tide cycle 
may also cause rufa red knots to vary foraging or roosting locations 
throughout a day and/or forage at night.

              Table 1--Proposed Critical Habitat Land Ownership and Unit Size for the Rufa Red Knot
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                    Approximate     Approximate
 Critical habitat unit or subunit name (state)       Land ownership by type            acres         hectares
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Massachusetts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA-1 Pleasant Bay.............................  Federal.........................             126              51
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           1,596             646
                                                Uncategorized...................           2,634           1,066
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           4,357           1,763
MA-2 Monomoy and South Beach Islands..........  Federal.........................           4,047           1,638
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           1,045             423
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           5,093           2,061
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    New York
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY-1 Moriches Inlet...........................  Federal.........................              78              32
                                                State...........................              63              25
                                                Private/Other...................             163              66
                                                Uncategorized...................             697             282
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,001             405
NY-2 Jones Inlet..............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             710             287
                                                Private/Other...................           1,111             450
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,821             737
NY-3 Jamaica Bay..............................  Federal.........................           5,458           2,209
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           5,458           2,209
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   New Jersey
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NJ-1 Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets.........  Federal.........................           1,560             632
                                                State...........................           3,187           1,291
                                                Private/Other...................              10               4
                                                Uncategorized...................           4,961           2,006
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           9,719           3,933
NJ-2 Seven Mile Beach.........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................             536             217
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             536             217
NJ-3 Hereford Inlet...........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             175              71
                                                Private/Other...................             735             297
                                                Uncategorized...................             721             292
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,631             660
NJ-4 Two Mile Beach...........................  Federal.........................             128              52
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0

[[Page 37422]]

 
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             128              52
NJ-5 Cape May Bayshore........................  Federal.........................             133              54
                                                State...........................              44              18
                                                Private/Other...................             167              67
                                                Uncategorized...................             858             347
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,202             487
NJ-6 Dennis Creek.............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             279             113
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             279             113
NJ-7 Heislerville.............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             524             211
                                                Private/Other...................             459             186
                                                Uncategorized...................             127              52
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,110             449
NJ-8 Egg Island...............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,908             773
                                                Private/Other...................              32              13
                                                Uncategorized...................              14               5
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,955             791
NJ-9 Newport Neck.............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             202              82
                                                Private/Other...................             176              71
                                                Uncategorized...................              93              38
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             472             191
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Delaware
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DE-1A St. Jones North.........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................              37              15
                                                Private/Other...................               3               1
                                                Uncategorized...................               3               1
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              43              18
DE-1B St. Jones South.........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               1             0.5
                                                Private/Other...................               2             0.6
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................               3               1
DE-2A North Brokonbridge Gut..................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               2               1
                                                Private/Other...................              91              37
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              93              37
DE-2B South Brokonbridge Gut..................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................              70              29
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              70              29
DE-3A Main Harbor.............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................              32              13
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................              29              12
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              61              25
DE-3B Rawley Island Roost.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,139             461
                                                Private/Other...................             153              62
                                                Uncategorized...................               6               2
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,298             525

[[Page 37423]]

 
DE-3C Slaughter Beach.........................  Federal.........................               1            0.25
                                                State...........................              59              24
                                                Private/Other...................               2               1
                                                Uncategorized...................             528             213
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             590             239
DE-4 Prime Hook...............................  Federal.........................             480             195
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               6               2
                                                Uncategorized...................              63              25
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             549             222
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Virginia
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-1 Assateague Island........................  Federal.........................           2,817           1,140
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,817           1,140
VA-2A Wallops Island North....................  Federal.........................             540             218
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             540             218
VA-2B Wallops Island South....................  Federal.........................              31              13
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              31              13
VA-3 Assawoman Island.........................  Federal.........................             633             256
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             633             256
VA-4 Metompkin Island.........................  Federal.........................              64              26
                                                State...........................              56              22
                                                Private/Other...................           1,239             502
                                                Uncategorized...................             110              44
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,468             594
VA-5 Cedar Island.............................  Federal.........................             203              82
                                                State...........................              77              31
                                                Private/Other...................             920             372
                                                Uncategorized...................           1,074             434
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,274             920
VA-6 Parramore Island.........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           5,631           2,280
                                                Uncategorized...................           1,171             473
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           6,802           2,753
VA-7 Chimney Pole Marsh.......................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,224             496
                                                Private/Other...................             285             116
                                                Uncategorized...................             495             200
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,004             811
VA-8 Hog Island...............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................              16               7
                                                Private/Other...................           2,966           1,201
                                                Uncategorized...................             253             101
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           3,235           1,309
VA-9 Cobb Island..............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................              16               7
                                                Private/Other...................           1,778             720

[[Page 37424]]

 
                                                Uncategorized...................             547             221
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,342             948
VA-10 Little Cobb Island......................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................              82              33
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              82              33
VA-11 Wreck Island............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,270             514
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,270             514
VA-12 Myrtle Island...........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           1,028             417
                                                Uncategorized...................             388             156
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,416             573
VA-13 Smith Island............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           2,529           1,024
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,529           1,024
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 North Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-1A Hatteras Island and Shoals..............  Federal.........................           4,940           1,999
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................             814             329
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           5,754           2,329
NC-1B Ocracoke Island.........................  Federal.........................           1,427             577
                                                State...........................           3,612           1,462
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................             575             233
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           5,613           2,271
NC-2A North Core Banks........................  Federal.........................           6,534           2,644
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................           1,654             669
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           8,187           3,313
NC-2B South Core Banks........................  Federal.........................           3,094           1,252
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           3,094           1,252
NC-3 Shackleford Island.......................  Federal.........................           4,972           2,012
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           4,972           2,012
NC-4 Emerald Isle-Atlantic Beach..............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,908             772
                                                Private/Other...................             122              50
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,030             822
NC-5 New Topsail Inlet-Topsail Beach..........  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           1,612             652
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,612             652

[[Page 37425]]

 
NC-6 Cape Fear-Fort Fisher....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,713             693
                                                Private/Other...................             274             111
                                                Uncategorized...................            0.00               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,986             804
NC-7 Ocean Isle Beach.........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             182              73
                                                Private/Other...................             116              47
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             298             120
NC-8 Sunset Beach-Bird Island.................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             345             139
                                                Private/Other...................              39              16
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             384             155
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 South Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-1 Garden City Beach........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             267             108
                                                Private/Other...................             349             141
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             616             249
SC-2 Huntington Beach State Park/Litchfield     Federal.........................               0               0
 Beach.
                                                State...........................              80              32
                                                Private/Other...................           1,554             629
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,634             661
SC-3 Sand and South Island Beaches............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           7,843           3,174
                                                Private/Other...................             129              52
                                                Uncategorized...................             283             115
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           8,256           3,341
SC-4 Murphy Island Beach......................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           8,312           3,364
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           8,312           3,364
SC-5 North Cape Island Beach..................  Federal.........................             775             313
                                                State...........................             495             200
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,270             514
SC-6 South Cape and Lighthouse Island Beaches.  Federal.........................           1,552             628
                                                State...........................             485             196
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,037             824
SC-7 Raccoon Key Complex and White Banks        Federal.........................           5,324           2,154
 Beaches.
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           5,324           2,154
SC-8 Marsh Island.............................  Federal.........................             415             168
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             415             168
SC-9 Bulls Island Beach.......................  Federal.........................           5,200           2,104
                                                State...........................             941             381
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0

[[Page 37426]]

 
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           6,141           2,485
SC-10 Capers Island Beach.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           2,534           1,026
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,534           1,026
SC-11 Dewees Island Beach.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             265             107
                                                Private/Other...................           1,547             626
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,812             733
SC-12 Isle of Palms Beach.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             754             305
                                                Private/Other...................           3,363           1,361
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           4,117           1,666
SC-13 Sullivan's Island Beach.................  Federal.........................              83              34
                                                State...........................             694             281
                                                Private/Other...................           1,005             407
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,782             721
SC-14 Folly Beach.............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           1,989             805
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,989             805
SC-15 Bird Key-Stono..........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             294             119
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             294             119
SC-16 Kiawah and Seabrook Island Beaches......  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,399             566
                                                Private/Other...................           9,850           3,986
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          11,250           4,553
SC-17 Deveaux Bank............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,328             538
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,328             538
SC-18 Edisto Island Beaches...................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             650             263
                                                Private/Other...................           1,093             442
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,743             705
SC-19 Pine and Otter Island Beaches...........  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           6,296           2,548
                                                Private/Other...................               6               2
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           6,302           2,550
SC-20 Harbor and Hunting Island Beaches.......  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           3,246           1,313
                                                Private/Other...................             820             331
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           4,066           1,645
SC-21 Fripp Island Beach......................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             305             124
                                                Private/Other...................             429             174

[[Page 37427]]

 
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             734             297
SC-22 Hilton Head Island Beach................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,015             411
                                                Private/Other...................             667             270
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,682             681
SC-23 Daufuskie Island Beach..................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           6,370           2,578
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           6,370           2,578
SC-24 Turtle Island Beach.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,798             728
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,798             728
SC-25 Jones Island Beach......................  Federal.........................             785             318
                                                State...........................           2,240             907
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           3,025           1,225
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Georgia
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
GA-1 Tybee Island Beach.......................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               6               2
                                                Private/Other...................           1,721             697
                                                Uncategorized...................             319             129
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,046             828
GA-2 Little Tybee Island Complex..............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................           8,265           3,345
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           8,265           3,345
GA-3 Wassaw Island Beach......................  Federal.........................           3,001           1,215
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................             274             111
                                                Uncategorized...................           1,020             412
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           4,296           1,738
GA-4 Raccoon Key..............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,599             647
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,599             647
GA-5 Ossabaw Island Beach.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................          28,621          11,591
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................           3,736           1,503
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          32,357          13,094
GA-6 St. Catherine's Island Beach.............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           2,106             853
                                                Private/Other...................          11,810           4,783
                                                Uncategorized...................           2,046             824
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          15,962           6,460
GA-7 Blackbeard Island Beach..................  Federal.........................           4,954           2,006
                                                State...........................              80              32
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................           1,287             519
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           6,321           2,557

[[Page 37428]]

 
GA-8 Sapelo Island Beach......................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           2,481             845
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,481             845
GA-9 Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg        Federal.........................           2,975           1,204
 Island, and Little Egg Island Bar.
                                                State...........................             240              97
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................           2,093             847
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           5,308           2,148
GA-10 Little St. Simon's Island Beach.........  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             113              46
                                                Private/Other...................           7,462           3,022
                                                Uncategorized...................           1,479             596
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           9,053           3,664
GA-11 Sea and St. Simon's Island Beaches......  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               4               1
                                                Private/Other...................           3,448           1,395
                                                Uncategorized...................             581             235
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           4,033           1,631
GA-12 Jekyll Island Beach.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           5,944           2,406
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................             343             139
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           6,287           2,545
GA-13 Little Cumberland and Cumberland Island   Federal.........................          23,367           9,464
 Beaches.
                                                State...........................           1,685             682
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................           3,085           1,241
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          28,137          11,387
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Florida
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-1 Nassau Sound-Fort George Sound-Fort        Federal.........................             996             404
 George Inlet Complex.
                                                State...........................             522             211
                                                Private/Other...................              27              11
                                                Uncategorized...................           2,779           6,116
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           4,324           6,742
FL-2 Ponce Inlet Complex......................  Federal.........................          16,660           6,742
                                                State...........................           3,005           1,216
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................              18               7
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          19,683           7,965
FL-3 Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge    Federal.........................           6,947           2,811
 Impoundments.
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           6,947           2,811
FL-4A Cape Romano Complex.....................  Federal.........................          13,138           5,321
                                                State...........................          12,605           5,105
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................             470             182
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          26,213          10,608
FL-4B Marco Island............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             408             165
                                                Private/Other...................               8               3
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             416             168
FL-5 Marco Bay Complex........................  Federal.........................               0               0

[[Page 37429]]

 
                                                State...........................           3,531           1,429
                                                Private/Other...................              58              24
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           3,589           1,453
FL-6A Cocohatchee Inlet Complex...............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               9               4
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................               9               4
FL-6B Barefoot Beach..........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................              18               7
                                                Private/Other...................              21               9
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              39              16
FL-7A Lovers Key..............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               4               1
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................               4               1
FL-7B Estero Island...........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             171              69
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             171              69
FL-8 Bunche Beach.............................  Federal.........................              23               9
                                                State...........................             264             107
                                                Private/Other...................              47              19
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             334             135
FL-9A J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife   Federal.........................           3,451           1,397
 Refuge.
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           3,451           1,397
FL-9B Sanibel Island..........................  Federal.........................             307             124
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             307             124
FL-10A Don Pedro..............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             147              60
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             147              60
FL-10B Stump Pass Beach State Park............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................              11               4
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              11               4
FL-11 Siesta Key..............................  Federal.........................               0
                                                State...........................              53              21
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              53              21
FL-12A Lido Key...............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................              81              33
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              81              33
FL-12B Longboat Key...........................  Federal.........................               0               0

[[Page 37430]]

 
                                                State...........................             369             149
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             369             149
FL-13 North Anna Maria Island.................  Federal.........................              56              23
                                                State...........................             889             360
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             945             383
FL-14 Egmont Key..............................  Federal.........................              15               6
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................              15               6
FL-15A Fort De Soto County Park...............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................             427             173
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             427             173
FL-15B Shell Key Preserve.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             322             130
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             322             130
FL-15C Saint Petersburg Beach.................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             107              43
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             107              43
FL-16 Indian Shores/Redington Beach...........  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             196              79
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             196              79
FL-17 Belleair Beach..........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             123              50
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             123              50
FL-18A Caladesi Island........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             259             105
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             259             105
FL-18B Honeymoon Island.......................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             294             119
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             294             119
FL-18C Three Rooker Bar.......................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             335             136
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             335             136
FL-19 Anclote Key.............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,547             626
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,547             626
FL-20 Cedar Keys Complex......................  Federal.........................           2,498           1,012

[[Page 37431]]

 
                                                State...........................           7,792           3,153
                                                Private/Other...................           5,928           2,293
                                                Uncategorized...................          19,407           7,959
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          35,626          14,417
FL-21 St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge......  Federal.........................           2,074             839
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,074             839
FL-22A Mashes Sands...........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             262             106
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             262             106
FL-22B Bald Point State Park..................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             439             178
                                                Private/Other...................               6               2
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             445             180
FL-22C Alligator Point........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................             722             292
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             722             292
FL-23A Turkey Point Shoal.....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             531             215
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             531             215
FL-23B Lanark Reef............................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             805             326
                                                Private/Other...................              61              25
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             865             350
FL-23C East Dog Island........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................             771             312
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             771             312
FL-23D West Dog Island........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................             751             304
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             751             304
FL-23E McKissack Beach, Carrabelle............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             114              46
                                                Private/Other...................               3               1
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             117              47
FL-23F East St. George Island State Park......  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             978             396
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             978             396
FL-23G St. George Island State Park and         Federal.........................               0               0
 Bayshore Shoals.
                                                State...........................             162              65
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             162              65
FL-24A Little St. George Island State Park-     Federal.........................               0               0
 West.

[[Page 37432]]

 
                                                State...........................             953             386
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             953             386
FL-24B St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge...  Federal.........................             742             300
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             742             300
FL-24C Flagg Island Shoals....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             517             209
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             517             209
FL-25A Cape San Blas to Indian Pass...........  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             133              54
                                                Private/Other...................             486             197
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             620             251
FL-25B St. Joseph Bay-Eastern Shore...........  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             761             308
                                                Private/Other...................              66              27
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             827             335
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Alabama
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL-1 Dauphin Island...........................  Federal.........................             484             196
                                                State...........................             848             343
                                                Private/Other...................           3,834           1,552
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           5,167           2,091
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Mississippi
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MS-1 Ship Island..............................  Federal.........................           2,452             993
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,452             993
MS-2 Cat Island...............................  Federal.........................             686             278
                                                State...........................           1,305             528
                                                Private/Other...................             129              52
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,121             858
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Louisiana
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA-1 Chandeleur Islands.......................  Federal.........................           7,632           3,088
                                                State...........................               0               0
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           7,632           3,088
LA-2 Barataria Barrier Islands and Headlands..  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             126              51
                                                Private/Other...................           7,669           3,104
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           7,795           3,155
LA-3 Terrebonne Barrier Islands...............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           2,900           1,173
                                                Private/Other...................           2,172             879

[[Page 37433]]

 
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           5,072           2,052
LA-4 Southwest Louisiana Beaches..............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,497             606
                                                Private/Other...................           4,633           1,875
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           6,130           2,481
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Texas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-1 Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats...........  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             268             108
                                                Private/Other...................             996             403
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,264             511
TX-2 West Galveston Island....................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             307             124
                                                Private/Other...................             282             114
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             590             239
TX-3 Cedar Lake to Colorado River.............  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................           1,075             438
                                                Private/Other...................             128              52
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,204             487
TX-4 Mustang Island...........................  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             395             160
                                                Private/Other...................             253             102
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             648             262
TX-5 Mollie Beattie Coastal Habitat...........  Federal.........................               0               0
                                                State...........................             505             205
                                                Private/Other...................             218              88
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................             723             293
TX-6 North Padre Island.......................  Federal.........................           2,487           1,007
                                                State...........................              68              27
                                                Private/Other...................             262             106
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           2,817           1,140
TX-7 Upper Laguna Madre/Nighthawk Bay.........  Federal.........................             273             111
                                                State...........................             816             330
                                                Private/Other...................              68              28
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................           1,157             469
TX-8 Dagger Hill/Yarborough Pass/Nine Mile      Federal.........................           9,731           3,938
 Hole.
                                                State...........................          23,042           9,332
                                                Private/Other...................               0               0
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          32,773          13,270
TX-9 Pintail Lake/Padre Island/La Punta Larga.  Federal.........................          25,881          10,482
                                                State...........................          34,165          13,826
                                                Private/Other...................          34,125          13,802
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          94,171          38,110
TX-10 Peyton's Bay/Arroyo Colorado/Three        Federal.........................           8,145           3,296
 Islands/Gabrielson Island.
                                                State...........................          25,316          10,245
                                                Private/Other...................           2,190             886
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------

[[Page 37434]]

 
                                                   Total........................          35,651          14,427
TX-11 South Bay/Boca Chica....................  Federal.........................           5,536           2,242
                                                State...........................           3,923           1,589
                                                Private/Other...................           5,784           2,342
                                                Uncategorized...................               0               0
                                                                                 -------------------------------
                                                   Total........................          15,243           6,173
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Note: Numbers may not sum due to rounding.


                      Table 2--Co-Occurring Critical Habitat Designations That Overlap Proposed Critical Habitat for Rufa Red Knot
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                          Area of overlap with designated critical habitat in acres (ac)/hectares (ha) (# of proposed rufa red knot     Total overlap
                                                               units or subunits overlapping)                                          (combined)  for
         State          ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------    each state  in
                                                  Loggerhead sea                                                Aboriginal prickly-      acres (ac)/
                             Piping plover            turtle          West indian manatee     Gulf sturgeon            apple            hectares (ha)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
North Carolina.........  10,621 ac/4,298 ha    3,523 ac/1,426 ha(3)  N/A.................  N/A................  N/A................  13,874 ac/5,614 ha.
                          (10).
South Carolina.........  4,955 ac/2,005        5,315 ac/2,151        N/A.................  N/A................  N/A................  9,302 ac/3,764 ha.
                          ha(13).               ha(12).
Georgia................  15,369 ac/6,220       10,903 ac/4,412       N/A.................  N/A................  N/A................  21,698 ac/8,781 ha.
                          ha(12).               ha(7).
Florida................  7,617 ac/3,082 ha     7,114 ac/2,879 ha     20,720 ac/8,385 ha    8,970 ac/3,630       77 ac/31 ha (4)....  37,801 ac/15,297
                          (20).                 (17).                 (11).                 ha(11).                                   ha.
Alabama................  2,381 ac/963 ha (1).  N/A.................  N/A.................  N/A................  N/A................  2,381 ac/963 ha.
Mississippi............  4,538 ac/1,837 ha     N/A.................  N/A.................  1,866 ac/755 ha (2)  N/A................  4,488 ac/ 1,816 ha.
                          (2).
Louisiana..............  17,154 ac/6,942 ha    N/A.................  N/A.................  N/A................  N/A................  17,154 ac/6,942 ha.
                          (4).
Texas..................  153,726 ac/62,211 ha  N/A.................  N/A.................  N/A................  N/A................  153,726 ac/62,211
                          (11).                                                                                                       ha.
                        --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Total..............  216,361 ac/87,558 ha  26,855 ac/10,868 ha   20,720 ac/8,385 ha    10,836 ac/4,385 ha   77 ac/31 ha (4)....  260,424 ac/105,388
                          (73).                 (39).                 (11).                 (13).                                     ha.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* Totals may not sum due to rounding.

    We present brief descriptions of all units and subunits, and 
reasons why they meet the definition of critical habitat for the rufa 
red knot, below.

Unit MA-1: Pleasant Bay

    Unit MA-1 consists of approximately 4,357 ac (1,763 ha) of highly 
dynamic barrier beaches and intertidal (i.e., seashore that is covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide) areas in the towns of Chatham 
and Orleans in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. The unit includes 
exposed intertidal flats, shoals, mudflats, and intertidal salt marsh 
pannes in Little Pleasant Bay and Pleasant Bay, and ephemeral tidal 
pools, primary sand dunes, and beaches associated with Nauset Beach 
South (Orleans), North Beach (Chatham), and North Beach Island 
(Chatham). The unit begins in the mid-section of Little Pleasant Bay 
going east to ``mean lower low water'' (MLLW; i.e., the lowest of the 
low tides per day averaged over a 19-year period) on the east side of 
Nauset Beach South, continuing south along Nauset Beach South and North 
Beach to North Beach Island at MLLW and terminating at the natural 
channel between North Beach Island and South Beach Island (Chatham). 
The western side of the unit runs offshore of the mainland, west of 
small islands in Pleasant and Little Pleasant Bays (Little Sipson 
Island, Strong Island, and Tern Island), incorporating intertidal lands 
associated with the islands. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 126 ac (51 ha; 3 percent) in Federal ownership, 1,596 ac 
(646 ha; 37 percent) in private/other ownership, and 2,634 ac (1,066 
ha; 60 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this 
unit is primarily recreational, including off-shore and surf fishing, 
shellfish digging, (both recreational and commercial), boating, over-
sand vehicle use, sunbathing, swimming, and walking.
    Unit MA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. The unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site in the New England portion of 
the subspecies range. Additionally, this location consistently supports 
a few thousand migrating rufa red knots due to the large intertidal 
areas and beach habitat that provides multiple foraging and roosting 
habitat areas for the birds to build energy resources for migration.
    Threats identified within Unit MA-1 include disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities including 
but not limited to, pets and domestic animals, ORVs, powered and 
unpowered boats, surf kites, and surf fishing, predation (especially by 
migrating raptors and owls), possible modification or loss of habitat 
(e.g., dredging or mining of sand flats), and natural or human-caused 
disasters (i.e., oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills through protective spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The National Park Service (NPS) manages Cape Cod 
National Seashore under a comprehensive shorebird management plan (NPS 
2018, entire) (Shorebird

[[Page 37435]]

Plan). However, due to the small and isolated nature of NPS inholdings 
in this unit, these areas are not actively managed under the Shorebird 
Plan.

Unit MA-2: Monomoy and South Beach Islands

    Unit MA-2 consists of 5,093 ac (2,061 ha) of highly dynamic barrier 
beaches and intertidal areas in the town of Chatham in Barnstable 
County, Massachusetts. The unit includes exposed intertidal sand and 
mud flats and shoals, ephemeral tidal pools, saltmarsh, primary sand 
dunes, and beaches associated with North and South Monomoy Islands, 
Minimoy Island, and the South Beach Island complex (multiple islands 
associated with South Beach as the island naturally grows and splits 
over time). The northeastern tip of the unit incorporates the South 
Beach Island complex and adjacent intertidal sand and mud flats and 
shoals, and runs south to include North and South Monomoy Islands, 
Minimoy Island (part of the Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)), 
and the extensive intertidal sand flats adjacent to the islands and 
south of Morris Island (Chatham). Lands within this unit include 
approximately 4,047 ac (1,638 ha; 79 percent) in Federal ownership and 
1,045 ac (423 ha; 21 percent) in private/other ownership. General land 
use within this unit is recreational, including off-shore and surf 
fishing, shellfish digging, boating, sunbathing, swimming, wildlife 
observation, and walking. Commercial shellfish harvesting and research 
also occur.
    Unit MA-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site in the New England portion of 
the subspecies range. Additionally, this location consistently supports 
a few thousand migrating rufa red knots due to the large intertidal 
areas and beach habitat that provides multiple foraging and roosting 
habitat areas for the birds to build energy resources for migration.
    With the exception of the designated wilderness area on Monomoy NWR 
that incorporates North and South Monomoy Islands and Minimoy Island, 
the threats identified within Unit MA-2 include disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including 
pets and domestic animals, powered and unpowered boats, surf kites, and 
surf fishing. Predation (especially by migrating raptors and owls) and 
human-caused or natural disasters may affect the entire unit. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during 
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of 
activities), and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills with 
protective spill response plans and training (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). Management that benefits rufa red 
knots or their habitat in this unit currently occurs primarily on 
Federal lands, which are managed under the 2016 Monomoy NWR 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2016b, entire). Ongoing 
research occurs throughout this unit as funds and staffing allow.

Unit NY-1: Moriches Inlet

    Unit NY-1 consists of 1,001 ac (405 ha) of highly dynamic beach, 
sand flats, bay islands, back bay shoreline, intertidal areas, and 
surface water within the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton, Suffolk 
County, New York. Lands within this unit include approximately 78 ac 
(32 ha; 8 percent) in Federal ownership; 63 ac (25 ha; 6 percent) in 
State ownership, 163 ac (66 ha; 16 percent) in private/other (including 
the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton) ownership, and 697 ac (282 ha; 
70 percent) that are uncategorized. The unit is irregularly shaped and 
bounded to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by West Inlet 
Island (Brookhaven), and to the east by the sand spit north of the 
Village of West Hampton Dunes (Southampton). Its northern boundary lies 
approximately in the middle of Moriches Bay at the widest portion of 
the unit. Additionally, the northern and southern areas of the unit are 
not contiguous, as they are separated by a vegetated dune, parking lot, 
and roadway system. General land use within this unit is recreational 
activities (e.g., fishing, bird watching, boating, open space use) and 
commercial shell fishing. Coastal engineering structures are generally 
limited to the inlet jetty and revetment along the north side of 
Cupsogue Beach (stretches from Riches Inlet to the border of the 
Village of West Hampton Dunes), but beach nourishment programs are 
implemented along the ocean beach by the Corps (via coordination and 
agreements with the State of New York and Suffolk County).
    Unit NY-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. The area has a relatively undeveloped character that 
provides protection from intensive human uses. Episodic storm events 
have also contributed to habitat creation, and, in turn, optimal rufa 
red knot habitat conditions. The bay islands and associated wetlands 
are managed for wildlife, which provides some limits to the amount of 
disturbance that rufa red knots or their habitat may experience from 
recreation and other human activities (e.g., commercial shell fishing, 
dredging, and shoreline dock/pier projects).
    Threats identified within Unit NY-1 include: (1) Sea level rise; 
(2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., beach nourishment; jetty 
maintenance; and dredging that could remove habitat, preclude the 
formation of habitat such as exposed shoals, and impact adjacent 
shoreline habitats by altering currents and sediment transport/
deposition patterns); (3) predation in nonbreeding areas; and (4) human 
disturbance (e.g., recreational fishing and driving, and motorized boat 
traffic or aircraft that create noise disturbance). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include reducing disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles, 
watercraft), conducting predator control, and implementing conservation 
measures that help reduce modification or loss of habitat from hard and 
soft beach stabilization efforts (e.g., time-of-year restrictions for 
beach nourishment and dredging activities, establishing temporary 
sanctuaries and management during certain times of year to address 
erosion) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
State lands (both marine and estuarine habitats within this unit) are 
managed in cooperation with the New York State Wildlife Action Plan 
(New York State Department of Environmental Conservation 2015, entire). 
Additionally, the designated South Shore Estuary Reserve implements a 
Comprehensive Management Plan (South Shore Estuary Reserve Council 
2001, entire), which encompasses both Units NY-1 and NY-2, and serves 
as a guidance document for municipalities and private/public sectors to 
conserve or protect habitats and waters within the Reserve.

[[Page 37436]]

Unit NY-2: Jones Inlet

    Unit NY-2 consists of 1,821 ac (737 ha) in two areas within the 
Town of Hempstead, Nassau County, New York. This unit is composed of 
ocean beach habitat, sand flats, bay islands, and small embayments. It 
is irregularly shaped and is bounded to the south by the Atlantic 
Ocean, to the west by Point Lookout, to the north by a line running in 
Hempstead Bay, and to the east at the eastern extent of Zachs Bay. The 
northern and southern areas of the unit are not contiguous, as they are 
separated by a vegetated dune, parking lot, and roadway system. Lands 
within NY-2 include approximately 710 ac (287 ha; 39 percent) in State 
ownership and 1,111 ac (450 ha; 61 percent) that are under private/
other ownership. General land use includes recreational activities such 
as bird watching, surfcast fishing, sunbathing, nature walks, swimming, 
boat fishing, commercial and recreational fishing and shell fishing. 
Coastal engineering structures, as well as docks and piers, are 
generally limited to (or associated with) the Jones Inlet jetties and 
revetments, Loop Parkway bridge, and along the north side of Jones 
Island near the U.S. Coast Guard Station Jones Beach, and in Zach's 
Bay.
    Unit NY-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This location has a relatively undeveloped character 
that provides protection from intensive human uses that occur 
throughout the majority of Long Island and surrounding area. Episodic 
storm events have also contributed to habitat creation, and, in turn, 
optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions. The bay islands and 
associated wetlands are managed for wildlife, which provides some 
limits to the amount of disturbance that rufa red knots or their 
habitat may experience from recreation, channel maintenance activities 
(e.g., dredging and dredge material disposal), and vector control 
activities (e.g., aerial mosquito spraying).
    Threats identified within Unit NY-2 include: (1) Sea level rise; 
(2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., jetty maintenance; dredging 
that could remove habitat, preclude the formation of habitat such as 
exposed shoals, and impact adjacent shoreline habitats by altering 
currents and sediment transport/deposition patterns); (3) predation in 
nonbreeding areas; and (4) human disturbance (e.g., recreational 
fishing and driving, and motorized boat traffic or aircraft that create 
noise disturbance). Special management considerations or protection 
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include reducing 
disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles, and watercraft), conducting 
predator control, and implementing conservation measures that help 
reduce modification or loss of habitat from hard and soft beach 
stabilization efforts (e.g., time-of-year restrictions for beach 
nourishment and dredging activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries 
and management during certain times of year to address erosion) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands 
(both marine and estuarine habitats within this unit) are managed in 
cooperation with the New York State Wildlife Action Plan (New York 
State Department of Environmental Conservation 2015, entire). 
Additionally, the designated South Shore Estuary Reserve implements a 
Comprehensive Management Plan (South Shore Estuary Reserve Council 
2001, entire), which encompasses both this unit and Unit NY-1, and 
serves as a guidance document for municipalities and private/public 
sectors to conserve or protect habitats and waters within the Reserve.

Unit NY-3: Jamaica Bay

    Unit NY-3 consists of a total of 5,458 ac (2,209 ha) in Queens 
County, New York, and falls within a back bay that is primarily within 
the NPS' Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Gateway National Recreation Area. 
This unit is irregularly shaped and is bounded in the north by a line 
running roughly between the northernmost bay islands and the mainland 
of Long Island, in the west by a line running roughly between the 
westernmost bay islands and the mainland of Long Island, in the east by 
a line running offshore of East Pond, and in the south by a line 
running between the southernmost bay islands and the Rockaway Barrier 
Spit. Lands within NY-2 are all in Federal ownership. General land use 
within this unit includes recreational activities (e.g., wildlife 
viewing, bird watching, recreational fishing, and use of open space) 
and development. Coastal engineering structures, as well as docks and 
piers, are generally limited to the residential and commercial 
development at Broad Channel and the railroad and bridge 
infrastructure.
    Unit NY-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, in part due to its expansive wetlands and associated 
flats that are protected from intensive human uses. Episodic storm 
events have contributed to habitat creation, and, in turn, optimal rufa 
red knot habitat conditions. The bay islands and associated wetlands 
are managed for wildlife, which provides some limits to the amount of 
disturbance that rufa red knots or their habitat may experience from 
recreation, dredging, and dredge spoil deposition activities.
    Threats identified within Unit NY-3 include: (1) Sea level rise; 
(2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., jetty maintenance; dredging 
that could remove habitat, preclude the formation of habitat such as 
exposed shoals, and impact adjacent shoreline habitats by altering 
currents and sediment transport/deposition patterns); (3) predation in 
nonbreeding areas; and (4) human disturbance (e.g., recreational 
fishing and driving, and motorized boat traffic or aircraft that create 
noise disturbance). Special management considerations or protection 
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include reducing 
disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles, and watercraft), conducting 
predator control, and implementing conservation measures that help 
reduce modification or loss of habitat from hard and soft beach 
stabilization efforts (e.g., time-of-year restrictions for beach 
nourishment and dredging activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries 
and management during certain times of year to address erosion) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). The Federal 
lands are managed by the NPS via the NPS Gateway National Recreation 
Area Final General Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) 
dated April 2014 (NPS 2014a, entire), which provides a management plan 
for Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge (included, in part, in the proposed 
critical habitat designation).

Unit NJ-1: Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets

    Unit NJ-1 consists of 9,719 ac (3,933 ha) of beach, dune, shoals, 
open water, and tidal marsh associated with two inlets (i.e., small 
arms of the ocean) in Ocean and Atlantic Counties, New Jersey, 
extending from the northern boundary of the Holgate Unit of Edwin B. 
Forsythe (Forsythe) NWR, west to the ``Seven Islands'' portion of Great 
Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, and south nearly to 15th Street 
North in

[[Page 37437]]

Brigantine City. To the north, the unit encompasses the Holgate Unit of 
the Forsythe NWR and includes several areas within the Great Bay 
Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, owned by the State of New Jersey 
(e.g., Seven Islands and other islands on either side of Great Bay 
Boulevard south of Big Sheepshead Creek). The unit also includes 
portions of Little Beach Island within the Forsythe NWR, and portions 
of the North Brigantine Natural Area owned by the State of New Jersey. 
This unit includes extensive areas of shoals and sand or mud flats, 
which are generally owned by the State. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 1,560 ac (632 ha; 16 percent) in Federal ownership, 3,187 
ac (1,291 ha; 32 percent) in State ownership, 10 ac (4 ha; less than 1 
percent) in private/other ownership, and 4,961 ac (2,006 ha; 51 
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit is 
almost entirely undeveloped and managed for wildlife and other natural 
resource values, as well as recreation.
    Unit NJ-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. This unit has an undeveloped 
character that provides protection from intensive human uses. The lack 
of hard structures and other coastal engineering practices in this unit 
allows optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions to be created and 
maintained by natural coastal processes, which is a condition that is 
rare in the mid-Atlantic. The Little Egg Inlet is the only unmodified 
inlet in New Jersey and one of only two unmodified inlets between 
Montauk, New York, and Chincoteague, Virginia, a shoreline distance of 
nearly 350 mi (563 km) (Rice 2016, pp. 24-25). Nearly all the lands in 
the unit are managed for wildlife, which limits disturbance of rufa red 
knots from recreation and other human activities.
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-1 include: (1) Sea level rise 
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural 
coastal processes; (2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., ongoing 
updrift beach nourishment; proposed enlargement of a terminal groin 
immediately adjacent to the unit's northern limit; ongoing and proposed 
dredging that could remove habitat (e.g., exposed shoals), preclude 
habitat formation, and/or impact adjacent shoreline habitats by 
altering sediment transport/deposition patterns); (3) aquaculture 
leases; (4) predation in nonbreeding areas; and (5) human disturbance 
(e.g., recreational fishing and driving in the fall, motorized boat 
traffic and aircraft year round). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
managing sources of disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles, 
watercraft, and aircraft), managing predator populations, and 
implementing conservation measures to abate habitat impacts from 
coastal engineering projects and from sea level rise (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this 
unit are managed under the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan (Service 2004a, entire). State lands within the North 
Brigantine Natural Area are covered by a Beach Management Plan (Service 
and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 2019, entire).

Unit NJ-2: Seven Mile Beach

    Unit NJ-2 consists of 536 ac (217 ha) of sandy ocean-front beach in 
Avalon and Stone Harbor Boroughs, Cape May County, New Jersey, from the 
jetty at 8th Street in Avalon near Townsends Inlet and extending south 
to 102nd Street in Stone Harbor. The western boundary of the unit is 
landward of the beach and primary dune along the vegetation line where 
the habitat changes from sandy beach or dune with little vegetation to 
dense herbaceous or shrub vegetation or along developed structures when 
present. The eastern boundary includes emergent sand shoals and sand 
flats exposed at low tide. All lands within this unit are in private/
other ownership. General land use within this unit includes tourism and 
recreation; the beach abuts high-density residential and commercial 
development and features many private and public beach access points.
    Unit NJ-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound 
stopover site.
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-2 include: (1) Coastal 
engineering activities (e.g., existing hard stabilization structures, 
ongoing beach nourishment and sediment backpassing, ongoing sand 
fencing and vegetation planting); (2) existing coastal development that 
may block beach migration as sea level rise accelerates; (3) beach 
cleaning; (4) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., human-supported 
feral cat concentrations and other human-commensal predators such as 
gulls and domestic cats); and (5) human disturbance (e.g., life-guarded 
bathing beaches in late spring and summer, recreational fishing and 
driving in fall, personal watercraft, aircraft including low and slow-
flying ``banner'' (advertisement) planes). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include sediment management to maintain habitat features 
such as wide beaches and high prey densities, managing predator 
populations, addressing beach management practices such as beach 
cleaning and sand fencing, and managing disturbance from recreation and 
other human activities (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). All beaches in this unit are covered by Beach 
Management Plans (Avalon Borough Department of Public Works and the 
Avalon Environmental Commission 2008, entire; Stone Harbor Borough 
2009, entire).

Unit NJ-3: Hereford Inlet

    Unit NJ-3 consists of 1,631 ac (660 ha) of sandy oceanfront 
beaches, unstabilized barrier peninsula, undeveloped marsh islands, and 
several areas of tidal flats and shoals in Cape May County, New Jersey, 
extending along the ocean from 111th Street in Stone Harbor Borough 
south to 22nd Avenue in North Wildwood City. The unit also includes 
areas behind the barrier island in Middle Township, Stone Harbor, and 
North Wildwood extending from Stone Harbor Boulevard south along Great 
Channel to Nummy Island and the southern shoreline of Grassy Sound 
Channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 175 ac (71 ha; 11 
percent) in State ownership, 735 ac (297 ha; 45 percent) in private/
other ownership, and 721 ac (292 ha; 44 percent) that are 
uncategorized. General land use within this unit varies from 
intensively developed recreational beaches along parts of the ocean 
front, to mixed management (i.e., the Stone Harbor Point municipal 
conservation area managed for both wildlife and lower intensity, 
passive recreation), to conservation lands (i.e., the Cape May Coastal 
Wetlands Wildlife Management Area owned by the State of New Jersey). 
The unit also includes privately and municipally owned undeveloped 
marshes, as well as tidal shoals and flats that are generally owned by 
the State.
    Unit NJ-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of

[[Page 37438]]

rufa red knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as 
an important northbound and southbound stopover site on the mid-
Atlantic Coast portion of the subspecies range. This unit also has 
extensive areas of conservation lands that offer protection from 
disturbance, as well as the unstabilized Stone Harbor Point peninsula. 
The peninsula not only supports migrants moving primarily along the 
Atlantic Coast, but is also well documented as among the most important 
roosting areas for those spring migrants that forage primarily in 
Delaware Bay (Sitters 2005, pp. 1-12).
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-3 include: (1) Sea level rise 
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural 
coastal processes; (2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., existing 
hard stabilization structures, ongoing beach nourishment, dredging for 
beach nourishment and navigation); (3) existing coastal development 
that may block habitat migration as sea level rise accelerates; (4) 
beach cleaning; (5) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., peregrine 
falcons, human-commensal predators); and (6) human disturbance (e.g., 
life-guarded bathing beaches, fishing, motorized boat traffic including 
personal watercraft, aircraft including low and slow-flying banner 
planes). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include implementing sediment 
management to maintain habitat features such as tidal flats, overwash 
areas, and high prey densities; managing predator populations; 
addressing beach management practices such as beach cleaning; and 
managing disturbance from recreation and other human activities (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Portions of 
the municipal beaches within Stone Harbor Borough, and all municipal 
beaches within North Wildwood City, are covered by Beach Management 
Plans (Terwilliger Consulting, Inc. 2008, entire; North Wildwood City 
2018, entire).

Unit NJ-4: Two Mile Beach

    Unit NJ-4 consists of 128 ac (52 ha) of sandy oceanfront beach in 
Cape May County, New Jersey, from the northeastern boundary of the Two 
Mile Beach Unit of Cape May NWR extending southwest to include all 
beach portions of the U.S. Coast Guard Loran Support Unit, ending at 
the eastern jetty of the Cape May Inlet. All lands within this unit are 
in Federal ownership (NWR and U.S. Coast Guard). General land use 
within this unit is primarily managed for wildlife, but also includes 
compatible recreation and public access on the NWR beach, and certain 
activities of the U.S. Coast Guard Loran Support Unit. Under an inter-
agency agreement, Cape May NWR staff manage sensitive beach species on 
both the NWR and U.S. Coast Guard portions of the beach.
    Unit NJ-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
along the mid-Atlantic Coast's portion of the subspecies range during 
the winter period, providing important wintering habitat for foraging 
and roosting. This area is significant as the northern-most winter 
concentration area documented to date. Birds using this unit during the 
late fall and early winter may be more vulnerable to disturbance due to 
molting of the flight feathers.
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-4 include: (1) Sea level rise, 
(2) coastal engineering (e.g., existing hard structures, an overly 
stabilized dune system), (3) predation in nonbreeding areas, and (4) 
human disturbance (e.g., pedestrians, aircraft including low- and slow-
flying banner planes). Special management considerations or protection 
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include management of 
dunes, vegetation, predator populations, and human activity, including 
foot and air traffic (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the 
Cape May NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2004b, entire).

Unit NJ-5: Cape May Bayshore

    Unit NJ-5 consists of 1,202 ac (487 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches, 
flats, and shoals in Cape May County, New Jersey, from approximately 
Cloverdale Avenue in Lower Township to the jetty on the south shore of 
the mouth of Bidwell Creek in Middle Township. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 133 ac (54 ha; 11 percent) in Federal ownership, 
44 ac (18 ha; 4 percent) in State ownership, 167 ac (67 ha; 14 percent) 
in private/other ownership, and 858 ac (347 ha; 71 percent) that are 
uncategorized. Areas with narrow beaches adjoining developed human 
communities (e.g., Pierces Point, Reeds Beach) are not included in the 
unit. General land use within this unit includes residential 
development, recreation, wildlife conservation, aquaculture, and 
research.
    Unit NJ-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This unit also has high concentrations of horseshoe crab 
eggs, and wide tidal flats that are important foraging habitat.
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-5 include: (1) Sea level rise 
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural 
coastal processes; (2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., existing 
hard stabilization structures); (3) existing coastal development that 
may block habitat migration as sea level rise accelerates; (4) 
aquaculture; (5) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., peregrine 
falcons); (6) vulnerable food resources (e.g., past overharvest of 
horseshoe crabs), (7) timing asynchronies (e.g., warming bay waters or 
erratic storms that change the peak timing of horseshoe crab spawning); 
(8) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum port); and (9) human 
disturbance (e.g., from personal watercraft and other motorized boats, 
aircraft including low- and slow-flying banner planes; pedestrian 
traffic is minimal due to a seasonal beach closure to public access). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, facilitated shoreline migration); management 
of predator populations, aquaculture activities, and horseshoe crab 
fisheries; oil spill response planning; and management of human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). Management plans are in place and 
being actively implemented to address the horseshoe crab bait harvest 
(ASMFC 2012, entire) and structural aquaculture of oysters and other 
native bivalves (Service 2016a, entire). Federal lands in this unit are 
managed under the Cape May NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 
2004b, entire).

Unit NJ-6: Dennis Creek

    Unit NJ-6 consists of 279 ac (113 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches, 
flats, and shoals in Cape May County, New Jersey, from the northern 
shore of Bidwell Creek north to about 0.5 mi (0.8 km) north of Dennis 
Creek. All lands within this unit are in State ownership, managed by 
the State of New Jersey as the Dennis Creek Wildlife Management Area. 
General land use within this unit

[[Page 37439]]

includes natural resource conservation and recreation.
    Unit NJ-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This unit also has high concentrations of horseshoe crab 
eggs and an undeveloped character that allows the operation of natural 
coastal processes and limits disturbance of rufa red knots from human 
activity.
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-6 include: (1) Sea level rise 
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural 
coastal processes; (2) marsh loss and accelerated beach erosion from 
historical agriculture practices (e.g., impoundments such as for salt 
hay farming) (Smith et al. 2017b, p. 36); (3) predation in nonbreeding 
areas (e.g., peregrine falcons); (4) vulnerable food resources (e.g., 
past overharvest of horseshoe crabs), (5) timing asynchronies (e.g., 
warming bay waters or erratic storms that change the peak timing of 
horseshoe crab spawning); (6) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum 
port); and (7) human disturbance. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
habitat management or restoration (e.g., living shorelines, raising 
marsh elevations, facilitated shoreline migration); management of 
predator populations and horseshoe crab fisheries; oil spill response 
planning; and management of human activities that disturb foraging rufa 
red knots (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
A management plan is in place and being actively implemented to address 
the horseshoe crab bait harvest (ASMFC 2012, entire).

Unit NJ-7: Heislerville

    Unit NJ-7 consists of 1,110 ac (449 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches, 
flats, shoals, tidal marsh, and open waters in Cape May and Cumberland 
Counties, New Jersey, from approximately 2,000 feet (ft) (0.6 
kilometers (km)) east of West Creek in Dennis Township, Cape May County 
and extending west to the eastern end of Bay Avenue in Maurice River 
Township, Cumberland County. The developed area along Bay Avenue is 
excluded from the unit. West of Bay Avenue, Unit NJ-7 continues north 
to the mouth of Andrews Ditch in Maurice River Township. This unit also 
includes a man-made impoundment within the Heislerville Wildlife 
Management Area, which is owned by the State. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 524 ac (211 ha; 47 percent) in State ownership, 
459 ac (186 ha; 41.5 percent) in private/other ownership, and 127 ac 
(52 ha; 11.5 percent) that are uncategorized. All State-owned lands in 
this unit are managed by the State of New Jersey as the Heislerville 
Wildlife Management Area. General land use within this unit is 
undeveloped and includes natural resource conservation and recreation.
    Unit NJ-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Specifically, the bayfront portions of this unit support 
high concentrations of horseshoe crab eggs, and its undeveloped 
character allows the operation of natural coastal processes and limits 
disturbance of rufa red knots from human activity. Additionally, the 
Heislerville impoundment portion of the unit serves as a critical 
alternative to bayside habitats, for roosting during high tides when 
bayfront beaches are narrow or submerged, or for foraging on 
invertebrates at lower tides during times when horseshoe crab egg 
availability on bayfront beaches is reduced.
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-7 include: (1) Sea level rise 
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural 
coastal processes; (2) marsh loss and accelerated beach erosion from 
historical agriculture practices (e.g., impoundments such as for salt 
hay farming) (Smith et al. 2017b, p. 36); (3) predation in nonbreeding 
areas (e.g., peregrine falcons) particularly at the Heislerville 
impoundment; (4) vulnerable food resources (e.g., past overharvest of 
horseshoe crabs), (5) timing asynchronies (e.g., warming bay waters or 
erratic storms that change the peak timing of horseshoe crab spawning); 
(6) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum port); and (7) human 
disturbance (e.g., from personal watercraft and other motorized boats, 
aircraft including low and slow-flying banner planes; pedestrian 
traffic is minimal due to a seasonal beach closure to public access). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration; maintenance of the berms and water control 
structures at the Heislerville impoundment); management of predator 
populations and horseshoe crab fisheries; oil spill response planning; 
and management of human activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots 
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). A 
management plan is in place and being actively implemented to address 
the horseshoe crab bait harvest (ASMFC 2012, entire).

Unit NJ-8: Egg Island

    Unit NJ-8 consists of 1,955 ac (791 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches, 
flats, shoals, tidal marsh, and open waters in Downe Township, 
Cumberland County, New Jersey, from the mouth of Oranoaken Creek 
extending south to Egg Island point, and then northwest to about 850 ft 
(259 meters (m)) past Budney Avenue in the community of Fortescue. 
Lands within this unit include approximately 1,908 ac (773 ha; 97 
percent) in State ownership, 32 ac (13 ha; 2 percent) in private/other 
ownership, and 14 ac (5 ha; less than 1 percent) that are 
uncategorized. All State-owned lands in this unit are managed by the 
State of New Jersey as the Egg Island Wildlife Management Area. General 
land use within this unit is mostly undeveloped and includes natural 
resource conservation and recreation, but with some areas adjoining 
residential development.
    Unit NJ-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit has a very high concentration of rufa red knot 
during spring migration, serving as an important northbound stopover 
site. This unit also has an undeveloped character that allows the 
operation of natural coastal processes and limits disturbance of rufa 
red knots from human activity, serving as one of two significant 
primary roosting areas (along with Hereford Inlet) used by those rufa 
red knots that forage in Delaware Bay each spring (Sitters 2005, pp. 1-
12).
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-8 include: (1) Sea level rise 
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural 
coastal processes; (2) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., peregrine 
falcons); (3) vulnerable food resources (e.g., past overharvest of 
horseshoe crabs); (4) timing asynchronies (e.g., warming bay waters or 
erratic storms that change the peak timing of horseshoe crab spawning); 
(5) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum port); and (6) human 
disturbance (e.g., from personal watercraft and other motorized boats, 
aircraft including low and slow-flying banner planes). Special 
management

[[Page 37440]]

considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include habitat management or restoration (e.g., living 
shorelines, facilitated shoreline migration), management of predator 
populations and horseshoe crab fisheries, oil spill response planning, 
and management of human activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots 
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). A 
management plan is in place and being actively implemented to address 
the horseshoe crab bait harvest (ASMFC 2012, entire).

Unit NJ-9: Newport Neck

    Unit NJ-9 consists of 472 ac (191 ha) of Delaware Bay beaches, 
flats, shoals, and tidal marsh in Downe and Lawrence Townships, 
Cumberland County, New Jersey, from the north bank of the mouth of 
Fortescue Creek extending northwest to include both sides of the mouth 
of Nantuxent Creek. Beaches adjacent to the developed community of 
Gandys Beach are not included in this unit. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 202 ac (82 ha; 43 percent) in State ownership, 
176 ac (71 ha; 37 percent) in private/other ownership, and 93 ac (38 
ha; 20 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this 
unit is undeveloped and includes natural resource conservation and 
recreation, with much of the unit managed by the State of New Jersey as 
the Fortescue Wildlife Management Area.
    Unit NJ-9 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit has high concentrations of 
horseshoe crab eggs, and its undeveloped character allows the operation 
of natural coastal processes and limits disturbance of rufa red knots 
from human activity.
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-9 include: (1) Sea level rise 
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural 
coastal processes, (2) predation in nonbreeding areas (e.g., peregrine 
falcons), (3) vulnerable food resources (e.g., past overharvest of 
horseshoe crabs), (4) timing asynchronies (e.g., warming bay waters or 
erratic storms that change the peak timing of horseshoe crab spawning), 
(5) oil spills (e.g., upstream petroleum port), and (6) human 
disturbance (e.g., from personal watercraft and other motorized boats, 
aircraft including low and slow-flying banner planes; pedestrian 
traffic is limited by a seasonal closure of certain beaches to public 
access). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include habitat management or 
restoration (e.g., living shorelines, facilitated shoreline migration), 
management of predator populations and horseshoe crab fisheries, oil 
spill response planning, and management of human activities that 
disturb foraging rufa red knots (see Special Management Considerations 
or Protection, above). A management plan is in place and being actively 
implemented to address the horseshoe crab bait harvest (ASMFC 2012, 
entire).

Unit DE-1: St. Jones River

    Unit DE-1 consists of two subunits comprising 46 ac (19 ha) of the 
St. Jones River area in Kent County, Delaware. This unit consists of 
lands owned by the State of Delaware and private landowners.

Subunit DE-1A: St. Jones North

    Subunit DE-1A consists of 43 ac (18 ha) of land in Kent County, 
Delaware. The subunit begins in the north along the shoreline at the 
end of South Bay Drive in South Kitts Hummock where there is a jetty 
into Delaware Bay, and continues to the south where it meets the St. 
Jones River inlet. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay 
(i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide) and the western boundary runs 
along the dune line where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated, 
sandy beach to densely vegetated dunes or marsh. Lands within this 
subunit are approximately 37 ac (15 ha; 86 percent) in State ownership 
(Ted Harvey Wildlife Area), 3 ac (1 ha; 7 percent) of undeveloped beach 
privately owned by Delaware Wildlands, a conservation organization, and 
3 ac (1 ha; 7 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within 
this subunit includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses 
(e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and 
scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for shorebirds).
    Subunit DE-1A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site for foraging birds.
    Threats identified within Subunit DE-1A include disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(i.e., beach nourishment and sediment disposal activities), and 
modification or loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated 
erosion of the beach. Special management considerations or protection 
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include management of 
beach nourishment projects to ensure work is done outside the time when 
rufa red knots are present to avoid disturbing birds and offset losses 
from sea level rise (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands in this subunit are managed as part of 
the Ted Harvey Wildlife Area (Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife 
(DDFW) 2020a; entire), which restricts off-leash dogs, and provides 
designated hunting and access points that do not include the beach area 
used by foraging birds. This area is also designated as a National 
Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) (Delaware NERR 2012, entire), which 
provides for long-term research and monitoring of the site conditions.

Subunit DE-1B: St. Jones South

    Subunit DE-1B consists of approximately 3 ac (1 ha) of shoreline at 
the south side of the inlet to the St. Jones River, Kent County, 
Delaware. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., 
the highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide), and the western boundary is where 
the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within this subunit 
include approximately 1 ac (0.5 ha; 47 percent) in State ownership and 
approximately 2 ac (0.6 ha; 53 percent) in private/other ownership. 
General land use within this subunit includes low-impact, 
noncommercial, recreational day uses (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf 
fishing, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., surveys and 
monitoring for shorebirds).
    Subunit DE-1B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site for foraging birds.
    Threats identified within Subunit DE-1B include modification or 
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the 
beach. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include management of beach 
nourishment and

[[Page 37441]]

sediment disposal on eroding beaches with the project design and timing 
of work designed to minimize bird disturbance, and offset losses from 
sea level rise (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above).

Unit DE-2: Brokonbridge Gut

    Unit DE-2 consists of two subunits comprising 163 ac (66 ha) in the 
area where Brokonbridge Gut enters the Delaware Bay in Kent County, 
Delaware. This unit consists of lands owned by the State of Delaware 
and private landowners.

Subunit DE-2A: North Brokonbridge Gut

    Subunit DE-2A consists of approximately 93 ac (37 ha) of shoreline 
between the north side of the Brokonbridge Gut inlet to the south side 
of the Murderkill River inlet, Kent County, Delaware. The eastern 
boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly dynamic 
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide), and the western boundary is where the sandy 
beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within this subunit are primarily 
in private/other ownership (91 ac (37 ha); 98 percent) with a small 
portion (2 ac; 1 ha; 2 percent) owned by the State. Approximately 15 
percent of the shoreline is in front of private homes and includes 
South Bowers Beach; the remaining 85 percent is undeveloped beach that 
is privately owned. General land use within this unit includes low-
impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses (e.g., hiking, bird 
watching, surf fishing, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., 
surveys and monitoring for shorebirds).
    Subunit DE-2A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site for foraging birds.
    Threats identified within Subunit DE-2A include disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(i.e., beach nourishment and sediment disposal activities), and 
modification or loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated 
erosion of the beach. Special management considerations and protection 
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include management of 
beach nourishment and sediment disposal on eroding beaches with the 
project design and timing of work designed to minimize bird 
disturbance, and offset losses from sea level rise (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above).

Subunit DE-2B: South Brokonbridge Gut

    Subunit DE-2B consists of approximately 70 ac (29 ha) of shoreline 
at the south side of the inlet to Brokonbridge Gut, Kent County, 
Delaware. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., 
the highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide), and the western boundary is where 
the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. All lands within this subunit 
are private/other ownership. This private land area is primarily owned 
and protected by a private conservation organization (Delaware 
Wildlands) 52 ac (21 ha; 74 percent), with the remaining approximately 
18 ac (7 ha; 16 percent) as private, undeveloped land. This is a long 
stretch of undeveloped beach. General land use within this subunit 
includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses (e.g., 
hiking, bird watching, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., 
surveys and monitoring for shorebirds).
    Subunit DE-2B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site for foraging birds.
    Threats identified within Subunit DE-2B include modification or 
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the 
beach, and recreational activities. Special management considerations 
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include: 
(1) Beach nourishment and sediment disposal on eroding beaches with the 
project design and timing of work designed to minimize bird 
disturbance, and offset losses from sea level rise; and (2) minimizing 
disturbance from recreational activities (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above).

Unit DE-3: Mispillion Harbor

    Unit DE-3 consists of three subunits comprising 1,949 ac (789 ha) 
in the Mispillion Harbor area where the Mispillion River and Cedar 
Creek enter the Delaware Bay in Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. 
This unit consists of lands owned primarily by the State of Delaware, 
with minor ownership by Federal and private/other.

Subunit DE-3A: Main Harbor

    Subunit DE-3A consists of approximately 61 ac (25 ha) of shoreline 
within the main harbor area and includes the rock sill and back beach 
areas of Mispillion Harbor, Kent and Sussex Counties, Delaware. The 
eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly 
dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) and the east side of the rock sill, and the 
western boundary is where the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat and 
the west side of the rock sill. Lands within this subunit include 
approximately 32 ac (13 ha; 53 percent) in State ownership and 29 ac 
(12 ha; 47 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within 
this subunit includes recreational boat traffic related to the harbor 
and birding and photography from the property of the Dupont Nature 
Center. No walking or fishing from harbor structures is allowed.
    Subunit DE-3A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. This location also provides high 
concentrations of horseshoe crabs during the rufa red knot's spring 
migration period, resulting in the Mispillion Harbor area supporting 
the highest number of foraging rufa red knots of any area along the 
Delaware coast.
    Threats identified within Subunit DE-3A include modification or 
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the 
shoreline or harbor structures, and recreational activities. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats include beach nourishment and repairs to harbor structures 
with the project design and timing of work designed to avoid bird 
disturbance, and minimizing recreational disturbance (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands in this 
subunit are managed as part of the Mispillion Marine Reserve with 
restrictions that prevent fishing, crabbing, hunting, or walking on the 
harbor structures and beach area, preventing disturbance to rufa red 
knots (DDFW 2020b, entire).

Subunit DE-3B: Rawley Island Roost

    Subunit DE-3B consists of approximately 1,298 ac (525 ha) of 
shoreline and marsh on the north side

[[Page 37442]]

of the Mispillion River, extending north to Graco's Canal, Kent County, 
Delaware. The western boundary is Crooked Gut, and the eastern boundary 
is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). Lands within this subunit include approximately 1,139 ac (461 
ha; 88 percent) in State ownership, 153 ac (62 ha; 12 percent) in 
private/other ownership, and 6 ac (2 ha; less than 1 percent) that are 
uncategorized. Private lands are owned by a combination of a private 
conservation organization--The Nature Conservancy (TNC; 148 ac (60 
ha))--with a small area of private, undeveloped land that has a 
conservation easement. General land use within this subunit includes 
low-impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses (e.g., hiking, bird 
watching, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., surveys and 
monitoring for shorebirds). Hunting occurs on the State land but 
hunters are not present in the spring when rufa red knots are present.
    Subunit DE-3B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site, and includes expansive wetlands for roosting 
adjacent to the highest concentration of rufa red knots along the 
Delaware coast (Zimmerman 2010, entire). This subunit also has high 
concentrations of horseshoe crab eggs, and its undeveloped character 
allows the operation of natural coastal processes that limit 
disturbance of rufa red knots from human activity.
    Threats identified within Subunit DE-3B include modification or 
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the 
beach, and recreational activities. Special management considerations 
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing recreational disturbance and beach nourishment and sediment 
disposal on eroding beaches, but as part of the Milford Neck Wildlife 
Area, beach nourishment projects would be designed to minimize bird 
disturbance (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). State lands in this subunit are managed by the Delaware 
Division of Wildlife as part of their Milford Neck Wildlife Area (DDFW 
2020c, entire).

Subunit DE-3C: Slaughter Beach

    Subunit DE-3C consists of approximately 590 ac (239 ha) of beach 
shoreline, marsh, and harbor structures in Sussex County, Delaware. The 
subunit extends from the eastern tip of the dike that outlines the 
outer tip of the Mispillion Harbor, south along the sandy beach of 
Slaughter Beach to the southern end of Isaacs Shore Drive. The western 
boundary is where the lightly vegetated beach becomes marsh in the 
northern portions of this subunit, or where property parcels end in the 
southern portion of this subunit. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of 
the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). Lands 
within this subunit include approximately 1 ac (0.25 ha; less than 1 
percent) in Federal ownership, 59 ac (24 ha; 10 percent) in State 
ownership, 2 ac (1 ha; less than 1 percent) in private/other ownership, 
and 528 ac (213 ha; 89 percent) that are uncategorized. General land 
use within this subunit includes low-impact, noncommercial, 
recreational day uses (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and 
photography) and scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for 
shorebirds).
    Subunit DE-3C is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site.
    Threats identified within Subunit DE-3C include modification or 
loss of habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the 
beach, and recreational activities. Special management considerations 
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
beach nourishment and sediment disposal on eroding beaches, and 
minimizing recreational disturbance (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). This area is a public beach owned 
by the State of Delaware and while it does not have a specific 
management plan, it has been designated a horseshoe crab sanctuary by 
the Ecological Research and Development Group, a non-profit 
conservation organization.

Unit DE-4: Prime Hook

    Unit DE-4 consists of approximately 549 ac (222 ha) of beach 
shoreline and associated marsh in Sussex County, Delaware. The northern 
boundary is about 1 mi (1.6 km) north of Fowler Beach road, the 
southern boundary is the end of South Bayshore Drive, the eastern 
boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay (i.e., the highly dynamic 
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide), and the western boundary in the northern 
portion of the unit runs along the dune line where the habitat changes 
from lightly vegetated sandy beach to densely vegetated dunes or marsh. 
The western boundary of the central portion of this unit includes marsh 
and shallow open water areas where birds can roost overnight and 
forage. The western edge of the southern portion of the unit is where 
property parcels end at the beach. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 480 ac (195 ha; 87 percent) in Federal ownership (Prime 
Hook NWR), 6 ac (2 ha; 1 percent) in private/other ownership, and 63 ac 
(25 ha; 12 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within 
this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational day uses 
(e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and 
scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for shorebirds).
    Unit DE-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site.
    Threats identified within Unit DE-4 include modification or loss of 
habitat from sea level rise and associated erosion of the beach, and 
recreational activities. Special management considerations or 
protection measures include a commitment to shorebird conservation and 
management (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above), including implementation of the Prime Hook NWR Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan (Service 2013, entire). Any projects on the refuge 
would be designed and timed to avoid the time of year rufa red knots 
are present.

Unit VA-1: Assateague Island

    Unit VA-1 consists of 2,817 ac (1,140 ha) of Assateague Island in 
Accomack County, Virginia, from the Virginia-Maryland State line south 
to the area known as ``The Hook,'' a wide peninsula that curves 
northwest. The western boundary is along the dune line where the 
habitat changes from sandy beach with little vegetation to densely 
vegetated dunes or marshland, as well as densely vegetated forested or 
herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and primary dune. The 
eastern

[[Page 37443]]

boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic 
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. With the exception of a 27-ac (11-ha) tract owned by 
the NPS, the remainder of the unit is owned by the Service's 
Chincoteague NWR. The NPS also manages an overlay easement within the 
NWR as a public beach that is part of the Assateague Island National 
Seashore. All lands within this unit are federally owned. General land 
use within this unit includes low-impact recreational day use (e.g., 
hiking, bird watching, photography, and shell collecting), and high-
impact recreational beach use within designated areas (e.g., swimming, 
sunbathing, fishing, and ORVs). In addition, scientific research (e.g., 
survey and monitoring of natural resources, such as federally listed 
species) may occur year-round.
    Unit VA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, rufa red knots 
have been documented during the winter period at this location during 
the time of year that birds are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration; however, the number of birds observed during this period are 
not large enough to also meet the winter criteria.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-1 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g., 
swimming, sunbathing, fishing, and ORVs), (2) natural (e.g., 
hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (3) 
accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in 
response to sea level rise. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland 
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities), and establishing temporary 
sanctuaries and management during certain times of year to address 
erosion) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
Currently, Chincoteague NWR addresses some of these threats in their 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2015, entire) and the 
Memorandum of Understanding between the NWR and NPS (Service and NPS 
2017, entire).

Unit VA-2: Wallops Island

    Unit VA-2 comprises two subunits (totaling 571 ac (231 ha)) owned 
and managed by NASA as part of the Wallops Flight Facility located in 
Accomack County. This unit (including both subunits) are being 
considered for exclusion under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.

Subunit VA-2A: Wallops Island North

    Subunit VA-2A consists of 540 ac (218 ha) of Wallops Island in 
Accomack County, Virginia. The north and east boundaries of the subunit 
are Chincoteague Inlet and seaward past the MLLW line, including 
dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 
in (7.6 cm) of water. The western boundary is along the marsh line 
where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and 
exposed peat with little vegetation to densely vegetated marshland, 
peat banks, or densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation 
landward of the beach and primary dune. The southern boundary tapers to 
a point ending at the northern end of the facility's sea wall 
structure, extending past the MLLW line and including the areas that 
are slightly inundated with less than 3 in (7.5 cm) of water. All lands 
within this subunit are federally owned by NASA. General land use 
within this subunit includes rocket and drone launches, drone and 
aircraft flights, recreational beach uses (e.g., swimming, sunbathing, 
ORVs), beach renourishment and seawall repair, protected species 
management, facility maintenance and construction, and educational use.
    Subunit VA-2A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site.
    Threats identified within Subunit VA-2A include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots from recreational beach use (e.g., 
swimming, sunbathing, ORVs), (2) natural disasters (i.e., hurricanes), 
(3) predation, (4) noise disturbance from overflights of unmanned 
aerial vehicles and rocket launches, and (5) accelerated loss of 
shoreline habitat from erosional processes in response to climate 
change and sea level rise. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland 
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities), conducting predator control, 
implementing conservation measures that help reduce modification or 
loss of habitat from hard and soft beach stabilization efforts (e.g., 
time-of-year restrictions for beach nourishment and dredging 
activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during 
certain times of year to address erosion) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). This area is currently managed 
under the Wallops Island Protected Species Management Plan (NASA 2020a, 
entire).

Subunit VA-2B: Wallops Island South

    Subunit VA-2B consists of 31 ac (13 ha) of Wallops Island in 
Accomack County, Virginia. The northern boundary is the end of the road 
south of the old runway, the southern boundary is Assawoman Creek, the 
western boundary is along the marsh line where the habitat changes from 
lightly vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat with little vegetation 
to densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or densely forested or 
herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and primary dune, and the 
eastern boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic 
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this subunit are federally owned by 
NASA. General land use within this subunit includes rocket and drone 
launches, drone and aircraft flights, beach renourishment and seawall 
repair, protected species management, facility maintenance and 
construction, ORV activity, and educational use.
    Subunit VA-2B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Rufa red knots are observed in Subunit VA-2B, 
however, specific counts within the subunit were not available and 
given the high concentrations of rufa red knots on abutting Assawoman 
Island (Unit VA-3), this subunit was included.
    Threats identified within Subunit VA-2B include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by ORVs, (2) natural (e.g., 
hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, (3) noise 
disturbance from overflights of unmanned aerial vehicles and rocket 
launches, and (4) accelerated loss of

[[Page 37444]]

shoreline habitat from erosional processes in response to climate 
change and sea level rise. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland 
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities), conducting predator control, 
implementing conservation measures that help reduce modification or 
loss of habitat from hard and soft beach stabilization efforts (e.g., 
time-of-year restrictions for beach nourishment and dredging 
activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during 
certain times of year to address erosion (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). This area is currently managed 
under the Wallops Island Protected Species Management Plan (NASA 2020a, 
entire).

Unit VA-3: Assawoman Island

    Unit VA-3 consists of 633 ac (256 ha) of Assawoman Island in 
Accomack County, Virginia, from Assawoman Creek south to Kegotank Creek 
and Gargathy Inlet and extends east past the MLLW line, including 
dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 
in (7.6 cm) of water. The western boundary is formed by Houseboat 
Creek, a section of Egg Marsh, and Kegotank Bay. All lands within this 
unit are federally owned by Chincoteague NWR. General land use within 
this unit includes low-impact recreational day use (during those times 
of year when permitted) such as hiking, bird watching, photography, and 
surf fishing. Under current management, the island is closed to 
recreation March 15th to September 15th to provide undisturbed habitat 
for nesting birds. Scientific research (e.g., survey and monitoring of 
natural resources, such as federally listed species) may occur year-
round.
    Unit VA-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Rufa red knots have also been documented at this 
location during the fall migration period, although not in large enough 
numbers to also meet the fall migration period criteria.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-3 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots, including recreational beach use 
(e.g., surf fishing), (2) natural (e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused 
(e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (3) modification or loss of habitat 
including accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional 
processes in response to climate change and sea level rise. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). This area is currently managed under the 
Chincoteague and Wallops Island NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
(Service 2015, entire).

Unit VA-4: Metompkin Island

    Unit VA-4 consists of 1,467 ac (594 ha) of Metompkin Island in 
Accomack County, Virginia, from Kegotank Creek and Gargathy Inlet south 
to the mouth of Folly Creek. The western boundary is formed by the 
Virginia Inside Passage of the Intercoastal Waterway and Metompkin Bay 
and includes extensive areas of overwash and low marsh areas along the 
western boundary. The eastern boundary extends seaward past the MLLW 
line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated 
with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 64 ac (26 ha; 5 percent) in Federal ownership 
(Chincoteague NWR), 56 ac (22 ha; 4 percent) in State ownership, and 
1,239 ac (502 ha; 84 percent) in private/other (TNC) ownership, and 110 
ac (44 ha; 7 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within 
this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational beach use 
(e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and 
scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for nesting 
shorebirds).
    Unit VA-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
(one of the highest in Virginia) during the spring migration period, 
serving as an important northbound stopover site. Rufa red knots also 
use this island during the fall migration period as a southbound 
stopover site, as well as during the winter period to build energy 
sources for migration, but not in large enough numbers to also meet the 
criteria for fall and winter periods. Additionally, this area harbors 
peat banks, which are heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-4 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g., 
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) natural 
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and 
(3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in 
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat 
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The majority of the island is part of the Virginia 
Coast Reserve (i.e., reserve lands owned and managed by TNC), 
management of which is identified in a Conservation Action Plan that 
outlines priorities and strategies for conservation activities (Wilke 
2020, pers. comm.). During the shorebird breeding season (March 15 to 
August 31), the southern islands are managed in partnership with the 
Commonwealth of Virginia, TNC, and the Service to reduce disturbance, 
thereby increasing productivity (Service 2015, pp. 2-9). The State-
owned portion of this unit is ungranted State land managed by the 
Virginia Marine Resources Commission under the Virginia Administrative 
Code (Va. Code Sec.  4-1030).

Unit VA-5: Cedar Island

    Unit VA-5 consists of 2,274 ac (920 ha) of Cedar Island in Accomack 
County, Virginia, from an inlet between Cedar Island and the southern 
end of Metompkin Island south to Wachapreague Inlet. The western 
boundary is along the marsh line where the habitat changes from lightly 
vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat with little vegetation to 
densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or densely vegetated forested 
or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and primary dune, or 
open water including Burtons Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward 
past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well

[[Page 37445]]

as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of 
water. Lands within this unit include approximately 203 ac (82 ha; 9 
percent) in Federal ownership, 77 ac (31 ha; 4 percent) in State 
ownership, 920 ac (372 ha; 40 percent) in private/other ownership, and 
1,074 ac (434 ha; 47 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use 
within this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational beach 
use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and 
scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for nesting 
shorebirds).
    Unit VA-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this location harbors peat banks, which 
are heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-5 include: (1) Recreational beach 
use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) 
natural (e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) 
disasters, and (3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional 
processes in response to climate change and sea level rise. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The majority of the island is part of TNC's 
Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a 
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for 
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.). During the shorebird 
breeding season (March 15 to August 31), the southern islands are 
managed in partnership with the Commonwealth of Virginia, TNC, and the 
Service to reduce disturbance, thereby increasing productivity (Service 
2015, pp. 2-9). The State-owned portion of this unit is ungranted State 
land managed by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission under the 
Virginia Administrative Code (Va. Code Sec.  4-1030).

Unit VA-6: Parramore Island

    Unit VA-6 consists of 6,802 ac (2,753 ha) of Parramore Island in 
Accomack County, Virginia, from Wachapreague Inlet south to Quinby 
Inlet. The western boundary is Horseshoe Lead, Drawing Channel, Swash 
Bay, and Revel Island Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward past 
the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are 
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 5,631 ac (2,280 ha; 83 percent) in private/other 
ownership and 1,171 ac (473 ha; 17 percent) that are uncategorized. 
General land use within this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial, 
recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and 
photography), and scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for 
nesting shorebirds).
    Unit VA-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this location harbors peat banks, which 
are heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-6 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g., 
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) natural 
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and 
(3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in 
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat 
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The island is managed by TNC as part of TNC's 
Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a 
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for 
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).

Unit VA-7: Chimney Pole Marsh

    Unit VA-7 consists of 2,004 ac (811 ha) of Chimney Pole Marsh and 
the southern portion of Sandy Island in Accomack County, Virginia, 
within the area of Quinby Inlet and west of the gap between Parramore 
and Hog Islands. This unit is composed of mud flats, low marsh, sandy 
beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. The boundary of the unit 
on all sides extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic 
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,224 
ac (496 ha; 61 percent) in State ownership, 285 ac (116 ha; 14 percent) 
in private/other ownership, and 495 ac (200 ha; 25 percent) that are 
uncategorized. General land use of ungranted State lands in this unit 
include recreational activities (e.g., hunting, fishing, clamming, 
oystering, crabbing, picnicking, beachcombing, birdwatching).
    Unit VA-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this location is a presumed night roost 
site (Cohen et al. 2010b in Heller 2020, p. 90).
    Threats identified within Unit VA-7 include: (1) Recreational use 
(e.g., hunting, trapping, camping), (2) natural (e.g., hurricanes) or 
human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (3) accelerated loss of 
shoreline habitat from erosional processes in response to climate 
change and sea level rise. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland 
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities), and establishing temporary 
sanctuaries and management during certain times of year to address 
erosion (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
This unit is primarily ungranted State land managed by the Virginia 
Marine Resources Commission under the Virginia Administrative Code (Va. 
Code Sec.  4-1030). Sandy Island is managed by TNC as part of TNC's 
Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a 
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for 
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).

Unit VA-8: Hog Island

    Unit VA-8 consists of 3,235 ac (1,309 ha) of Hog Island in 
Northampton County, Virginia, bounded by the Quinby Inlet to the north 
and Great Machipongo Inlet to the south. The

[[Page 37446]]

western boundary is along the marsh line where the habitat changes from 
lightly vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat with little vegetation 
to densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or densely vegetated 
forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and primary 
dune, or open water including Hog Island Bay. The eastern boundary 
extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas 
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as 
shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of 
water. Lands within this unit include approximately 16 ac (7 ha; less 
than 1 percent) in State ownership, 2,966 ac (1,201 ha; 92 percent) in 
private/other ownership, and 253 ac (101 ha; 7.8 percent) that is 
uncategorized. General land use within this unit includes low-impact, 
noncommercial, recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, 
surf fishing, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., surveys 
and monitoring for nesting shorebirds).
    Unit VA-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this location harbors peat banks, which 
are heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-8 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g., 
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) natural 
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and 
(3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in 
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat 
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The island is managed by TNC as part of TNC's 
Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a 
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for 
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.). The State-owned 
portion of this unit is ungranted State land managed by the Virginia 
Marine Resources Commission under the Virginia Administrative Code (Va. 
Code Sec.  4-1030).

Unit VA-9: Cobb Island

    Unit VA-9 consists of 2,342 ac (948 ha) of Cobb Island in 
Northampton County, Virginia, bounded by Great Machipongo Inlet to the 
north and Sandy Shoal Inlet to the south. The western boundary is 
formed by Hog Island Bay, Spidercrab Bay, and Cobb Bay. The eastern 
boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic 
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include approximately 16 ac 
(7 ha; less than 1 percent) in State ownership, 1,778 ac (720 ha; 76 
percent) in private/other ownership, and 547 ac (221 ha; 23 percent) 
that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit includes low-
impact, noncommercial, recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird 
watching, surf fishing, and photography) and scientific research (e.g., 
surveys and monitoring for nesting shorebirds).
    Unit VA-9 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-9 include: (1) Predation 
(especially from peregrine falcons), (2) disturbance of foraging and 
roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird 
watching, surf fishing, and photography), (3) natural (e.g., 
hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (4) 
accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in 
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat 
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The island is primarily managed by TNC as part of 
TNC's Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a 
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for 
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.). The State-owned 
portion of this unit is ungranted State land managed by the Virginia 
Marine Resources Commission under the Virginia Administrative Code (Va. 
Code Sec.  4-1030).

Unit VA-10: Little Cobb Island

    Unit VA-10 consists of 82 ac (33 ha) of Little Cobb Island in 
Northampton County, Virginia, and lies just west of the southern end of 
Cobb Island and within the waters of Cobb Bay. The boundary of this 
small island in all directions is the waters of Cobb Bay and the extent 
of the boundary seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic 
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this unit are in private/other 
ownership. General land use within this unit is scientific research 
(e.g., surveys and monitoring for nesting shorebirds); this area is 
closed to visitor use at all times for scientific research and safety 
reasons (TNC 2017, p. 1).
    Unit VA-10 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site.
    The threats identified within Unit VA-10 include: (1) Natural 
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and 
(2) erosional processes and accelerated loss of shoreline habitat in 
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing scientific research activity access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during migration, and establishing temporary sanctuaries and management 
during certain times of year to address erosion (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). The island is owned and managed 
by TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is 
identified in a Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and 
strategies for conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).

Unit VA-11: Wreck Island

    Unit VA-11 consists of 1,270 ac (514 ha) of Wreck Island in 
Northampton County, Virginia, is bounded to the north by Sandy Shoal 
Inlet and Red Drum Drain and New Inlet to the south. The western 
boundary is South Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward

[[Page 37447]]

past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that 
are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within 
this unit are State owned and managed as Wreck Island Natural Area 
Preserve. General land use within this unit includes recreational beach 
use (e.g., fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing) and natural resource 
surveys and monitoring.
    Unit VA-11 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this area is a presumed night roost site 
(Cohen et al. 2010 in Heller 2020).
    Threats identified within Unit VA-11 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g., 
fishing, hiking, wildlife viewing), (2) invasive species, (3) natural 
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and 
(4) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in 
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat 
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Unit VA-11 is managed by the Virginia Department of 
Conservation and Recreation under the Wreck Island Natural Area 
Preserve Management Abstract (Field 2014, entire).

Unit VA-12: Myrtle Island

    Unit VA-12 consists of 1,416 ac (573 ha) of Myrtle Island in 
Northampton County, Virginia, and is composed of extensive mud flats, 
low marsh, sandy beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. The north 
boundary is Ship Shoal Inlet, the south boundary is Little Inlet, the 
west boundary is Main Ship Shoal Channel and Big Creek Marsh, and the 
east boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. The boundary for the island and 
marsh complex extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic 
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include 1,028 ac (417 ha; 73 
percent) that are in private/other ownership and 388 ac (156 ha; 27 
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit 
includes low-impact, noncommercial, recreational beach use (e.g., 
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography) and scientific 
research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for nesting shorebirds).
    Unit VA-12 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit harbors peat banks, which are 
heavily used by rufa red knots in Virginia.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-12 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
including recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf 
fishing, photography), (2) natural (e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused 
(e.g., oil spills) disasters, and (3) accelerated loss of shoreline 
habitat from erosional processes in response to climate change and sea 
level rise. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during 
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of 
activities), and establishing temporary sanctuaries and management 
during certain times of year to address erosion (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). The island is owned and managed 
by TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is 
identified in a Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and 
strategies for conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).

Unit VA-13: Smith Island

    Unit VA-13 consists of 2,529 ac (1,024 ha) of Smith Island in 
Northampton County, Virginia. It is bounded to the north by Little 
Inlet, to the south by Smith Island Inlet, and to the west along the 
dune line where the habitat changes from sandy beach with little 
vegetation to densely vegetated dunes or marshland, as well as densely 
vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and 
primary dune, or open water including Magothy Bay. The eastern boundary 
extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas 
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as 
shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of 
water. All lands within this unit are in private/other ownership. 
General land use within this unit includes low-impact, noncommercial, 
recreational beach use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and 
photography), and scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for 
nesting shorebirds).
    Unit VA-13 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Rufa red knots also use this island during the fall 
migration period as a southbound stopover site, as well as during the 
winter season period to build energy sources for migration, but not in 
large enough numbers to also meet the criteria for fall and winter 
periods.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-13 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by recreational beach use (e.g., 
hiking, bird watching, surf fishing, and photography), (2) natural 
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and 
(3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional processes in 
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat 
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The island is owned and managed by TNC as part of 
the Virginia Coast Reserve, management of which is identified in a 
Conservation Action Plan that outlines priorities and strategies for 
conservation activities (Wilke 2020, pers. comm.).

Unit NC-1: Outer Banks

    Unit NC-1 consists of two subunits comprising 11,367 ac (4,600 ha) 
in Dare and Hyde Counties, North Carolina. This unit consists of 
Federal lands owned by the NPS and Service, and lands owned by the 
State of North Carolina. This unit overlaps with occupied habitat and 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.

[[Page 37448]]

Subunit NC-1A: Hatteras Island and Shoals

    Subunit NC-1A consists of 5,754 ac (2,329 ha) of Hatteras Island in 
Dare County, North Carolina, from the southeast side of Oregon Inlet, 
south along the ocean-facing side of the island (including Pea Island 
NWR) to Cape Point in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. From Cape Point, 
the subunit stretches along the ocean side of the island about 13.25 mi 
(21 km) west to the east side of Hatteras Inlet. This subunit includes 
from MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, that are associated 
with the northeast side of Hatteras Inlet's navigable channel) to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the 
rufa red knot, begins. Lands within this subunit include approximately 
4,940 ac (1,999 ha; 86 percent) in Federal ownership (Cape Hatteras 
National Seashore and Pea Island NWR), along with 814 ac (329 ha; 14 
percent) that are uncategorized. Some portions of this subunit include 
ocean-facing beaches in front of the villages of Rodanthe, Waves, 
Salvo, Avon, Buxton, Frisco, and Hatteras. General land use within this 
subunit includes beach access for seasonal rental and residential 
communities, recreational day uses (e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird 
watching, swimming, surfing, surf fishing, horseback riding and 
photography), commercial fishing, natural resource conservation, and 
open space.
    Subunit NC-1A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to conservation of the 
species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing an important wintering habitat 
location in the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 936 ac 
(379 ha) of this subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001; 73 
FR 62816, October 21, 2008).
    Threats identified within Subunit NC-1A include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Pamlico Sound (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands 
within this subunit are managed under the 2006 Pea Island NWR 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2006a, entire) and under the 
2016 Cape Lookout National Seashore Off-Road Vehicle Management Plan/
Environmental Impact Statement (National Park Service 2016, entire).

Subunit NC-1B: Ocracoke Island

    Subunit NC-1B consists of 5,613 ac (2,271 ha) of Ocracoke Island in 
Hyde County, North Carolina, from the southwest side of Hatteras Inlet 
along the ocean-facing side of the island to the northeast side of 
Ocracoke Inlet. This subunit also encompasses shallow areas and 
mudflats within Pamlico Sound on the west side of Ocracoke Island near 
Ocracoke Village. This subunit includes from MLLW (i.e., the highly 
dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins, including the 
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwest side of 
Hatteras Inlet and the northeast side of Ocracoke Inlet, and the sand 
and mud islands identified in Pamlico Sound northeast of Ocracoke 
Village. Lands within this subunit include approximately 1,427 ac (577 
ha; 25 percent) in Federal ownership (i.e., the entire ocean-facing 
side of the Ocracoke Island, which is part of Cape Hatteras National 
Seashore), 3,612 ac (1,462 ha; 65 percent) in State ownership (i.e., 
the shallow islands in Pamlico Sound on the north side of Ocracoke), 
and 575 ac (233 ha; 10 percent) that are uncategorized. General land 
use within this subunit includes recreational day uses (e.g., 
sunbathing, walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing, surf fishing, 
horseback riding and photography), commercial fishing, natural resource 
conservation, and open space.
    Subunit NC-1B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound migration stopover site. Approximately 471 ac (190 ha) of 
the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001; and 73 FR 62816, 
October 21, 2008).
    Threats identified within Subunit NC-1B include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Pamlico Sound (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands 
within this subunit are managed under the 2010 Cape Hatteras National 
Seashore ORV Management Plan and EIS (NPS 2010, entire), and State 
lands are managed under the 2015 North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan 
(State of North Carolina 2015, entire).

Unit NC-2: Core Banks

    Unit NC-2 consists of two subunits comprising 11,281 ac (4,565 ha) 
in Carteret County, North Carolina. This unit consists of Federal lands 
owned by the NPS (Cape Lookout National Seashore). This unit partially 
overlaps with occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover.

Subunit NC-2A: North Core Banks

    Subunit NC-2A consists of 8,187 ac (3,313 ha) in Carteret County, 
North Carolina. The north boundary of the subunit is the North Core 
Banks side of the Ocracoke Inlet channel and the

[[Page 37449]]

south boundary is the North Core Banks side of the New Drum Inlet 
channel, the west boundary is the toe of the primary dune or dense 
vegetation line (where the physical or biological features do not 
occur), and the east boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the 
highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide). This subunit also includes MLLW on 
Core Sound to the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean in washover areas 
associated with Old Drum Inlet, all emergent sand shoals within the 
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the North Core Banks 
side of the Ocracoke Inlet channel, and the emergent sand shoals within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the North Core 
Banks side of the New Drum Inlet channel. Lands within this unit 
include 6,534 ac (2,644 ha; 80 percent) that are Federal ownership 
(Cape Lookout National Seashore) and 1,654 ac (669 ha; 20 percent) that 
are uncategorized. General land use within this subunit includes 
camping, recreational day uses (e.g., walking, bird watching, swimming, 
surfing, surf fishing, and photography), natural resource conservation, 
and open space.
    Subunit NC-2A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the 
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for foraging and 
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to 
build energy sources for migration. Approximately 5,493 ac (2,223 ha) 
of this subunit overlaps with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Subunit NC-2A include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Core and Pamlico Sound 
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal 
lands within this subunit are managed under the 2016 Cape Lookout 
National Seashore ORV Management Plan/EIS (NPS 2016, entire).

Subunit NC-2B: South Core Banks

    Subunit NC-2B consists of 3,094 ac (1,252 ha) in Carteret County, 
North Carolina. The north boundary of the subunit is the South Core 
Banks side of the New Drum Inlet Channel, the south boundary is at the 
Power Squadron Spit excluding the jetty, the west boundary is at the 
toe of the primary dune or dense vegetation line where the physical or 
biological features do not occur, and the east boundary is MLLW on the 
Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals 
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This subunit 
also includes MLLW on Core Sound to the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean in 
emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the South Core Banks side of the New Drum Inlet 
channel, and all emergent sand shoals associated with Cape Point. All 
of the lands within this subunit are under Federal ownership (Cape 
Lookout National Seashore). General land use within this subunit 
includes camping, recreational day uses (e.g., walking, bird watching, 
swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and photography), natural resource 
conservation, and open space.
    Subunit NC-2B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Approximately 873 ac (353 ha) of this subunit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001; and 73 FR 62816, October 21, 
2008).
    Threats identified within Subunit NC-2B include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration); managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Core Sound (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands within 
this subunit are managed under the 2016 Cape Lookout National Seashore 
ORV Management Plan/EIS (NPS 2016, entire).

Unit NC-3: Shackleford Island

    Unit NC-3 consists of 4,972 ac (2,012 ha) including all of 
Shackleford Island in Carteret County, North Carolina. The north 
boundary is MLLW along Back Sound, Bald Hill, Johnson and Lighthouse 
Bays south to dense vegetation where the physical or biological 
features do not occur. The east boundary is the Shackleford Island side 
of Barden Inlet channel, the south boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic 
Ocean, and the west boundary is the Shackleford Island side of Beaufort 
Inlet Channel. This unit includes emergent sand shoals within the 
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Shackleford Island 
side of the Barden Inlet channel, and the emergent sand shoals within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west side of 
the Beaufort Inlet channel (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent 
sand shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). 
All lands within this unit are in Federal ownership (Cape Lookout 
National Seashore). General land use within this unit includes camping, 
recreational day uses (e.g., walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing, 
surf fishing, and photography), natural resource conservation, and open 
space.
    Unit NC-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This

[[Page 37450]]

unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the spring 
migration period, serving as an important northbound stopover site. 
Approximately 2,120 ac (858 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit NC-3 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Back Sound (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands within 
this unit are managed under the 2016 Cape Lookout National Seashore ORV 
Management Plan/EIS (NPS 2016, entire).

Unit NC-4: Emerald Isle-Atlantic Beach

    Unit NC-4 consists of 2,030 ac (822 ha) of barrier island in 
Carteret County, North Carolina, stretching about 23 mi (37 km) from 
the Beaufort Inlet channel and Fort Macon State Park west to the 
eastern side of the Bogue Inlet channel. Unit NC-4 includes from MLLW 
to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by 
the rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological features 
no longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand shoals 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west 
side of the Beaufort Inlet channel, not including the jetty, as well as 
the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on 
the east side of the Bogue Inlet channel. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 1,908 ac (772 ha; 94 percent) in State ownership 
and 122 ac (50 ha; 6 percent) in private/other ownership (which 
includes 1 ac (0.5 ha) in local government ownership and 121 ac (49 ha) 
in private ownership). General land use within this unit includes beach 
access for seasonal rental and residential communities, recreational 
day uses (e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing, 
surf fishing, and photography), commercial fishing, and natural 
resource conservation and open space.
    Unit NC-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering 
habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 258 ac 
(104 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 
1,220 ac (494 ha) overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 
2014).
    Threats identified within Unit NC-4 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Bogue Sound (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands within 
this unit are managed under the 2015 North Carolina Wildlife Action 
Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).

Unit NC-5: New Topsail Inlet-Topsail Beach

    Unit NC-5 consists of 1,612 ac (652 ha) of barrier island in Onslow 
and Pender Counties, North Carolina, stretching about 23 mi (37 km) 
from the west side of the New River Inlet channel west to the east side 
of the New Topsail Inlet channel. This unit includes from MLLW to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the 
rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological features no 
longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand shoals within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west side of 
the New River Inlet channel, as well as the emergent sand shoals within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of the New 
Topsail Inlet channel. All lands within this unit are in private/other 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes beach access for 
seasonal rental and residential communities, recreational day uses 
(e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing, surf 
fishing, and photography), commercial fishing, and natural resource 
conservation and open space.
    Unit NC-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering 
habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 121 ac (49 
ha) of this unit overlap designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 
approximately 972 ac (393 ha) overlap with designated habitat for the 
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 
2014).
    Threats identified within Unit NC-5 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; (4) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to residential and 
commercial development; and (5) response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil spills). Special

[[Page 37451]]

management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during 
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of 
activities), conducting habitat management or restoration (e.g., living 
shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated shoreline migration), 
managing predator populations, managing human activities that disturb 
foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment sources both within the 
unit and the adjacent Topsail Sound (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above).

Unit NC-6: Cape Fear-Fort Fisher

    Unit NC-6 consists of 1,986 ac (804 ha) of coastal barrier island 
from Carolina Beach Inlet in New Hanover County, North Carolina to the 
mouth of the Cape Fear River in Brunswick County, North Carolina. The 
north boundary of this unit is the northeast tip of Pleasure Island 
south of Carolina Beach Inlet and the south boundary extends from the 
tip of Cape Fear west approximately 3.4 mi (5 km) to the mouth of the 
Cape Fear River. The west boundary is the toe of the primary dune or 
where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins 
and where the physical or biological features no longer occur. The east 
boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean excluding groins and jetties. 
This unit also includes all emergent sand shoals associated with the 
tip of Cape Fear, the Cape Fear River south of Military Ocean Terminal 
Sunny Point, and the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and 
ebb-tidal deltas associated with southwest side of Carolina Beach Inlet 
channel and the southwest tip of Bald Head Island. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 1,713 ac (693 ha; 86 percent) in State 
ownership and 274 ac (111 ha; 14 percent) in private/other ownership. 
State lands in this unit contain parts of Fort Fisher State Recreation 
Area and Zeke's Island Estuarine Reserve. General land use within this 
unit includes beach access for seasonal rental and residential 
communities, recreational day uses (e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird 
watching, swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and photography), commercial 
fishing, and natural resource conservation and open space.
    Unit NC-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Approximately 480 ac (194 ha) of the unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and approximately 1,009 ac (408 ha) 
overlap with designated habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead 
sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit NC-6 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Myrtle Sound/Cape Fear 
River (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
State lands within this unit are managed under the 2015 North Carolina 
Wildlife Action Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).

Unit NC-7: Ocean Isle Beach

    Unit NC-7 consists of 298 ac (120 ha) of barrier island in 
Brunswick County, North Carolina, stretching about 6 mi (10 km) from 
the west side of Shallotte Inlet to the east side of Tubbs Inlet. The 
east boundary of this unit is the west side of Shallotte Inlet. The 
south boundary is the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean, the west boundary is 
the east side of Tubbs Inlet and the north boundary is the toe of the 
primary dune or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa 
red knot, begins and where the physical or biological features no 
longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand shoals within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west side of 
the Shallotte Inlet channel, as well as the emergent sand shoals within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of the Tubbs 
Inlet channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 182 ac (73 
ha; 61 percent) in State ownership and 116 ac (47 ha; 39 percent) in 
private/other (municipal) ownership. General land use within this unit 
includes beach access for seasonal rental and residential communities, 
recreational day uses (e.g., sunbathing, walking, bird watching, 
swimming, surfing, surf fishing, and photography), commercial fishing, 
and natural resource conservation and open space.
    Unit NC-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Approximately 29 ac (12 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit NC-7 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources within the unit (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands within this unit are managed under the 
2015 North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).

Unit NC-8: Sunset Beach-Bird Island

    Unit NC-8 consists of 384 ac (155 ha) of barrier island in 
Brunswick County, North Carolina, stretching about 4.1 mi (6.6 km) from 
the west side of Tubbs Inlet to the east side of Little River Inlet. 
The east boundary of this unit is the west side of Tubbs Inlet. The 
south boundary is the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean, the west boundary is 
the east side of Little River Inlet and the north boundary is the toe 
of the primary dune or where densely vegetated habitat, not

[[Page 37452]]

used by the rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological 
features no longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand 
shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the 
west side of the Tubbs Inlet channel, as well as the emergent sand 
shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of 
the Little River Inlet channel, excluding the jetty. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 345 ac (139 ha; 90 percent) in State 
ownership and 39 ac (16 ha; 10 percent) in private/other ownership. 
General land use within this unit includes beach access for seasonal 
rental and residential communities, recreational day uses (e.g., 
sunbathing, walking, bird watching, swimming, surfing, surf fishing, 
and photography), commercial fishing, and natural resource conservation 
and open space.
    Unit NC-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Approximately 61 ac (25 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit NC-8 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities 
(e.g., pets, powered boats, ORVs); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), conducting habitat management or restoration 
(e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated 
shoreline migration), managing predator populations, managing human 
activities that disturb foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment 
sources within the unit (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands within this unit are managed under the 
Management Plan for the Bird Island Component of the North Carolina 
Coastal Reserve (North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural 
Resources Division of Coastal Management 2003, entire) and the 2015 
North Carolina Wildlife Action Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).

Unit SC-1: Garden City Beach

    Unit SC-1 consists of 616 ac (249 ha) of Garden City Beach in 
Georgetown and Horry Counties, South Carolina. The northern boundary of 
the unit begins at the Garden City pier in Horry County and extends 
southwest to the northern side of Murrells Inlet in Georgetown County. 
The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which includes the 
highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. This unit 
also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) within the 
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the northeastern side 
of Murrells Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 267 ac (108 ha; 43 percent) in State ownership and 349 ac 
(141 ha; 57 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use 
within this unit includes residential development, tourism, and outdoor 
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating).
    Unit SC-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the 
subspecies range during the winter period, providing important 
wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year 
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration. 
Approximately 57 ac (23 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-1 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, running/walking/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with the response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline 
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of red knot 
migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Unit SC-2: Huntington Beach State Park/Litchfield Beach

    Unit SC-2 consists of 1,634 ac (661 ha) of Huntington Beach State 
Park and Litchfield Beach in Georgetown County, South Carolina. The 
unit boundary begins on the southern side of Murrells Inlet southwest 
and extends southwest to the northern side of Midway Inlet. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW (which includes the highly dynamic 
shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. This unit also 
includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of 
Murrells Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of Midway 
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 
80 ac (32 ha; 5 percent) in State ownership, which includes Huntington 
Beach State Park, and 1,554 ac (629 ha; 95 percent) in private/other 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes residential 
development, tourism, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, 
boating, fishing, birdwatching, and hiking).
    Unit SC-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the 
subspecies range during the winter period, providing important 
wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year 
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration. 
Approximately 371 ac (150 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-2 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, powered boats, running/walking/biking through or too 
close to flocks of rufa red knots); (2) depredation by native and 
nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to

[[Page 37453]]

uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with the response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline 
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of red knot 
migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed 
under the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism's 
(SCDPRT) 2019 South Carolina State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation 
Plan (SCDPRT 2019, entire).

Unit SC-3: Sand and South Island Beaches

    Unit SC-3 consists of 8,256 ac (3,341 ha) of Sand and South 
Islands, barrier islands off the coast in Georgetown County, South 
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the northeastern edge of South 
Island in North Inlet behind North Island following the shoreline to 
include Sand Island and continuing southwest to the southern tip of 
South Island. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which 
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes 
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. 
This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed 
inlet between Sand and South Islands and the northeastern side of North 
Santee River Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 7,843 ac (3,174 ha; 95 percent) in State ownership, 129 
ac (52 ha; 2 percent) in private/other ownership, and 283 ac (115 ha; 3 
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit 
includes wildlife management as part of South Carolina Department of 
Natural Resources' (SCDNR) Tom Yawkey Wildlife Center Heritage Preserve 
and outdoor recreational use (e.g., boating, fishing, birdwatching, 
wildlife viewing).
    Unit SC-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
migration stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. 
portion of the subspecies range. This unit also has remote boat-only 
access and an undeveloped character that provides protection from 
intensive human uses. Approximately 664 ac (269 ha) of this unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 475 ac (192 ha) of the 
unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-3 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, running/walking through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion, 
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with the response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering 
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing access to red knot foraging and 
roosting habitat during migration, such as through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). State lands and waters within 
this unit are managed under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan 
(SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit SC-4: Murphy Island Beach

    Unit SC-4 consists of 8,312 ac (3,364 ha) and includes all of 
Murphy Island, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, 
South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the South Santee River 
shoreline of Murphy's Island and extends to the Alligator Creek 
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which 
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes 
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. 
This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed 
inlets along the shoreline of Murphy Island. Lands within this unit are 
entirely in State ownership and SCDNR manages Murphy Island as part of 
the Santee Coastal Reserve Wildlife Management Area. General land use 
within this unit includes wildlife management and outdoor recreational 
use (e.g., boating, hunting, fishing, birdwatching).
    Unit SC-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the 
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this 
unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. This unit also has remote boat-only 
access and an undeveloped character that provides protection from 
intensive human uses. Approximately 253 ac (102 ha) of this unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-4 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion 
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering 
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa 
red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands 
and waters within this unit are managed under the SCDNR's State 
Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit SC-5: North Cape Island Beach

    Unit SC-5 consists of 1,270 ac (514 ha) of the entire northern 
portion of Cape Island, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston 
County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Cape Romain 
Harbor shoreline of Cape Island and extends south to the shoreline 
along the unnamed inlet between North Cape and South Cape Islands. The 
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes

[[Page 37454]]

or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins 
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the northern side 
of the navigable channel of the unnamed inlet between North Cape Island 
and South Cape Island. Lands within this unit include approximately 775 
ac (313 ha; 61 percent) in Federal ownership and 495 ac (200 ha; 39 
percent) in State ownership. General land use within this unit includes 
wildlife management as part of the Service's Cape Romain NWR and 
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, hiking, 
and birdwatching). North Cape Island is also classified as a Class I 
Wilderness Area.
    Unit SC-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of 
the subspecies range. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an 
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses. Approximately 49 ac (20 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 
FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-5 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the 
2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010a, 
entire).

Unit SC-6: South Cape and Lighthouse Island Beaches

    Unit SC-6 consists of 2,037 ac (824 ha) of the entire southern 
portion Cape Island and all of Lighthouse Island, barrier islands off 
the coast in Charleston County, South Carolina. The unit boundary 
begins at the northern tip of South Cape Island in the unnamed inlet 
between North Cape and South Cape Islands and extends to the western 
tip of Lighthouse Island in Key Inlet. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic 
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southern side of the navigable channel 
of the unnamed inlet between North Cape Island and South Cape Island 
and the emergent sand shoals associated with Key Inlet. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 1,552 ac (628 ha; 76 percent) in 
Federal ownership and 485 ac (196 ha; 24 percent) in State ownership. 
General land use within this unit includes wildlife management as part 
of the Service's Cape Romain NWR and outdoor recreational use (e.g., 
beachgoing, boating, fishing, and birdwatching). South Cape Island is 
also classified as a Class I Wilderness Area.
    Unit SC-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of 
the subspecies range. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an 
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses. Approximately 745 ac (302 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 324 ac (131 ha) of this unit overlap 
with the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 
10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-6 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the 
2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010a, 
entire).

Unit SC-7: Raccoon Key Complex and White Banks Beaches

    Unit SC-7 consists of 5,324 ac (2,154 ha) of the entire Raccoon Key 
complex and White Banks, islands off the coast in Charleston County, 
South Carolina. The unit boundary begins at the intersection of the 
Romain River and Key Inlet side of Raccoon Key and extends to the 
western edge of White Banks in Bulls Bay. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed inlets in the 
Raccoon Key complex. Lands within this unit are all in Federal 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes wildlife 
management as part of the Service's Cape Romain NWR and outdoor 
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, and 
birdwatching).
    Unit SC-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site on the Southeastern U.S. 
portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this unit contains a 
high concentration of rufa red knots during

[[Page 37455]]

the winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the 
northern Gulf coast for foraging and roosting during a time of the year 
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration. 
This unit is one of three units in South Carolina that supports rufa 
red knots throughout the entire nonbreeding season (fall, winter, and 
spring). The area also has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped 
character that provides protection from intensive human uses. 
Approximately 119 ac (48 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001), and 41 ac (17 ha) of this unit overlap with the 
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 
2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-7 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the 
2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010a, 
entire).

Unit SC-8: Marsh Island

    Unit SC-8 consists of 415 ac (168 ha) of all of Marsh Island, an 
island in Bulls Bay in Charleston County, South Carolina. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Marsh Island. Lands within 
this unit include are all in Federal ownership. General land use within 
this unit includes wildlife management as part of the Service's Cape 
Romain NWR and seasonal outdoor recreational use (e.g., boating, 
fishing, and birdwatching).
    Unit SC-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of red knots 
during the spring migration period, particularly in the spring when 
horseshoe crabs are spawning, as well as a high concentration of rufa 
red knots during the fall migration period (i.e., one of six units in 
South Carolina that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots 
during fall migration). The habitat in this unit serves as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site, in addition to the area having 
remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that provides 
protection from intensive human uses.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-8 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities despite 
the island being seasonally closed (e.g., off leash dogs, walking/
running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered boats); 
(2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) modification or 
loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled recreational access, 
erosion and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
wintering and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access 
to key rufa red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration 
through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and 
managing the collection of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use 
(e.g., limiting location and timing of collection) (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this 
unit are managed under the 2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan (Service 2010a, entire).

Unit SC-9: Bulls Island Beach

    Unit SC-9 consists of 6,141 ac (2,485 ha) of all of Bulls Island, a 
barrier island of the coast in Charleston County, South Carolina. The 
unit boundary begins on the Bulls Bay shoreline of Bulls Island and 
extends southwest to the Price Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the northeastern side of 
Price Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 5,200 ac (2,104 ha; 85 percent) in Federal ownership and 
941 ac (381 ha; 15 percent) in State ownership. General land use within 
this unit includes wildlife management as part of the Service's Cape 
Romain NWR and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, 
hunting, fishing, hiking, and birdwatching).
    Unit SC-9 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of 
the subspecies range. This unit also contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering 
habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa 
red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration. 
Additionally, this unit has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped 
character that provides protection from intensive human uses. 
Approximately 206 ac (83 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-9 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of

[[Page 37456]]

spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the 
2010 Cape Romain NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010a, 
entire).

Unit SC-10: Capers Island Beach

    Unit SC-10 consists of 2,534 ac (1,026 ha) of all of Capers Island, 
a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South Carolina. 
The unit boundary begins on the Price Inlet shoreline of Capers Island 
and extends southwest to the Capers Inlet shoreline. The unit includes 
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of 
Price's Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of Capers 
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit are entirely in State 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes resource 
management as part of SCDNR's Capers Island Natural Heritage Preserve 
and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, hunting, 
fishing, camping, and birdwatching).
    Unit SC-10 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of 
the subspecies range. This unit also contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering 
habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa 
red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration. 
Additionally, this unit has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped 
character that provides protection from intensive human uses. 
Approximately 160 ac (65 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-10 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed 
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit SC-11: Dewees Island Beach

    Unit SC-11 consists of 1,812 ac (733 ha) of all of Dewees Island, a 
barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South Carolina. The 
unit boundary begins on the Capers Inlet shoreline of Dewees Island and 
extends to the Dewees Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic 
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of Caper's Inlet's 
navigable channel and the northeastern side of Dewees Inlet's navigable 
channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 265 ac (107 ha; 
15 percent) in State ownership and 1,547 ac (626 ha; 85 percent) in 
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes 
low-level residential development and outdoor recreational use (e.g., 
beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
    Unit SC-11 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
in South Carolina and the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies 
range during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat 
for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots 
are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-11 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed 
under the 2015 Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan for 
Unincorporated Charleston County (Charleston County 2015, entire).

Unit SC-12: Isle of Palms Beach

    Unit SC-12 consists of 4,117 ac (1,666 ha) of all of the Isle of 
Palms, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South 
Carolina. The unit boundary begins at the Dewees Inlet shoreline of the 
Isle of Palms and extends southwest to the Breach Inlet shoreline. The 
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or 
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins 
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern 
side of Dewees Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of 
Breach Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 754 ac (305 ha; 18 percent) in State ownership and 3,363 
ac (1,361 ha; 82 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use 
within this unit includes beach access for seasonal rental and 
residential communities, and recreational day uses (e.g., beachgoing, 
boating, fishing,

[[Page 37457]]

birdwatching) within the municipality of the City of Isle of Palms.
    Unit SC-12 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-12 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed 
under the 2017 Isle of Palms Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan 
(City of Isle of Palms 2017, entire).

Unit SC-13: Sullivan's Island Beach

    Unit SC-13 consists of 1,782 ac (721 ha) of all of Sullivan's 
Island, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South 
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Breach Inlet shoreline of 
Sullivan's Island and extends southwest to the Charleston Harbor 
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of 
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) 
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal 
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the 
southwestern side of Breach Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 83 ac (34 ha; 5 percent) in Federal 
ownership as part of the NPS's Ft. Moultrie (which is part of the Ft. 
Sumter National Monument), 694 ac (281 ha; 39 percent) in State 
ownership, and 1,005 ac (407 ha; 56 percent) in private/other 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes beach access for 
seasonal rental and residential communities, and recreational day uses 
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, birdwatching) within the 
municipality of the Town of Sullivan's Island.
    Unit SC-13 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range. 
Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-13 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Federal lands are managed under the Ft. Sumter 
National Monument General Management Plan (NPS 2003, entire). Private/
other lands within this unit are managed under the 2019 Sullivan's 
Island Comprehensive Plan (Berkeley-Charleston-Dorchester Council of 
Governments 2019, entire).

Unit SC-14: Folly Beach

    Unit SC-14 consists of 1,989 ac (805 ha) of the entire island of 
Folly Beach, a barrier island off the coast in Charleston County, South 
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Lighthouse Inlet shoreline of 
Folly Beach and extends southwest to the Folly River shoreline. The 
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or 
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins 
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern 
side of Lighthouse Inlet's navigable channel and the Folly Beach side 
of the Folly River Inlet's navigable channel between Folly Beach and 
Bird Key. Lands within this unit are entirely in private/other land 
ownership within the city limits of municipality of the City of Folly 
Beach. General land use within this unit includes residential/
commercial development, county parks, tourism, and outdoor recreational 
use (e.g., beachgoing, surfing, fishing, and boating).
    Unit SC-14 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern 
U.S. portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this unit contains 
a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration. Approximately 254 ac (103 ha) of this unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-14 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot

[[Page 37458]]

foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed 
under the 2015 City of Folly Beach Local Comprehensive Beach Management 
Plan (City of Folly Beach 2015, entire).

Unit SC-15: Bird Key-Stono

    Unit SC-15 consists of 294 ac (119 ha) of all of Bird Key-Stono, an 
island in the mouth of the Stono Inlet in Charleston County, South 
Carolina. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of 
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) 
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal 
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the 
southwestern side of the Folly River Inlet. Lands within this unit are 
entirely in State ownership. SCDNR manages Bird Key-Stono as a State 
Seabird Sanctuary. General land use within this unit includes wildlife 
management and outdoor recreational use (e.g., boating, fishing).
    Unit SC-15 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This 
unit also has remote boat-only access, seasonal closure, and an 
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses. Approximately 70 ac (28 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001), and 1.4 ac (0.6 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-15 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed 
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit SC-16: Kiawah and Seabrook Island Beaches

    Unit SC-16 consists of 11,250 ac (4,553 ha) of all of Kiawah Island 
and a portion of Seabrook Island, barrier islands off the coast in 
Charleston County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the 
Stono Inlet shoreline of Kiawah Island and extends southwest to the tip 
of the Seabrook Island shoreline in the North Edisto River. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the western side of the 
Stono Inlet and all of Captain Sam's Inlet. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 1,399 ac (566 ha; 5 percent) in State ownership 
and 9,850 ac (3,986 ha; 95 percent) in private/other ownership within 
the Town limits of the Town of Kiawah Island and the Town of Seabrook 
Island. General land use within this unit includes residential 
development, tourism, golf resorts, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., 
beachgoing, boating, kayaking, fishing, wildlife viewing).
    Unit SC-16 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site in South Carolina and on the Southeastern U.S. portion of 
the subspecies range (i.e., the most important known spring migration 
staging area in the Southeast). Additionally, this unit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period, providing 
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of 
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. Approximately 1,591 ac (644 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 2,067 ac (836 ha) of this unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-16 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed 
under the 2020 Town of Kiawah Island Local Comprehensive Beach 
Management Plan (Town of Kiawah Island 2020, entire) and 2019 Town of 
Seabrook Island Beach Management Plan (Town of Seabrook Island 2019, 
entire).

Unit SC-17: Deveaux Bank

    Unit SC-17 consists of 1,328 ac (538 ha) of all of Deveaux Bank, an 
island in the mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County, 
South Carolina. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 
rufa red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
the mouth of the North Edisto River. Lands within this unit are 
entirely in State ownership. General land use within this unit

[[Page 37459]]

includes wildlife management as a SCDNR Seabird Sanctuary and outdoor 
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
    Unit SC-17 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This 
unit also has remote boat-only access, partial seasonal closure, and an 
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses. Approximately 459 ac (186 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 664 ac (269 ha) of this unit overlap 
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-17 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed 
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit SC-18: Edisto Island Beaches

    Unit SC-18 consists of 1,743 ac (705 ha) of the beaches of Edisto 
Island, a barrier island off the coast, including all of Botany Bay 
Island, all of Botany Bay Plantation, all of Interlude Beach, all of 
Edingsville Beach, and a portion of Edisto Beach State Park in 
Charleston and Colleton Counties, South Carolina. The unit boundary 
begins on the North Edisto River shoreline of Botany Bay Island and 
extends southwest to the undeveloped eastern half of the beachfront 
portion of Edisto Beach State Park southwest of Jeremy Inlet. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Frampton and Jeremy Inlets 
and the unnamed inlet separating Interlude Beach and Botany Bay 
Plantation. Lands within this unit include approximately 650 ac (263 
ha; 37 percent) in State ownership and 1,093 ac (442 ha; 63 percent) in 
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes 
residential development, tourism, Edisto Beach State Park, and wildlife 
management as part of SCDNR's Botany Bay Heritage Preserve/Wildlife 
Management Area, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, 
boating, and fishing).
    Unit SC-18 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the 
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this 
unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. This unit is one of three units in South 
Carolina that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout 
the entire nonbreeding season (fall, winter, and spring). Approximately 
201 ac (81 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat 
for the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 
10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-18 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed 
under the 2015 Local Comprehensive Beach Management Plan for 
Unincorporated Charleston County (Charleston County 2015, entire). 
State lands and waters within this unit are managed under the SCDNR's 
State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit SC-19: Pine and Otter Island Beaches

    Unit SC-19 consists of 6,302 ac (2,550 ha) of all of Pine and Otter 
Islands, sea islands in St. Helena Sound in Colleton County, South 
Carolina. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of 
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) 
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal 
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Fish Creek 
Inlet. Lands within this unit include approximately 6,296 ac (2,548 ha; 
99 percent) in State ownership and 6 ac (2 ha; less than 1 percent) in 
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes 
natural areas and wildlife management as part of the Ashepoo-Combahee-
Edisto Basin NERR and SCDNR's St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve/
Wildlife Management Area, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., 
beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
    Unit SC-19 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the 
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range, particularly when 
horseshoe crabs are spawning in the spring. This unit is one of six 
units in South Carolina that supports high concentrations of the 
subspecies during

[[Page 37460]]

the fall migration period. The location also has remote boat-only 
access and an undeveloped character that provides protection from 
intensive human uses. Approximately 247 ac (100 ha) of this unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 324 ac (131 ha) of this 
unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-19 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed 
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire) and 
the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto Basin NERR Management Plan (SCDNR 2011, 
entire).

Unit SC-20: Harbor and Hunting Island Beaches

    Unit SC-20 consists of 4,066 ac (1,645 ha) of Harbor and Hunting 
Islands, barrier islands off the coast in Beaufort County, South 
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Harbor River shoreline of 
Harbor Island and extends southwest to the Fripp Inlet shoreline of 
Hunting Island. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
Johnson Creek Inlet. Lands within this unit include approximately 3,246 
ac (1,313 ha; 80 percent) in State ownership and 820 ac (331 ha; 20 
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit 
includes residential development (Harbor Island), tourism (Hunting 
Island State Park), and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, 
boating, fishing, birdwatching, camping).
    Unit SC-20 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site on the Southeastern U.S. 
portion of the subspecies range, particularly in the spring when 
horseshoe crabs are spawning. Additionally, this unit is one of only 
six units in South Carolina that supports high concentrations of rufa 
red knots during the fall migration period. Approximately 194 ac (78 
ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 
662 ac (268 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat 
for the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 
10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-20 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed 
under SCDPRT's 2019 South Carolina State Comprehensive Outdoor 
Recreation Plan (SCDPRT 2019, entire).

Unit SC-21: Fripp Island Beach

    Unit SC-21 consists of 734 ac (297 ha) of Fripp Island, a barrier 
island off the coast in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The unit 
boundary begins on the Fripp Inlet shoreline of Fripp Inlet and extends 
southwest to the Skull Creek Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Fripp Inlet. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 305 ac (124 ha; 42 percent) in State 
ownership and 429 ac (174 ha; 58 percent) in private/other ownership. 
General land use within this unit includes residential development, 
tourism, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and 
fishing).
    Unit SC-21 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-21 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed 
under the 2020 Fripp Island Beach Management Plan (Beaufort County 
2020, entire).

[[Page 37461]]

Unit SC-22: Hilton Head Island Beach

    Unit SC-22 consists of 1,682 ac (681 ha) of the heel of Hilton Head 
Island, a barrier island off the coast in Beaufort County, South 
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Port Royal Sound shoreline 
beginning at Oyster Shell Lane, continues southeast then turns 
southwest along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and continues to the 
undeveloped portion of Singleton Beach southwest of Folly Beach. The 
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or 
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the rufa red knot) begins 
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Fish Haul Creek 
and unnamed inlets within the unit boundary. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 1,015 ac (411 ha; 60 percent) in State ownership 
and 667 ac (270 ha; 40 percent) in private/other ownership. General 
land use within this unit includes beach access for seasonal rental and 
residential communities, and recreational day uses (e.g., beachgoing, 
boating, fishing, birdwatching) within the municipality of the Town of 
Hilton Head.
    Unit SC-22 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site in South Carolina and on the 
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range. Additionally, this 
unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. This unit is one of three units in South 
Carolina that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout 
the entire nonbreeding season (fall, winter, and spring). Approximately 
73 ac (29 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-22 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Private/other lands within this unit are managed 
under the 2017 Town of Hilton Head Island Local Comprehensive Beach 
Management Plan (Town of Hilton Head 2017, entire).

Unit SC-23: Daufuskie Island Beach

    Unit SC-23 consists of 6,370 ac (2,578 ha) of all of Daufuskie 
Island, a sea island in Calibogue Sound in Beaufort County, South 
Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Calibogue Sound shoreline of 
Daufuskie Island and extends southwest to the Mungen Creek shoreline. 
The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes 
or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins 
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the unit boundary. All lands within this unit are in private/other 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes residential 
development, tourism, and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, 
boating, and fishing).
    Unit SC-23 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This unit also includes remote boat-only access and has 
a low-level of development, preventing the subspecies from experiencing 
intensive human uses.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-23 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Unit SC-24: Turtle Island Beach

    Unit SC-24 consists of 1,798 ac (728 ha) of all of Turtle Island, a 
sea island in Calibogue Sound in Jasper County, South Carolina. The 
unit boundary begins on the New River shoreline of Turtle Island and 
extends southwest to the Wright River shoreline. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed inlet in the 
center of the island shoreline. Lands within this unit are entirely in 
State ownership as SCDNR's Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area. 
General land use within this unit includes wildlife management and 
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
    Unit SC-24 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This 
unit also has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that 
provides protection from intensive human uses.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-24 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and

[[Page 37462]]

human activities (e.g., off leash dogs, walking/running through or too 
close to flocks of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native 
and nonnative predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both 
due to uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; 
and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and human-
caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands and waters within this unit are managed 
under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan (SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit SC-25: Jones Island Beach

    Unit SC-25 consists of 3,025 ac (1,224 ha) of all of Jones Island, 
a sea island along the Savannah River and Calibogue Sound in Jasper 
County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the Wright River 
shoreline of Jones Island to the Savannah River shoreline. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Wright River Inlet. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 785 ac (318 ha; 26 percent) in 
Federal ownership, which includes the Service's Tybee Island NWR, and 
2,240 ac (907 ha; 74 percent) in State ownership. General land use 
within this unit includes wildlife management and outdoor recreational 
use (e.g., boating, fishing).
    Unit SC-25 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This 
location also includes restrictions on public access and has an 
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-25 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the 
2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
(Service 2011, entire).

Unit GA-1: Tybee Island Beach

    Unit GA-1 consists of 2,046 ac (828 ha) of Tybee Island (including 
north, mid, and south beaches), a barrier island off the coast in 
Chatham County, Georgia. The northern boundary of the unit begins at 
the Savannah River shoreline of Tybee Island and extends south to Tybee 
Creek Inlet, which separates Tybee Island from Little Tybee Island, and 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the eastern side of Tybee 
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 
6 ac (2 ha; less than 1 percent) in State ownership, 1,721 ac (697 ha; 
84 percent) in private/other ownership, and 319 ac (129 ha; 15 percent) 
that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit includes 
beach access for seasonal rental and residential communities, and 
recreational day uses (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, 
birdwatching) within the municipality of the City of Tybee Island.
    Unit GA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering 
habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 179 ac (73 
ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-1 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, running/walking/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with the response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline 
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of red knot 
migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Private/other lands are managed by the City of 
Tybee Island's Best Management Practices (City of Tybee Island 2014, 
entire).

Unit GA-2: Little Tybee Island Complex

    Unit GA-2 consists of 8,265 ac (3,345 ha) of the entire Little 
Tybee Island complex, a series of barrier islands off the coast in 
Chatham County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins on the western side 
of Tybee Creek Inlet and extends southwest to Wassaw Sound and includes 
Little Tybee Island, Williamson Island, and all emergent land from MLLW 
to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by 
the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high

[[Page 37463]]

tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the western side of Tybee Inlet's 
navigable channel, Little Tybee Slough, and Little Tybee Creek. All 
lands within this unit are in State ownership and comprise the Little 
Tybee Island State Heritage Preserve. General land use within this unit 
includes outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, kayaking, 
camping, birdwatching, fishing, and shelling) and wildlife management 
(e.g., biological monitoring/surveys).
    Unit GA-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering 
habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. This unit also has 
remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that provides 
protection from intensive human uses. Approximately 2,138 ac (865 ha) 
of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 1,178 ac 
(479 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 
2014).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-2 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion 
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering 
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa 
red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands in 
this unit are managed as a preserve by the TNC, which holds a permanent 
conservation easement, in cooperation with the Georgia Department of 
Natural Resources (GDNR) State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire; 
TNC 2020, entire).

Unit GA-3: Wassaw Island Beach

    Unit GA-3 consists of 4,296 ac (1,738 ha) of Wassaw Island, a 
barrier island off the coast in Chatham County, Georgia. The unit 
boundary begins on the southwestern side of Wassaw Sound off the 
northern tip of Wassaw Island and extends southwest to Ossabaw Sound 
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which 
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes 
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. 
This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the 
southwestern side of Wassaw Sound off the northern tip of Wassaw 
Island. Lands within this unit include approximately 3,001 ac (1,215 
ha; 70 percent) in Federal ownership, 274 ac (111 ha; 6 percent) in 
private/other ownership, and 1,020 ac (412 ha; 24 percent) that are 
uncategorized. General land use within this unit includes wildlife 
management as part of the Service's Wassaw Island NWR and outdoor 
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, fishing, boating, and 
birdwatching).
    Unit GA-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an 
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses. Approximately 627 ac (254 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 667 ac (270 ha) of this unit overlap 
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-3 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
running/walking through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered 
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion, and sea level 
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with the response to natural and 
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and 
migrating red knots (e.g., managing access to red knot foraging and 
roosting habitat during migration, such as through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are 
managed under the 2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan (Service 2011, entire).

Unit GA-4: Raccoon Key

    Unit GA-4 consists of 1,599 ac (647 ha) of all of Raccoon Key, an 
island in Ossabaw Sound in Chatham County, Georgia. The unit includes 
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within Ossabaw Sound 
associated with Raccoon Key. All lands within this unit are in State 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes outdoor 
recreational use (e.g., boating, fishing).
    Unit GA-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an 
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses.
    Threats identified within Unit GA-4 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
running/walking through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered 
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled 
recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance 
associated with the response to natural and human-caused disasters 
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating red knots (e.g., 
managing access to red knot foraging and roosting habitat during 
migration, such as through restrictions on timing,

[[Page 37464]]

locations, and types of activities) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). State lands within this unit are 
managed under the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire).

Unit GA-5: Ossabaw Island Beach

    Unit GA-5 consists of 32,357 ac (13,095 ha) of Ossabaw Island, a 
barrier island off the coast in Chatham County, Georgia. The unit 
boundary begins at the Ogeechee River shoreline of Ossabaw Island and 
extends southwest to the St. Catherine's Sound shoreline. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Ossabaw Sound off the 
northeastern tip of the island and St. Catherine's Sound off the 
southwestern tip of the island. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 28,621 ac (11,591 ha; 88 percent) in State ownership and 
3,736 ac (1,503 ha; 12 percent) that are uncategorized. General land 
use within this unit includes wildlife management as part of the 
Ossabaw Island Wildlife Management Area and outdoor recreational use 
(e.g., boating, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing).
    Unit GA-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This unit also has remote boat-only access and an 
undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses. Approximately 1,571 ac (636 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 2,224 ac (900 ha) overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-5 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
walking/running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered 
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion and sea level 
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and 
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and 
migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red 
knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands 
within this unit are managed under the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan 
(GDNR 2015, entire).

Unit GA-6: St. Catherine's Island Beach

    Unit GA-6 consists of 15,962 ac (6,460 ha) of St. Catherine's 
Island, a barrier island off the coast in Liberty County, Georgia. The 
unit boundary begins at the St. Catherine's Sound shoreline of St. 
Catherine's Island and extends southwest to the Sapelo Sound shoreline. 
The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes 
or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins 
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with St. Catherine's 
Sound entrance off the northern tip of the island, McQueen Inlet, and 
Sapelo Sound entrance off the southern tip of the island. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 2,106 ac (853 ha; 13 percent) in State 
ownership, 11,810 ac (4,783 ha; 74 percent) in private/other ownership, 
and 2,046 ac (824 ha; 13 percent) that are uncategorized. General land 
use within this unit includes private research and outdoor recreational 
use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
    Unit GA-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period, providing important wintering habitat on the Southeastern U.S. 
portion of the subspecies range for foraging and roosting during a time 
of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. This location serves as one of five units in Georgia that 
supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout the entire 
nonbreeding season. Additionally, the location includes remote boat-
only access and has an undeveloped character that provides protection 
from intensive human uses. Approximately 1,321 ac (535 ha) of this unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 3,148 ac (1,274 ha) of 
this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-6 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion 
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering 
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa 
red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above).

Unit GA-7: Blackbeard Island Beach

    Unit GA-7 consists of 6,321 ac (2,558 ha) of Blackbeard Island, a 
barrier island off the coast in McIntosh County, Georgia. The unit 
boundary begins at the Sapelo Sound shoreline of Blackbeard Island and 
extends southwest to the Cabretta Inlet shoreline. The unit includes 
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Sapelo Sound entrance 
off the northern tip of the island and the northeastern side of 
Cabretta Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 4,954 ac (2,006 ha; 78 percent) in Federal ownership, 80 
ac (32 ha; 2 percent) in State ownership, and 1,287 ac (519 ha; 20 
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit 
includes wildlife management as part of the Service's Blackbeard Island 
NWR and outdoor recreational

[[Page 37465]]

use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, and birdwatching).
    Unit GA-7 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This unit also includes remote boat-only access and has 
an undeveloped character that provides protection from intensive human 
uses. Approximately 517 ac (209 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 1,400 ac (567 ha) overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-7 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
walking/running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered 
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled 
recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance 
associated with response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., 
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating red knots (e.g., 
managing recreational access to key rufa red knot foraging and roosting 
habitat during migration through restrictions on timing, locations, and 
types of activities) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the 
2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
(Service 2011, entire).

Unit GA-8: Sapelo Island Beach

    Unit GA-8 consists of 2,482 ac (845 ha) of Sapelo Island, a barrier 
island off the coast in McIntosh County, Georgia. The unit boundary 
begins at the Cabretta Inlet shoreline of Sapelo Island and extends 
southwest to the Doboy Sound shoreline. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic 
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of Cabretta Inlet's 
navigable channel. The lands within this unit are State-owned and 
comprise the Sapelo Island WMA and Sapelo Island NERR. General land use 
within this unit includes wildlife and coastal resource management and 
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
    Unit GA-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period, providing important wintering habitat on the Southeastern U.S. 
portion of the subspecies range for foraging and roosting during a time 
of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. This location serves as one of five units in Georgia that 
supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout the entire 
nonbreeding season, and is also important due to its low-level 
development, remote boat-only access, and protection from intensive 
human uses. Approximately 167 ac (68 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 282 ac (114 ha) overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-8 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion 
and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering 
and migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa 
red knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands in 
this unit are managed under the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan and 
Sapelo Island NERR Management Plan (GDNR 2015, entire; Sapelo Island 
NERR 2008, entire).

Unit GA-9: Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island, and Little Egg 
Island Bar

    Unit GA-9 consists of 5,308 ac (2,148 ha) of Wolf, Egg, and Little 
Egg Islands and Little Egg Island Bar, islands at the mouth of the 
Altamaha River in McIntosh County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins at 
the South River shoreline of Wolf Island and extends south to the 
southern side of Altamaha Sound. The unit includes all emergent land 
from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat 
(not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline 
and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the entrance to Altamaha Sound and Beacon 
Creek. Lands within this unit include approximately 2,975 ac (1,204 ha; 
56 percent) in Federal ownership, 240 ac (97 ha; 5 percent) in State 
ownership, and 2,093 ac (847 ha; 39 percent) that are uncategorized. 
General land use within this unit includes wildlife management and 
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, and 
birdwatching). Federal land use includes management of both Wolf and 
Egg Islands as part of Wolf Island NWR. Additionally, Wolf Island is a 
Class I designated wilderness area.
    Unit GA-9 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period, providing important wintering habitat on the Southeastern U.S. 
portion of the subspecies range for foraging and roosting during a time 
of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. This location serves as one of five units in Georgia that 
supports high concentrations of rufa red knots throughout the entire 
nonbreeding season, and is also important due to its low-level 
development, remote boat-only access, and protection from intensive 
human uses. Approximately 893 ac (361 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).

[[Page 37466]]

    Threats identified within Unit GA-9 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
walking/running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered 
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion and sea level 
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and 
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and 
migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red 
knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands 
in this unit are managed under the 2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2011, entire), and State lands 
are managed under the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, 
entire).

Unit GA-10: Little St. Simon's Island Beach

    Unit GA-10 consists of 9,053 ac (3,664 ha) of Little St. Simon's 
Island, a barrier island off the coast in Glynn County, Georgia. The 
unit boundary begins at the Altamaha Sound shoreline of Little St. 
Simon's Island and extends south to the Hampton River shoreline. The 
unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or 
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins 
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Altamaha Sound 
off the northeastern tip of the island, Mosquito Creek, and the 
northern side of Hampton River Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 113 ac (46 ha; 1 percent) in State 
ownership, 7,462 ac (3,022 ha; 83 percent) in private/other ownership, 
and 1,479 ac (596 ha; 16 percent) that are uncategorized. General land 
use within this unit includes ecotourism and outdoor recreational use 
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, birdwatching).
    Unit GA-10 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the 
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for foraging and 
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to 
build energy sources for migration. This location serves as one of five 
units in Georgia that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots 
throughout the entire nonbreeding season (spring, fall, and winter), 
and is also important due to its low-level development, remote boat-
only access, and protection from intensive human uses. Approximately 
2,422 ac (980 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat 
for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 
2001).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-10 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks of red knots, 
powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled 
recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance 
associated with response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., 
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating red knots (e.g., 
managing recreational access to key rufa red knot foraging and roosting 
habitat during migration through restrictions on timing, locations, and 
types of activities) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands in this unit are managed under the GDNR 
State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire). Private lands in this 
unit are managed under the Little St. Simon's Island Ecological 
Management Program and TNC (Sterling 2020, pers. comm.).

Unit GA-11: Sea and St. Simon's Island Beaches

    Unit GA-11 consists of 4,033 ac (1,632 ha) of all of Sea Island and 
a portion of St. Simon's Island, barrier islands off the coast in Glynn 
County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins at the Hampton River 
shoreline of Sea Island and extends southwest to the St. Simon's Sound 
shoreline of St. Simon's Island. The unit includes all emergent land 
from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat 
(not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline 
and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with Gould's Inlet. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 4 ac (2 ha; less than 1 percent) in State 
ownership, 3,448 ac (1,395 ha; 85 percent) in private/other ownership, 
and 581 ac (235 ha; 14 percent) that are uncategorized. General land 
use within this unit includes residential development, tourism, and 
outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, and fishing).
    Unit GA-11 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the 
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for foraging and 
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to 
build energy sources for migration. Approximately 627 ac (254 ha) unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-11 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline 
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of rufa red 
knot migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Unit GA-12: Jekyll Island Beach

    Unit GA-12 consists of 6,287 ac (2,544 ha) of Jekyll Island, a 
barrier island off the coast in Glynn County, Georgia. The unit 
boundary begins at the St. Simon's Sound shoreline of Jekyll Island and 
extends south to St. Andrew Sound shoreline. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely

[[Page 37467]]

vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southern side of St. 
Simon's Sound off the northern tip of the island. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 5,944 ac (2,406 ha; 94 percent) in State 
ownership, which includes Jekyll Island State Park, and 343 ac (139 ha; 
6 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit 
includes tourism and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, 
fishing, wildlife viewing).
    Unit GA-12 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat in 
Georgia and the Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 144 ac (58 
ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-12 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline 
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of rufa red 
knot migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands within this unit are managed under the 
2011 Jekyll Island Conservation Plan and GDNR State Wildlife Action 
Plan (Jekyll Island Authority 2011, entire; GDNR 2015, entire).

Unit GA-13: Little Cumberland and Cumberland Island Beaches

    Unit GA-13 consists of 28,136 ac (11,386 ha) of Little Cumberland 
Island and Cumberland Island, a barrier island complex off the coast in 
Camden County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins at the St. Andrew 
Sound shoreline of Little Cumberland Island and extends west across the 
Cumberland River and marsh to the East River and continues south to the 
St. Mary's River shoreline of Cumberland Island. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with St. Andrew Sound off the 
northern tip of Little Cumberland Island and Christmas Creek Inlet 
between Little Cumberland and Cumberland Islands. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 23,367 ac (9,464 ha; 83 percent) in Federal 
ownership, 1,685 ac (682 ha; 6 percent) in State ownership, and 3,085 
ac (1,241 ha; 11 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use 
within this unit includes tourism and outdoor recreational use (e.g., 
beachgoing, boating, fishing, birdwatching). Federal land use includes 
management of the majority of Cumberland Island as the Cumberland 
Island National Seashore. Additionally, portions of Cumberland Island 
are designated wilderness area.
    Unit GA-13 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat on the 
Southeastern U.S. portion of the subspecies range for foraging and 
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to 
build energy sources for migration. This location serves as one of five 
units in Georgia that supports high concentrations of rufa red knots 
throughout the entire nonbreeding season, and is also important due to 
its low-level development, remote boat-only access, and protection from 
intensive human uses. Approximately 4,761 ac (1,927 ha) of this unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 2,004 ac (811 ha) of 
this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-13 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks of red knots, 
powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion and sea level 
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and 
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and 
migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red 
knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands 
in this unit are managed under the NPS's Cumberland Island National 
Seashore Foundation Document (NPS 2014b, entire).

Unit FL-1: Nassau Sound-Fort George Sound-Fort George Inlet Complex

    Unit FL-1 consists of 4,324 ac (6,742 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Nassau and Duval Counties, Florida, from the 
north shore of Nassau Sound in Nassau County south to the north shore 
of the St. Johns River at Huguenot Memorial Park in Duval County. The 
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense 
vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic 
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide. The majority of this unit is within the Talbot Islands State 
Parks Complex and Huguenot Memorial Park, which is a Federal and State-
owned parcel leased to the City of Jacksonville. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 996 ac (404 ha; 23 percent) in Federal ownership, 
522 ac (211 ha; 12 percent) in State ownership, 27 ac (11 ha; less than 
1 percent) in private/other ownership, and 2,779 ac (6,116 ha; 64 
percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this unit 
includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and 
surfing).
    Unit FL-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter and spring migration periods, serving as an

[[Page 37468]]

important northbound and southbound stopover site. Approximately 2,381 
ac (963 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), 
and 0.9 ac (0.4 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical 
habitat for the federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, 
September 22, 1977).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-1 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by 
humans and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, 
hiking, and wildlife viewing. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating rufa red knots, such 
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
upland roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). The City of Jacksonville at 
Huguenot Memorial Park has a shorebird management plan that includes 
mandatory and volunteer conservation measures intended to minimize 
impacts to wintering and migrating aggregations of rufa red knots and 
their habitat (England-Thims and Miller, Inc. 2008, pp. 44-45). The 
Talbot Islands State Parks complex implements conservation measures 
intended to minimize impacts to wintering and migrating aggregations of 
shorebirds and their habitat, including rufa red knots (Florida 
Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) 2008a, pp. 48-56 and 64-
66).

Unit FL-2: Ponce Inlet Complex

    Unit FL-2 consists of 19,683 ac (7,965 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Volusia and Brevard Counties, Florida, from 
approximately Ocean Edge Drive in Ormond Beach south to the south end 
of Merritt Island NWR along the Atlantic Ocean. This unit includes 
Smyrna Dunes State Park and Merritt Island NWR. The landward boundary 
is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 16,660 ac (6,742 ha; 85 percent) in Federal 
ownership, 3,005 ac (1,216 ha; 15 percent) in State ownership, and 18 
ac (7 ha; less than 1 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use 
within this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, 
fishing, and surfing).
    Unit FL-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period on the Southeastern U.S. 
portion of the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat 
for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots 
are seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 298 ac 
(120 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), 1,626 
ac (658 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 
2014), and 210 ac (85 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical 
habitat for the federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, 
September 22, 1977).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-2 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by 
humans and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, 
hiking, and wildlife viewing. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating rufa red knots, such 
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
upland roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and using best management 
practices during beach restoration activities to limit disturbance and 
impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach 
invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). Merritt Island NWR lands in this unit are managed under the 
2008 Merritt Island NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2008a, 
entire). Volusia County has an HCP for nesting sea turtles and 
wintering piping plovers, and implementation of this plan provides some 
protection to wintering and migrating rufa red knots and to beach 
habitat (Volusia County Environmental Management 2008, pp. 23, 109-110, 
122, 125, 141, 156-157, 160-161, 163, 174-180).

Unit FL-3: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge Impoundments

    Unit FL-3 consists of 6,947 ac (2,811 ha) of managed impoundment 
and intertidal mudflats in Brevard County, Florida, entirely within 
Merritt Island NWR (Federal ownership). The landward boundary is the 
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. General land use within 
this unit includes recreational use including fishing, hunting, and 
wildlife viewing.
    Unit FL-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period on the Southeastern U.S. 
portion of the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat 
for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots 
are seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 646 ac 
(261 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 
1977).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-3 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by 
humans and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, 
hiking, and wildlife viewing. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
maximizing rufa red knot habitat with impoundment management 
particularly during critical migratory periods (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). All lands within this unit are 
managed under the 2008 Merritt Island NWR Comprehensive Conservation 
Plan (Service 2008a, entire).

Unit FL-4: Cape Romano and Marco Island

    Unit FL-4 consists of two subunits comprising 26,629 ac (10,776 ha) 
in Collier County, Florida. This unit consists of Federal (Ten Thousand 
Islands NWR), State, and private landowners. This unit partially 
overlaps

[[Page 37469]]

with occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover, loggerhead sea turtle, and West Indian 
manatee.

Subunit FL-4A: Cape Romano Complex

    Subunit FL-4A consists of 26,213 ac (10,608 ha) of beach and 
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, in the wetland complex 
south of Marco Island and the community of Goodland. The landward 
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit include 
approximately 13,138 ac (5,321 ha; 50 percent) in Federal ownership, 
12,605 ac (5,105 ha; 48 percent) in State ownership, and 470 ac (182 
ha; 2 percent) that are uncategorized. Federal ownership includes Ten 
Thousand Islands NWR, and State ownership includes Rookery Bay NERR. 
General land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., 
fishing, crabbing, and boating).
    Subunit FL-4A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. The subspecies also resides at this 
location year round, which indicates use by juveniles. Approximately 
2,673 ac (1,082 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical 
habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 
39756, July 10, 2014), and 14,668 ac (5,936 ha) of the subunit overlap 
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened West 
Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 1977).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-4A include loss of habitat due 
to sea level rise, disturbance from human-caused or natural disasters 
(e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red 
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans 
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, 
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations 
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and identifying restoration measures to minimize beach 
loss (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
Federal lands within this subunit are managed under Ten Thousand 
Islands NWR (Service 2000, entire). State lands include Rookery Bay 
NERR, which has shorebirds including rufa red knots as a target for 
their research, monitoring, and management activities (Rookery Bay NERR 
2014, entire).

Subunit FL-4B: Marco Island

    Subunit FL-4B consists of 416 ac (168 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, from the south side of 
the inlet north of Marco Island south along the Gulf of Mexico 
approximately 4 mi (6.5 km). The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit include 
approximately 408 ac (165 ha; 98 percent) in State ownership and 8 ac 
(3 ha; 2 percent) in private/other ownership. The majority of lands 
within this subunit are the Rookery Bay NERR. General land use within 
this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, 
and surfing).
    Subunit FL-4B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the fall migration period, serving as an important 
southbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the 
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing 
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of 
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. Approximately 384 ac (155 ha) of the subunit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2021), and 372 ac (151 ha) of the subunit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 1977).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-4B include loss of habitat due 
to sea level rise, disturbance from human-caused or natural disasters 
(e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red 
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans 
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, 
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations 
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration measures to minimize 
beach loss (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). State lands within this subunit are managed under the Rookery 
Bay NERR, which has shorebirds including rufa red knots as a target for 
their research, monitoring, and management activities (Rookery Bay NERR 
2014, entire).

Unit FL-5: Marco Bay Complex

    Unit FL-5 consists of 3,589 ac (1,453 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, from the north side of 
the inlet north of Marco Island north along the Gulf of Mexico 
approximately 3.7 mi (6 km) and inclusive of the wetland complex inland 
to the east side of Rookery Bay. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, 
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide. Lands within this unit include approximately 3,531 ac (1,429 
ha; 98 percent) in State ownership and 58 ac (24 ha; 2 percent) in 
private/other ownership. The majority of lands within this unit are 
within the Rookery Bay NERR. General land use within this unit includes 
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Unit FL-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build

[[Page 37470]]

energy sources for migration. Approximately 77 ac (31 ha) of the unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 1,956 ac (791 
ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 
1977).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-5 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots 
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), 
harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including 
but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related 
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by 
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss 
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). State 
lands within this unit are managed under the Rookery Bay NERR, which 
has shorebirds including rufa red knots as a target for their research, 
monitoring, and management activities (Rookery Bay NERR 2014, entire).

Unit FL-6: Cocohatchee Inlet Complex and Barefoot Beach

    Unit FL-6 consists of two subunits comprising 48 ac (20 ha) in 
Collier County, Florida. This unit consists of Delnor-Wiggins Pass 
State Park and private landowners. This unit partially overlaps with 
occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened loggerhead sea turtle.

Subunit FL-6A: Cocohatchee Inlet Complex

    Subunit FL-6A consists of 9 ac (4 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, from the south side of 
the Cocohatchee Inlet south along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 
3,281 ft (1 km). The landward boundary is the line indicating the 
beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to 
MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands 
within this subunit are entirely under State ownership under Delnor-
Wiggins Pass State Park. General land use within this subunit includes 
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-6A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 4 ac (1 ha) of the subunit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-6A include loss of habitat due 
to sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots 
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), 
harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including 
but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related 
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by 
identifying restoration measures to minimize beach loss using best 
management practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit 
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources 
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands within this subunit are managed under 
the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2009, 
entire).

Subunit FL-6B: Barefoot Beach

    Subunit FL-6B consists of 39 ac (16 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Collier County, Florida, from the north side of 
the Cocohatchee Inlet north along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3.1 
mi (5 km). The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning 
of dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic 
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide. Lands within this subunit include approximately 18 ac (7 ha; 46 
percent) in State ownership and 21 ac (9 ha; 54 percent) in private/
other ownership. General land use within this subunit includes 
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-6B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 20 ac (8 ha) of the subunit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-6B include loss of habitat due 
to sea level rise, disturbance to foraging and roosting rufa red knots 
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), 
harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including 
but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related 
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by 
identifying restoration measures to minimize beach loss using best 
management practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit 
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources 
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Unit FL-7: Lovers Key and Estero Island

    Unit FL-7 consists of two subunits comprising 175 ac (70 ha) in Lee 
County, Florida. This unit consists of portions of Lovers Key State 
Park and Estero Island. This unit partially overlaps with occupied 
habitat and designated critical habitat for the

[[Page 37471]]

federally threatened piping plover and West Indian manatee.

Subunit FL-7A: Lovers Key

    Subunit FL-7A consist of 4 ac (1 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Lee County, Florida, at the north point of 
Lovers Key. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning 
of dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic 
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide. Land within this subunit is entirely in State ownership under 
management of Lovers Key State Park. General land use within this 
subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and 
surfing).
    Subunit FL-7A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 2.5 ac (1 ha) of the 
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 1977).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-7A include loss of habitat due 
to sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots 
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), 
shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red tide, and 
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human 
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other 
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration measures to minimize 
beach loss using best management practices during beach replenishment/
restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and 
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands within 
this subunit are managed under the Lovers Key State Park Unit 
Management Plan (FDEP 2005, entire).

Subunit FL-7B: Estero Island

    Subunit FL-7B consist of 171 ac (69 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Lee County, Florida, from Key West Court on 
Fort Myers Beach south along the Gulf of Mexico to the southern point 
of the island. The landward boundary is the line indicating the 
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, including 
emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State 
ownership. General land use within this subunit includes recreational 
use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-7B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 72 ac (29 ha) of the 
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 140 ac (57 
ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 22, 
1977).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-7B include loss of habitat due 
to sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots 
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), 
shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red tide, and 
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human 
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other 
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration measures to minimize 
beach loss using best management practices during beach replenishment/
restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and 
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above).

Unit FL-8: Bunche Beach

    Unit FL-8 consists of 334 ac (135 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Lee County, Florida, in San Carlos Bay south of 
the Sanibel Causeway in Fort Myers. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 23 ac (9 ha; 7 percent) in Federal ownership, 264 ac (107 
ha; 79 percent) in State ownership, and 47 ac (19 ha; 14 percent) in 
private/other ownership. Federal ownership includes Matlacha Pass NWR 
and State ownership includes Bunche Beach Preserve. General land use 
within this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, 
fishing, and surfing).
    Unit FL-8 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration. Approximately 328 ac (133 ha) of the unit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 278 ac (112 ha) of the 
unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 27840, September 22, 1977).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-8 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots 
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), 
shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red tide, and 
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human 
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other 
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to

[[Page 37472]]

reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by 
identifying restoration measures to minimize beach loss (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal and State 
lands within this unit are managed under the Pine Island, Matlacha 
Pass, Island Bay, and Caloosahatchee NWR's Comprehensive Conservation 
Plan (Service 2010b, entire). County lands are managed under the Lee 
County San Carlos Bay Bunche Beach Preserve Land Management Plan (Lee 
County 2013, entire).

Unit FL-9: Sanibel Island Complex

    Unit FL-9 consists of two subunits comprising 3,759 ac (1,521 ha) 
in Lee County, Florida. This unit consists of Federal lands that are 
part of the J.N. ``Ding'' Darling NWR and State lands of Sanibel 
Island. This unit partially overlaps with occupied habitat and 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle and West Indian manatee, and the federally endangered aboriginal 
prickly-apple.

Subunit FL-9A: J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife Refuge

    Subunit FL-9A consists of 3,451 ac (1,397 ha) of beach, inlet, 
intertidal sandflats, and managed impoundments in Lee County, on 
Sanibel Island, Florida. The landward boundary is the line indicating 
the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, including 
emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in 
Federal ownership under J.N. ``Ding'' Darling NWR. General land use 
within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, 
fishing, and wildlife viewing).
    Subunit FL-9A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 11 ac (4 ha) of the subunit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally endangered 
aboriginal prickly-apple (81 FR 3866, January 22, 2016), and 2,182 ac 
(883 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 27840, September 
22, 1977).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-9A include loss of habitat due 
to sea level rise, disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots 
from human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes), 
harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, including 
but not limited to fishing and wildlife viewing. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland 
roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities) and by maximizing rufa red knot 
habitat with impoundment management particularly during winter and 
migratory periods (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). Federal lands within this subunit are managed under the J.N. 
``Ding'' Darling NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010c, 
entire).

Subunit FL-9B: Sanibel Island

    Subunit FL-9B consists of 307 ac (124 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Lee County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico 
shoreline on Sanibel Island. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
in State ownership. General land use within this subunit includes 
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-9B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 90 ac (37 ha) of the 
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756; July 10, 2014), 265 ac 
(107 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened West Indian manatee (42 FR 47840, September 
22, 1977, and 49 ac (20 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally endangered aboriginal prickly-apple 
(81 FR 3866, January 22, 2016).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-9B include loss of habitat due 
to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red 
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans 
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, 
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations 
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures 
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach 
replenishment/restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red 
knots and their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above).

Unit FL-10: Don Pedro Complex

    Unit FL-10 consists of two subunits comprising 158 ac (64 ha) in 
Charlotte County, Florida. This unit consists of State lands, a portion 
of which are part of the Don Pedro Island State Park and Stump Pass 
Beach State Park. This unit partially overlaps with occupied habitat 
and designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead 
sea turtle and the federally endangered aboriginal prickly-apple.

Subunit FL-10A: Don Pedro

    Subunit FL-10A consists of 147 ac (60 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Charlotte County, Florida, on the Gulf of 
Mexico shoreline on Don Pedro Island. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within

[[Page 37473]]

this subunit are entirely in State ownership, a portion of which 
includes Don Pedro Island State Park. General land use within this 
subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and 
surfing).
    Subunit FL-10A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 89 ac (36 ha) of the 
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-10A include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms 
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red 
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to 
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such 
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
upland roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and by identifying 
restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss using best 
management practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit 
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources 
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands within this subunit are managed under 
the Don Pedro Island State Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2013a, 
entire).

Subunit FL-10B: Stump Pass Beach State Park

    Subunit FL-10B consists of 11 ac (4 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Charlotte County, Florida, on the Gulf of 
Mexico at the southern point of Manasota Key. The landward boundary is 
the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including 
emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State 
ownership under Stump Pass Beach State Park. General land use within 
this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, 
and surfing).
    Subunit FL-10B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 6 ac (2 ha) of the subunit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 5 ac (2 ha) of 
the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
endangered aboriginal prickly-apple (81 FR 3866, January 22, 2016).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-10B include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms 
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red 
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to 
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such 
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
upland roosting habitat during winter and migratory periods (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by 
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss 
using best management practices during beach restoration to limit 
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources 
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). State lands within this subunit are managed under 
the Stump Pass Beach State Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2013b, 
entire).

Unit FL-11: Siesta Key

    Unit FL-11 consists of 53 ac (21 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Sarasota County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico 
shoreline on Siesta Key, Florida, from Avenida Messina (road) south to 
Avenida del Mare. The landward boundary is the line indicating the 
beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to 
MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands 
within this unit are entirely in State ownership. General land use 
within this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, 
fishing, and surfing).
    Unit FL-11 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration. Approximately 24 ac (10 ha) of the unit overlap 
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-11 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red 
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans 
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, 
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations 
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and 
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management 
practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit disturbance 
and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach 
invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above).

Unit FL-12: Lido-Longboat Keys Complex

    Unit FL-12 consists of two subunits comprising 450 ac (182 ha) in 
Sarasota County, Florida. This unit consists of

[[Page 37474]]

State lands. This unit partially overlaps with occupied habitat and 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle and the federally endangered aboriginal prickly-apple.

Subunit FL-12A: Lido Key

    Subunit FL-12A consists of 81 ac (33 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Sarasota County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico 
shoreline on Lido Key, Florida. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, 
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State ownership. 
General land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., 
walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-12A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration.
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-12A include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms 
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red 
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to 
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such 
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
upland roosting habitat during winter and migratory periods (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by 
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss 
using best management practices during beach replenishment/restoration 
to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food 
resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above).

Subunit FL-12B: Longboat Key

    Subunit FL-12B consists of 369 ac (149 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Sarasota County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico 
shoreline on Longboat Key, Florida. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
in State ownership. General land use within this subunit includes 
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-12B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the 
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing 
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of 
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. Approximately 233 ac (94 ha) of the subunit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 12 ac (5 ha) of the subunit 
overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally endangered 
aboriginal prickly-apple.
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-12B include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms 
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red 
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to 
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such 
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
upland roosting habitat during winter and migratory periods (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by 
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss 
using best management practices during beach replenishment/restoration 
to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food 
resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above).

Unit FL-13: North Anna Maria Island

    Unit FL-13 consists of 945 ac (383 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Manatee County, Florida, on the Gulf of Mexico 
shoreline from the north point of Anna Maria Island, Florida, south to 
Cortez Road West. The landward boundary is the line indicating the 
beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to 
MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 56 ac (23 ha; 6 percent) in 
Federal ownership and 889 ac (360 ha; 94 percent) in State ownership. 
Federal ownership consists of Passage Key NWR. General land use within 
this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, 
and surfing).
    Unit FL-13 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration.
    Threats identified within Unit FL-13 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red 
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans 
and human activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, 
and other beach-related activities. Special management considerations 
or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and 
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management 
practices during beach replenishment/restoration to limit disturbance 
and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach 
invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). Federal lands within

[[Page 37475]]

this unit are managed by Passage Key NWR, which is part of the Tampa 
Bay Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010d, entire).

Unit FL-14: Egmont Key

    Unit FL-14 consists of 15 ac (6 ha) of beach and intertidal 
sandflats in Manatee County, Florida, on the south end of Egmont Key at 
the mouth of Tampa Bay, Florida. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, 
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide. Lands within this unit are entirely under Federal ownership 
under management of Egmont Key NWR. General land use within this unit 
is classified as a wildlife sanctuary (and no pedestrian use).
    Unit FL-14 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration. The subspecies also resides at this location 
year round, which indicates use by juveniles. Approximately 14 ac (5.5 
ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-14 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms including red 
tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans 
and human activities, including but not limited to unauthorized access 
to closed areas. Special management considerations or protection 
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include supporting and 
maximizing enforcement of closed areas and by identifying restoration 
and protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management 
practices during beach restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to 
rufa red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) 
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal 
lands within this unit are managed by the Egmont Key NWR, which is part 
of the Tampa Bay Refuges Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 
2010d, entire).

Unit FL-15: Fort De Soto Complex

    Unit FL-15 consists of three subunits comprising 856 ac (346 ha) in 
Pinellas County, Florida. This unit consists of State lands and 
private/other ownership. This unit partially overlaps with occupied 
habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover.

Subunit FL-15A: Fort De Soto County Park

    Subunit FL-15A consists of 427 ac (173 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, in Fort De Soto 
County Park from North Beach south along the Gulf of Mexico to the Fort 
De Soto Fishing Pier at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The landward boundary 
is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
subunit are entirely in county ownership (which is captured under the 
private/other ownership category). General land use within this subunit 
includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and 
surfing).
    Subunit FL-15A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Finally, this is also an important 
location that supports juveniles year round. Approximately 244 ac (99 
ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-15A include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), shoreline hardening, harmful algal blooms 
including red tide, and disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red 
knots by humans and human activities, including but not limited to 
fishing, walking, and other beach-related activities. Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such 
as managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
upland roosting habitat during winter and migratory periods (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) and by 
identifying restoration and protection measures to minimize beach loss 
using best management practices during beach replenishment/restoration 
to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food 
resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above).

Subunit FL-15B: Shell Key Preserve

    Subunit FL-15B consists of 322 ac (130 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, on Shell Key 
Preserve. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
subunit are entirely in State/county ownership and management. General 
land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/
running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-15B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Finally, this is also an important 
location that supports juveniles year round. Approximately 252 ac (102 
ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-15B include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and 
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human 
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other 
beach-

[[Page 37476]]

related activities. Special management considerations or protection 
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing 
disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot 
foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and 
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures 
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach 
restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and 
their food resources (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Subunit FL-15C: Saint Petersburg Beach

    Subunit FL-15C consists of 107 ac (43 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, on Saint Petersburg 
Beach from 46th Avenue south to 1st Avenue inclusive of the inlet. The 
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense 
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
subunit are entirely in State ownership. General land use within this 
subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and 
surfing).
    Subunit FL-15C is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site.
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-15C include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and 
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human 
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other 
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and 
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management 
practices during beach replenishment or restoration to limit 
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources 
(i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Unit FL-16: Indian Shores/Redington Beach

    Unit FL-16 consists of 196 ac (79 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, from the Indian 
Shores Florida Coastal Range Monument R-086 at the north end of the 
unit to the Redington Beach Long Pier at the south end of the unit. The 
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense 
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit 
are entirely in State ownership. General land use within this unit 
includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and 
surfing).
    Unit FL-16 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration.
    Threats identified within Unit FL-16 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance 
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, 
including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related 
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and 
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures 
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach 
replenishment to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and 
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above).

Unit FL-17: Belleair Beach

    Unit FL-17 consists of 123 ac (50 ha) of beach, inlet, and 
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, on Belleair Beach 
from the north point (Sand Key) south to 19th Street. The landward 
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit are entirely in 
State ownership. General land use within this unit includes 
recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Unit FL-17 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period on the northern Gulf coast 
portion of the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat 
for foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots 
are seeking to build energy sources for migration.
    Threats identified within Unit FL-17 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance 
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, 
including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related 
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and 
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures 
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach 
replenishment to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and 
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above).

Unit FL-18: Saint Joseph Sound Complex

    Unit FL-18 consists of three subunits comprising 888 ac (360 ha) in 
Pinellas County, Florida. This unit consists of State lands. This unit 
partially overlaps with occupied habitat and designated

[[Page 37477]]

critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover.

Subunit FL-18A: Caladesi Island

    Subunit FL-18A consists of a total of 259 ac (105 ha) of beach and 
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida. This subunit includes 
shoreline from the southern boundary of Caladesi Island State Park to 
Dunedin Pass. The landward boundary is the line indicating the 
beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to 
MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands in 
this subunit are entirely State ownership. General land use within this 
subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, fishing, and 
surfing).
    Subunit FL-18A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. The entire subunit overlaps with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-18A include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and 
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human 
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other 
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and 
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management 
practices during beach replenishment or restoration to limit 
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources) 
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). The State 
lands within this subunit are managed under the Caladesi Island State 
Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2007a, entire).

Subunit FL-18B: Honeymoon Island

    Subunit FL-18B consists of a total of 294 ac (119 ha) of beach and 
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida. This subunit includes 
the Gulf of Mexico shoreline in Honeymoon Island State Park from 
Dunedin Pass to Hurricane Pass. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, 
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide. Lands in this subunit are entirely State ownership. General 
land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/
running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-18B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 127 ac (51 ha) of this 
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-18B include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and 
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human 
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other 
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and 
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management 
practices during beach replenishment or restoration to limit 
disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and their food resources) 
(see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). The State 
lands within this subunit are managed under the Honeymoon Island State 
Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 2007b, entire).

Subunit FL-18C: Three Rooker Bar

    Subunit FL-18C consists of a total of 335 ac (136 ha) of beach and 
intertidal sandflats in Pinellas County, Florida, on Three Rooker 
Island. Three Rooker Island includes shoreline from Hurricane Pass to 
the northern tip of Three Rooker Island and is part of the Three Rooker 
Bar Wildlife Management Area. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, 
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide. Lands in this subunit are entirely State ownership. General 
land use within this subunit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/
running, fishing, and surfing).
    Subunit FL-18C is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. Approximately 94 ac (38 ha) of this 
subunit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-18C include loss of habitat 
due to sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil 
spills, hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and 
disturbance of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human 
activities, including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other 
beach-related activities. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to rufa red knots such as managing access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during winter and migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities) and by identifying restoration and 
protection measures to minimize beach loss using best management 
practices during beach replenishment or restoration to limit 
disturbance and impacts to rufa red

[[Page 37478]]

knots and their food resources (see Special Management Considerations 
or Protection, above). The State lands within this subunit are managed 
under the Anclote Key Preserve State Park Unit Management Plan (FDEP 
2014, entire).

Unit FL-19: Anclote Key

    Unit FL-19 consists of 1,547 ac (626 ha) of beach and intertidal 
sandflats in Pasco County, Florida, on Anclote Key. The landward 
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit are entirely in 
State ownership under Anclote Key Preserve State Park. General land use 
within this unit includes recreational use (e.g., walking/running, 
fishing, and surfing).
    Unit FL-19 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration. Finally, this is also an important location that 
supports juveniles year round. Approximately 351 ac (142 ha) of the 
unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-19 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance 
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, 
including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related 
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and 
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures 
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach 
restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa red knots and 
their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). The State lands within 
this unit are managed under the Anclote Key Preserve State Park Unit 
Management Plan (FDEP 2014, entire).

Unit FL-20: Cedar Keys Complex

    Unit FL-20 consists of 35,626 ac (14,417 ha) of beach and 
intertidal sandflats in Levy County, Florida, on Cedar Key and the 
complex of sandbars and flats seaward. The landward boundary is the 
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 2,498 ac (1,012 ha; 7 percent) in Federal 
ownership, 7,792 ac (3,153 ha; 22 percent) in State ownership, 5,928 ac 
(2,293 ha; 17 percent) in private/other ownership, and 19,407 ac (7,959 
ha; 54 percent) that are uncategorized. Federal ownership consists of 
Cedar Keys NWR, and State ownership includes Waccasassa Preserve State 
Park. General land use within this unit includes recreational use 
(e.g., walking/running, fishing, and surfing).
    Unit FL-20 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration. Finally, this is also an important location that 
supports juveniles year round. Approximately 5,658 ac (2,290 ha) of 
thus unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Unit FL-20 include loss of habitat due to 
sea level rise, human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, 
hurricanes), harmful algal blooms including red tide, and disturbance 
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, 
including but not limited to fishing, walking, and other beach-related 
activities. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing disturbance to 
rufa red knots such as managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during winter and 
migratory periods (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) and by identifying restoration and protection measures 
to minimize beach loss using best management practices during beach 
replenishment or restoration to limit disturbance and impacts to rufa 
red knots and their food resources (i.e., beach invertebrates) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands 
within this unit are managed under the Lower Suwannee and Cedar Keys 
NWR's Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2001, entire), and State 
lands are managed under the Waccasassa Bay Preserve State Park Unit 
Management Plan (FDEP 2019, entire).

Unit FL-21: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge

    Unit FL-21 consists of 2,074 ac (839 ha) of beach, inlets, shoals, 
intertidal sand and mud flats and impoundments within the St. Marks 
NWR, Wakulla County, Florida. The unit extends from the eastern 
boundary of Big Cove inlet west to the inlet west of Lighthouse Pool 
and includes areas to the north up to 1.25 mi (2 km) into East River 
Pool. This unit includes from the base of the berm road to the lowest 
water level and areas up to 4 in (10 cm) of water depth within 
Lighthouse Pool, Picnic Pond, Tower Pond, Headquarters Pond, Mounds 
Pools 1 and 2, Stoney Bayou Pool 1, and within the open water and 
emergent marsh portion of East River Pool and all shoals and shoreline 
habitats within Sand Cove and Minnie Cove. Areas to the east of 
Lighthouse Road between Lighthouse Pool and Picnic Pond, and areas to 
the east of Picnic and Tower Ponds that have the physical or biological 
features, are also included. This unit includes lands from MLLW to the 
landward limit of the physical or biological features and any ephemeral 
pools, or natural brackish ponds and any emergent sand shoals in 
Apalachee Bay appearing near shore within 3 mi (4.8 km) of the critical 
habitat boundary found along the southernmost portion of Lighthouse 
Road and Lighthouse Levee Trail that parallels Apalachee Bay. Lands 
within this unit are entirely in Federal ownership. General land use 
within this unit includes management of impoundments for waterfowl and 
shorebirds and passive recreational uses (e.g., birdwatching).
    Unit FL-21 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the

[[Page 37479]]

physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the 
species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site (although the subspecies also resides at this location 
year round, which indicates use by juveniles). This unit is located 
adjacent (within 1,000 ft (305 m)) to critical habitat units for the 
federally threatened frosted flatwoods salamander (74 FR 6700, February 
10, 2009), noting that projects within the area should consider impacts 
for both rufa red knot and flatwoods salamander due to close proximity. 
There is no overlap with designated critical habitat for any listed 
species.
    Threats identified within Unit FL-21 include: (1) Loss of bay 
habitat due to sea level rise, (2) disturbances of foraging and 
roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., vehicle 
movements along the impoundment roads, beach goers along the bay 
shorelines), and (3) mammalian and avian predation. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include water level management within impoundments to find 
a multi-species balance to maximize seasonal use by rufa red knots, 
reduction of human disturbances on a seasonal basis, and predator 
control and management such as removing perches used by avian predators 
in proximity to impoundments and the shoreline (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands are managed under 
St. Marks NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2006b, entire).

Unit FL-22: Eastern Franklin County Complex

    Unit FL-22 consists of three subunits comprising 1,429 ac (578 ha) 
in Wakulla and Franklin Counties, Florida. This unit consists of 
beaches within the areas of Apalachee Bay, Dickson Bay, Ochlockonee 
Bay, and Alligator Point. This unit partially overlaps with occupied 
habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover. This unit consists of State lands and private/other 
ownership.

Subunit FL-22A: Mashes Sands

    Subunit FL-22A consists of 262 ac (106 ha) of beach, inlet, shoals, 
and intertidal sandflats at Mashes Sands Park beach and the inlet and 
shoals of Apalachee Bay, Dickson Bay, and Ochlockonee Bay in Wakulla 
County, Florida, from near Ochlockonee Point in Ochlockonee Bay north 
towards Dickson Bay. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., 
highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by 
the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. This area 
includes any ephemeral pools, lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and 
any adjacent or near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this 
subunit are all in State ownership but leased and managed by Wakulla 
County. General land use within this subunit includes recreational 
activities (e.g., walking, dog walking, and kayaking).
    Subunit FL-22A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Rufa red knots also reside at this location 
at lower concentrations during the fall migration period and winter 
period.
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-22A include: (1) Loss of 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise and shoreline 
hardening, (2) avian and mammalian predation, and (3) disturbance of 
rufa red knots from both humans and pets (dogs). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing or restricting human use (keeping dogs 
leashed, including those walking dogs especially during spring 
migration), and managing placement of kayak, canoe, and boat launches 
as needed (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
The County is currently drafting a management plan for this unit (which 
is expected to include shorebird protective recommendations (e.g., 
keeping dogs on leashes)).

Subunit FL-22B: Bald Point State Park

    Subunit FL-22B consists of 445 ac (180 ha) of Bald Point beaches 
and shoals in Franklin County, Florida, from a dirt road 0.35 mi (0.56 
km) north of Marlin Street to the north near Bald Point, and including 
shoals within Ochlockonee Bay approximately 0.9 mi (1.4 km) north of 
Bald Point. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic 
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the 
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. It includes any 
ephemeral pools, lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or 
near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit include 
approximately 439 ac (178 ha; 99 percent) in State ownership and 6 ac 
(2 ha; 1 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within 
this subunit includes recreational activities (e.g., walking, dog 
walking, and kayaking).
    Subunit FL-22B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. This location also supports rufa red knots 
year round, which indicates it is important for juvenile survival.
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-22B include: (1) Loss of 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) avian 
and mammalian predation, and (3) disturbance of roosting and foraging 
rufa red knots from human activities (e.g., walking, kayak/canoe 
launch, boaters, and pets (dogs)). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing or restricting human use (e.g., keeping dogs leashed, 
especially during spring migration) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). State land in this subunit is 
managed under FDEP's Division of Recreation and Parks, Unit Management 
Plan (FDEP 2006, entire).

Subunit FL-22C: Alligator Point

    Subunit FL-22C consists of 722 ac (292 ha) of Alligator Point 
beaches and John S. Phipps Preserve beaches and shoals in Franklin 
County, Florida, from 0.07 mi (0.11 km) east of Florida Coastal Range 
Monument 210 west to the shoals associated with the northwestern end of 
the point. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic 
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the 
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. It includes any 
ephemeral pools, lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or 
near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
in private/other ownership (TNC). General land use within this subunit 
includes recreational activities (e.g., walking, dog walking, kayaking, 
canoeing, and fishing).
    Subunit FL-22C is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring

[[Page 37480]]

migration period, serving as an important northbound stopover site. 
This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red knots year 
round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. Approximately 
361 ac (146 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat 
for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 
2001).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-22C include: (1) Loss of 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) 
shoreline hardening, (3) avian and mammalian predation, and (4) 
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots from human 
activities (e.g., walking, kayak/canoe launch, boaters, and dogs). The 
Preserve portion of this subunit is closed to the public, but 
trespassing is persistent via the intertidal zone, waters access, and 
fence jumping. Special management considerations or protection measures 
to reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing or 
restricting human use (e.g., keeping dogs on leashes, including those 
walking dogs especially during spring migration), and potential 
enforcement of the no trespass rule within the Preserve (violators 
access via boats, walking via intertidal around a jetty structure, and 
crossing a fence (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). The Preserve lands are managed under the John S. Phipps 
Preserve Management Plan (Seamon 2013a, entire).

Unit FL-23: Central Franklin County Complex

    Unit FL-23 consists of seven subunits comprising 4,175 ac (1,689 
ha) in Franklin County, Florida. This unit consists of beaches and 
barrier island areas of St. George Sound shoreline, the Carrabelle 
River outlet, Boggy Jordan Bayou outlet, Dog Island, and St. George 
Island. Lands within each subunit are either completely State-owned 
(five subunits) or private/other owned (two subunits). This unit 
partially overlaps with occupied habitat and designated critical 
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover and loggerhead sea 
turtle, and the federally endangered Gulf sturgeon.

Subunit FL-23A: Turkey Point Shoal

    Subunit FL-23A consists of approximately 531 ac (215 ha) of an 
emergent, isolated shoal within the Gulf of Mexico and St. George 
Sound, Franklin County, Florida. This subunit includes emergent shoals 
approximately 1 mi (1.5 km) south of Turkey Point. This subunit 
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the 
landward limit of the physical or biological features, including any 
ephemeral pools, lagoons, and emergent sand shoals adjacent to the 
island or reef. All lands within this subunit are in State ownership. 
General land use within this subunit includes occasional recreational 
fishing.
    Subunit FL-23A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the 
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing 
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of 
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. Habitat at this location also supports rufa red knots year 
round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival.
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-23A include: (1) Loss of 
shoals and foraging habitat, including prey resources, from sea level 
rise; (2) disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots from 
human activities (i.e., recreational fishing, including with boats); 
and (3) avian predation. Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing or restricting human use, especially during spring migration 
and winter months (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above).

Subunit FL-23B: Lanark Reef

    Subunit FL-23B consists of approximately 865 ac (350 ha) of Lanark 
Reef in the Gulf and St. George Sound, Franklin County, Florida. This 
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide) to the landward limit of the physical or biological features, 
including any ephemeral pools, lagoons, and emergent sand shoals within 
3 mi (4.8 km) of the island or reef. Lands within this subunit include 
805 ac (326 ha) in State ownership and 61 ac (25 ha) in private/other 
ownership. General land use activity in this subunit should be minimal 
given the area was purchased strictly for bird protection and is closed 
to the public; however, there are unauthorized recreational activities 
occurring (i.e., fishing, kayaking/canoeing, boating, walkers, dog 
walkers).
    Subunit FL-23B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site (although the habitat also supports rufa red 
knots during the fall migration period at lower numbers). Additionally, 
this subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. The entire subunit overlaps with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and approximately 364 ac (147 ha) of the 
western half of the island overlap designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrhynchus desotoi) (68 
FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-23B include: (1) Loss of the 
entire island reef, habitat, and prey resources associated with sea 
level rise; (2) disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots 
from human activities (e.g., boaters, walkers, dogs); and (3) avian 
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include enforcement to minimize 
human disturbance especially during spring migration and winter months, 
and predator management (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). No specific resources management plan exists for 
Lanark Reef, although the Audubon does conduct predator management and 
debris cleanup when staffing and funding allow (Vandeventer 2020, pers. 
comm.; Korosy and Samuelsen 2020, pers. comm.).

Subunit FL-23C: East Dog Island

    Subunit FL-23C consists of approximately 771 ac (312 ha) of East 
Dog Island in Franklin County, Florida, from midway between Florida 
Coastal Range Monuments 168 and 169 east to the tip of the island and 
extending around the tip to include St. George Sound shoreline and 
shoals approximately horizontal to Florida Coastal Range Monument 190. 
This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and

[[Page 37481]]

uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the 
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, and also includes 
ephemeral pools, lagoons, natural brackish ponds, and any adjacent or 
near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
private/other ownership, which includes the Jeff Lewis Wilderness 
Preserve (owned by TNC). General land use within this subunit includes 
recreational use by local landowners and vacationers for beach use 
(e.g., walking, dog walking, and shell collecting). The Preserve is 
closed to public access, although there is regular unauthorized use.
    Subunit FL-23C is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the 
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing 
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of 
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red 
knots year round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. The 
Gulf of Mexico side of the subunit overlaps 140 ac (57 ha) of 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 270 ac (109 ha) of the subunit 
overlap designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf 
sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-23C include: (1) Loss of 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) avian 
predation, and (3) disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots 
from human disturbance (e.g., boaters, walkers, and dogs). Most of the 
subunit is closed to the public, although unauthorized use still 
occurs. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include enforcement efforts to 
minimize rufa red knot disturbance from human activities, especially 
during spring migration and winter months (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). A management plan is being 
implemented on the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve (Seamon 2013b, 
entire), a subset of the subunit.

Subunit FL-23D: West Dog Island

    Subunit FL-23D consists of approximately 751 ac (304 ha) of West 
Dog Island in Franklin County, Florida. This subunit includes the 
entirety of West Dog Island from the eastern boundary at the Gulf of 
Mexico shoreline midway between Florida Coastal Range Monuments 168 and 
169 and west 3.1 mi (5 km) to East Pass. This subunit includes lands 
from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward 
boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, as well as ephemeral and emergent sand shoals appearing in 
the near shore. Lands within this subunit are entirely in private/other 
ownership, which includes the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve, owned by 
the TNC. General land use within this subunit includes recreational 
uses by local landowners and vacationers for beach use (e.g., walking, 
dog walking, and shell collecting). The Preserve is closed to public 
access although unauthorized use regularly occurs.
    Subunit FL-23D is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the 
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing 
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of 
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red 
knots year round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. The 
Gulf of Mexico side of the subunit overlaps 141 ac (57 ha) of 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 2014), and 347 ac (140 ha) of the subunit 
overlap designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf 
sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-23D include: (1) Loss of 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) 
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots as a result of 
unauthorized human activities (e.g., boaters, walkers, dogs), and (3) 
avian predation. Special management considerations or protection 
measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include enforcement 
efforts to minimize rufa red knot disturbance from human activities, 
especially during spring migration and winter months (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). A management plan is 
being implemented on the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve (Seamon 2013b, 
entire).

Subunit FL-23E: McKissack Beach, Carrabelle

    Subunit FL-23E consists of approximately 117 ac (47 ha) of 
McKissack Beach in Carrabelle and associated shoals in Franklin County, 
Florida, from 0.18 mi (0.30 km) east of the intersection of U.S. 
Highway 98 and Cape Street east to the cove that forms the outlet of 
Boggy Jordan Bayou. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly 
dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the 
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, as well as any 
ephemeral and emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore. Lands 
within this subunit include 114 ac (46 ha) in State ownership via the 
Florida Trustees of the Internal Improvement Fund (although the City of 
Carrabelle retains a lease on McKissack Beach and Marsh), and 3 ac (1 
ha) in private/other ownership. General land use within this subunit 
includes passive recreation (e.g., beach walking, leashed dogs).
    Subunit FL-23E is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the 
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing 
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of 
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red 
knots year round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. The 
subunit overlaps 104 ac (42 ha) of designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 
107 ac (43 ha) of the subunit overlap designated critical habitat for 
the threatened Gulf sturgeon within Apalachicola Bay (68 FR 13370, 
March 19, 2003).

[[Page 37482]]

    Threats identified within Subunit FL-23E include: (1) Loss of 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) 
disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots from human 
activities (e.g., walking, dogs), and (3) mammalian and avian 
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include enforcement efforts to 
minimize human disturbance and enforce unleashed dogs, especially 
during spring migration and winter months, and efforts to control trash 
that may attract predators in the area (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). Management is conducted in 
accordance with the Florida Resilient Coastline Program's land 
management plan for McKissack Beach and Marsh (Apalachee Regional 
Planning Council 2021, entire), which includes a vulnerability 
assessment and an adaptation plan.

Subunit FL-23F: East St. George Island State Park

    Subunit FL-23F consists of 978 ac (396 ha) of Dr. Julian G. Bruce 
St. George Island State Park Beach in Franklin County, Florida, from 
Florida Coastal Range Monument 105 to the eastern tip of the island at 
East Pass. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic 
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the 
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. All lands within 
this subunit are in State ownership. General land use within this 
subunit includes passive recreational activities (e.g., beach walking, 
shell collecting, sunbathing, and fishing from the shoreline).
    Subunit FL-23F is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the north 
Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing important 
wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of the year 
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration. 
This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red knots year 
round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. The entire 
subunit overlaps designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), the Gulf of 
Mexico side of the subunit overlaps approximately 485 ac (196 ha) of 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 2014), and 426 ac (172 ha) of the subunit 
overlap designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf 
sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-23F include: (1) Loss of 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) 
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots from human 
activities (e.g., fishing, walkers, dogs), and (3) avian and mammalian 
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include posting concentrated areas 
used by the birds, conducting enforcement efforts to minimize human 
disturbance (especially during spring migration and winter months), and 
controlling trash that may attract predators (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). State lands are managed under the 
St. George Island State Park's 2016 Management Plan (FDEP 2016, 
entire).

Subunit FL-23G: St. George Island State Park and Bayshore Shoals

    Subunit FL-23G consists of 162 ac (65 ha) of Goose Island and 
associated shoals within St. George Island State Park in Franklin 
County, Florida. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly 
dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the physical and 
biological features, including ephemeral pools, lagoons, and any 
emergent sand shoals adjacent to the island. All lands within this 
subunit are in State ownership. General land use within this subunit 
includes recreational activities (e.g., fishermen, oystermen, and 
kayakers/canoers).
    Subunit FL-23G is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring migration period, serving as an important 
northbound stopover site. Additionally, this subunit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period on the 
northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies range, providing 
important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during a time of 
the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. This location also contains habitat that supports rufa red 
knots year round, indicating it is important for juvenile survival. 
This subunit overlaps 162 ac (65 ha) of designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), 
and 119 ac (48 ha) of designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-23G include: (1) Loss of 
entire shoal, habitat, and prey resources associated with sea level 
rise; (2) disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots as a 
result of human activities (e.g., boaters); and (3) avian predation. 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include minimizing or restricting human use, 
especially during spring migration and winter months (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State park lands are 
managed under the St. George Island State Park Management Plan (FDEP 
2016, entire).

Unit FL-24: St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Complex

    Unit FL-24 consists of three subunits comprising 2,212 ac (895 ha) 
in Franklin and Gulf Counties, Florida. This unit consists of beaches 
of Apalachicola Bay, St. Vincent Sound, Indian Pass, St. Vincent 
Island, and Flagg Island. Lands within this unit are Federal (one 
subunit) and State (two subunits). This unit partially overlaps with 
occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover and loggerhead sea turtle, and the federally 
endangered Gulf sturgeon.

Subunit FL-24A: Little St. George Island State Park-West

    Subunit FL-24A consists of 953 ac (386 ha) of Little St. George 
Island beach and shoals in Franklin County, Florida, from West Pass 
east to Florida Coastal Range Monument 25 and including bayside beach 
from West Pass east to the point at the Marshall Dock. This subunit 
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the 
landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or 
hardened structures, and includes ephemeral pools, natural brackish 
ponds, and emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore of the Gulf 
or Apalachicola Bay. All lands within this subunit are in State 
ownership. General land use within this subunit includes recreational 
activities (e.g., fishermen, oystermen, and kayakers/canoers).
    Subunit FL-24A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the

[[Page 37483]]

physical or biological features essential to the conservation of the 
species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the 
subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging 
and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking 
to build energy sources for migration. This location also contains 
habitat that supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it is 
important for juvenile survival. The western tip of the subunit 
overlaps 82 ac (33 ha) of designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), the Gulf of 
Mexico side overlaps 279 ac (113 ha) of designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 
2014), and approximately 502 ac (203 ha) of the subunit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf sturgeon 
(68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-24A include: (1) Loss of 
entire inlet spit, habitat, and prey resources associated with sea 
level rise, (2) disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots 
resulting from human activities (e.g., boaters), and (3) avian 
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include minimizing or restricting 
boat mooring on the inlet spit, especially during winter months, and 
removing any unnatural perches to reduce avian predation (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). State lands (Little 
St. George State Park) in this subunit are managed under the 
Apalachicola Bay Aquatic Preserve Management Plan (FDEP and 
Apalachicola NERR 2013, entire).

Subunit FL-24B: St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge

    Subunit FL-24B consists of 742 ac (300 ha) of St. Vincent NWR beach 
and shoals in Franklin and Gulf Counties, Florida, from the Refuge boat 
house at the confluence of St. Vincent Sound and Indian Pass east to 
0.60 mi (0.96 km) north of Shell Road. This subunit includes lands from 
MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward 
boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, and 
emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore of the Gulf. Lands 
within this subunit are all in Federal ownership. General land use 
within this subunit includes recreational activities (e.g., nearby use 
by fishermen, beach walkers, and kayakers/canoers).
    Subunit FL-24B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of 
the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. This location also 
contains habitat that supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it 
is important to juvenile survival. Both the eastern and western tip of 
the subunit overlap a total of 206 ac (83 ha) of designated critical 
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 
10, 2001), the Gulf of Mexico side of the subunit overlaps 394 ac (159 
ha) of designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 2014), and approximately 
374 ac (152 ha) of the subunit overlap with designated critical habitat 
for the federally threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 
2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-24B include: (1) Loss of 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) 
disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots from human 
activities (e.g., fishermen, walkers), and (3) avian and mammalian 
predation. Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats may include posting concentrated areas 
used by the birds and enforcement efforts to minimize human 
disturbance, especially during winter months (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this subunit are 
managed under the St. Vincent NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan 
(Service 2006c, entire).

Subunit FL-24C: Flagg Island Shoals

    Subunit FL-24C consists of 517 ac (209 ha) of the entire ebb-tidal 
delta referred to as Flagg Island off the southernmost tip of St. 
Vincent Island (near Oyster Pond outfall) in Franklin County, Florida. 
This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide) to the landward limit of the physical or biological features, 
including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, and emergent sand 
shoals. All lands within this subunit (which constantly change in size 
and shape due to the dynamic nature of the area) are in State 
ownership. General land use within this subunit includes passive 
recreational activities (e.g., boat mooring, tour guide boats, beach 
walking, shell collecting, and fishing from the shoreline).
    Subunit FL-24C is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of 
the subspecies range, providing important wintering habitat for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. This location also 
contains habitat that supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it 
is important for juvenile survival. The majority of the subunit (487 ac 
(197 ha)) overlaps designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 2014), and 
approximately 476 ac (193 ha) of the subunit overlap designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 
13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-24C include: (1) Loss of the 
shoals habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) 
disturbance to roosting and foraging rufa red knots as a result of 
human activities (e.g., fishermen, walkers), and (3) avian predation. 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include posting concentrated areas used by 
the birds and enforcement efforts to minimize human disturbance, 
especially during winter months (see Special Management Considerations 
or Protection, above).

Unit FL-25: Gulf County Complex

    Unit FL-25 consists of two subunits comprising 1,520 ac (616 ha) in 
Gulf County, Florida. This unit consists of beaches of Cape San Blas, 
Money, and Indian Pass beaches, and the southeastern portion of St. 
Joseph Bay. Lands within this unit are State owned (one subunit) and 
private/other ownership (one subunit). This unit partially overlaps 
with occupied habitat and designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened piping plover and federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle.

[[Page 37484]]

Subunit FL-25A: Cape San Blas to Indian Pass

    Subunit FL-25A consists of 620 ac (251 ha) of Cape San Blas, Money 
Bayou, and Indian Pass beaches in Gulf County, Florida, from the 
southwestern point of Cape San Blas to 0.11 mi (0.18 km) northeast of 
the Indian Pass Beach Boat Ramp. This subunit includes lands from MLLW 
(i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the 
physical or biological features, including ephemeral pools, natural 
brackish ponds, and emergent sand shoals in the near shore. Lands 
within this subunit include 133 ac (54 ha) in State ownership and 486 
ac (197 ha) in private/other ownership. Adjacent Federal lands under 
Eglin Air Force base jurisdiction were considered and are exempt under 
section 4(a)(3) of the Act, but the shoal and any emergent shoal 
formations that appear are considered part of this subunit, starting 
from the MLLW south and up 0.5 mi (0.81 km) from Eglin Air Force Base 
lands on the southern-most side of Cape San Blas. General land use 
within this subunit includes recreational activities (e.g., a boat ramp 
near Indian Pass, tour guide boats, beach walking, shell collecting, 
and fishing from the shoreline). Beach driving permits are also issued 
by Gulf County. Dogs are allowed on the beach, but enforcement of the 
leash law is a persistent need.
    Subunit FL-25A is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. This location also contains habitat that 
supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it is important for 
juvenile survival. The western-most tip of the island (Cape San Blas) 
overlaps with 130 ac (53 ha) of designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), the 
Gulf of Mexico side of the subunit overlaps with 345 ac (140 ha) of 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened loggerhead sea 
turtle (79 FR 39856, July 10, 2014), and approximately 326 ac (132 ha) 
of the subunit overlap designated critical habitat for the federally 
threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-25A include: (1) Loss of the 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise, (2) 
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots resulting from 
human activities (e.g., golf carts, vehicles, fishermen, walkers, and 
dogs on and off leash), and (3) avian predation. Additionally, sand 
placement efforts are to occur soon via berms placement, but beach 
nourishment is possible in the future. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include posting concentrated areas used by rufa red knots, 
reducing the number of beach driving permits issued, and continuing to 
enforce dog leash laws (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Subunit FL-25B: St. Joseph Bay-Eastern Shore

    Subunit FL-25B consists of 827 ac (335 ha) of beaches and shoals 
within the southeastern portion of St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County, 
Florida, from 0.09 mi (0.14 km) east of the intersection of County Road 
30A and Cape San Blas Road to the west 0.66 mi (1.1 km) and to the 
north 2.4 mi (3.8 km). This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., 
highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the physical 
or biological features, including ephemeral pools, natural brackish 
ponds, lagoons, and emergent sand shoals in the near shore. Lands 
within this subunit include 761 ac (308 ha) in State ownership and 66 
ac (27 ha) in private/other ownership. General land use within this 
subunit includes recreational activities (e.g., nearby boat ramps, a 
canoe/kayak launch). Additionally, scalloping and fishing in St. Joseph 
Bay is popular during the fall season.
    Subunit FL-25B is occupied by the species and contains one or more 
of the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red 
knots during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an 
important northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this 
subunit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the 
winter period on the northern Gulf coast portion of the subspecies 
range, providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting 
during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build 
energy sources for migration. This location also contains habitat that 
supports rufa red knots year round, indicating it is important for 
juvenile survival.
    Threats identified within Subunit FL-25B include: (1) Loss of the 
habitat and prey resources associated with sea level rise; (2) 
disturbance of roosting and foraging rufa red knots as a result of 
human activities during low tides, which is likely the time this area 
is most used by the rufa red knots; (3) disturbance of foraging rufa 
red knots from boating and canoeing/kayaking; and (4) avian predation. 
Special management considerations or protection measures may include 
reducing human disturbance via educational materials (e.g., post at 
boat ramps to request that boaters avoid coming near large flocks of 
birds) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
State lands are managed under the FDEP's oversight of St. Joseph Bay 
and some adjacent sand shoals and uplands area via the St. Joseph Bay 
State Buffer Preserve's management plan (FDEP 2008b, entire).

Unit AL-1: Dauphin Island

    Unit AL-1 consists of 5,164 ac (2,091 ha) in Mobile County, 
Alabama, which is one of the Mississippi-Alabama barrier islands with 
the Gulf of Mexico to the south and Mobile Bay to the north. The unit 
includes all of Dauphin Island from the historic 19th Century Fort 
Gaines site on the eastern side of the island, continuing approximately 
16 mi (26 km) west to the MLLW on the westernmost tip, and all of 
Little Dauphin Island (which is uninhabited) to MLLW. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 484 ac (196 ha; 9 percent) in Federal 
ownership, 848 ac (343 ha; 16 percent) in State ownership, and 3,834 ac 
(1,552 ha; 74 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use 
within this unit includes recreational activities (e.g., off-shore and 
surf fishing, sunbathing, swimming, and walking), the incorporated 
community of Dauphin Island, the Audubon Bird Sanctuary (164 ac (66 
ha)) of woodland, swamp, and beach), the State's recently acquired 
coastal habitat conservation area on the western end of Dauphin Island, 
and the Little Dauphin Island unit of Bon Secour NWR.
    Unit AL-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods. This location serves as 
an important northbound and southbound stopover site, providing 
multiple foraging and roosting habitats

[[Page 37485]]

for energy-depleted rufa red knots seeking to replenish their resources 
during their migration to and from breeding grounds. Approximately 
2,381 ac (963 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat 
for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 
2001).
    Threats identified within Unit AL-1 include: (1) Human disturbance 
of foraging and roosting rufa red knots from recreational activities 
(e.g., pets and domestic animals, ORVs, golf carts, powered boats and 
kayaks, and surf fishing), (2) predation (especially by raptors, red 
fox, and feral cats), (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due 
to residential and commercial development, (4) hard and soft beach 
stabilization efforts (e.g., beach nourishment, fences, dredged 
material disposal), (5) erosion, including from sea level rise; and (6) 
human-caused or natural disasters (e.g., oil spills, hurricanes). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot 
foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration 
(through law enforcement presence and through restrictions on timing, 
locations, and types of activities), sediment management through 
periodic beach nourishment, and addressing the impacts of potential oil 
spills through facility placement, as well as spill response plans and 
training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). 
Federal lands are currently managed by Bon Secour NWR via the Refuge's 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2005, entire). State-owned 
lands known as Shell Mound Park or Indian Mound Park are managed by 
Marine Resources Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and 
Natural Resources. The recently acquired habitat conservation area by 
the State on the west end of Dauphin Island will be managed by Mobile 
County and the Town of Dauphin Island.

Unit MS-1: Ship Island

    Unit MS-1 consists of 2,452 ac (993 ha) in Harrison County, 
Mississippi, consisting of emergent lands and intertidal area to MLLW 
on Ship Island and its adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic 
beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide). This unit is owned entirely by the Federal 
Government as part of the NPS's Gulf Islands National Seashore. Ship 
Island was breached by hurricane Camille in 1969, and the breach was 
significantly widened by hurricane Katrina in 2005; however, the unit 
is once again one island as a result of restoration work that occurred 
in 2019 and 2020. General land use within this unit includes limited 
recreation (e.g., fishing, birding), management for nesting and 
wintering sea birds in addition to other wildlife species, and tourism 
associated with the historic Fort Massachusetts, which is frequently 
visited by people via a commercial ferry service. Portions of the 
island are closed by NPS to the public during various times of the year 
to prevent impacts to bird nesting. This island is also remotely 
located approximately 8 mi (13 km) off shore.
    Unit MS-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing important wintering 
habitat on the northern Gulf coast for foraging and roosting during a 
time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration. The entire 2,452-ac (993-ha) unit overlaps with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 1,666 ac (674 ha) of the unit overlap 
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened Gulf 
sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Unit MS-1 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities, 
such as regional modification of the natural sediment transport 
processes via navigation channel dredging and disturbance by powered 
boats; (2) predation (native predators); (3) modification or loss of 
habitat due to erosion and sea level rise; and (4) human-caused 
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., 
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent island roosting habitat during 
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of 
activities), and managing sediment sources both within the unit and the 
adjacent Mississippi Sound to offset erosion and sea level rise (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). These Federal 
lands are currently managed under the Gulf Islands National Seashore 
Management Plan (NPS 2014c, entire).

Unit MS-2: Cat Island

    Unit MS-2 consists of 2,121 ac (858 ha) in Harrison County, 
Mississippi, consisting of emergent lands and intertidal area to MLLW 
on Cat Island and its adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic 
beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide). Lands within this unit include approximately 
686 ac (278 ha; 32 percent) in Federal ownership (Gulf Islands National 
Seashore), 1,305 ac (528 ha; 62 percent) in State ownership (managed by 
the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources), and 129 ac (52 ha; 6 
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit 
includes recreational use (e.g., fishing, birding, and rare visitation 
by humans via boats) by locals and island residents. This island is 
also remotely located approximately 8 mi (13 km) off shore.
    Unit MS-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species for wintering and migration. This unit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the spring and fall migration 
periods, serving as an important northbound and southbound stopover 
site on the northern Gulf coast. Additionally, this unit contains a 
high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period, 
providing important wintering habitat on the northern Gulf coast for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. Approximately 2,087 ac 
(845 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 
200 ac (81 ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened Gulf sturgeon (68 FR 13370, March 19, 2003).
    Threats identified within Unit MS-2 include disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities such as 
regional modification of the natural sediment transport processes via 
navigation channel dredging and disturbance by powered boats; 
modification or loss of habitat due to erosion and sea level rise; and 
human-caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include conducting public outreach and education, managing 
access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent

[[Page 37486]]

island roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities), and managing sediment 
sources both within the unit and the adjacent Mississippi Sound to 
offset erosion and sea level rise (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are 
currently managed under Gulf Islands National Seashore Management Plan 
(NPS 2014c, entire), and State lands in this unit are currently managed 
according to Rules and Regulations For The Use of State-Owned Coastal 
Preserve Areas (Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (DMR) 2009, 
entire) and the Coastal Preserves Bureau Management Plan (Mississippi 
DMR 2020, entire). These are not area-specific for lands in this unit, 
but the Mississippi DMR does implement these goals at this time (Davis 
2020, pers. comm.).

Unit LA-1: Chandeleur Islands

    Unit LA-1 consists of 7,632 ac (3,088 ha) in St. Bernard Parish, 
Louisiana. The unit includes all emergent lands to MLLW on the 
Chandeleur Islands and their adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic 
beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide). All lands in this unit are federally owned as 
part of the Breton NWR and Wilderness Area, which was created as a 
refuge and breeding ground for resident and migratory birds. General 
land use within this unit includes recreational activities (e.g., bird 
watching, fishing, and hiking) and occasionally biological research 
activities (which require a Special Use Permit).
    Unit LA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site on the northern Gulf coast. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period (i.e., the vast majority of the species' wintering population in 
Louisiana), providing important wintering habitat for foraging and 
roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to 
build energy sources for migration. This unit also has an undeveloped 
character that provides protection from intensive human uses. 
Approximately 4,734 ac (1,916 ha) of the unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit LA-1 include human disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots (e.g., powered boats), natural 
predators, and loss of habitat, including from erosion, sea level rise, 
and response actions resulting from natural and human-caused disasters 
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate threats may include habitat 
management or restoration (e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh 
elevations, and facilitated shoreline migration), management of 
predator populations, oil spill response planning, and management of 
human activities that disturb foraging and roosting rufa red knots (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). Management 
within this unit occurs via the Comprehensive Conservation Plan for 
Breton NWR, which guides refuge management and resource conservation 
pertaining to managing such activities, and any restoration actions 
would be aimed at restoring habitat quality and quantity without 
permanently affecting the natural coastal processes that maintain the 
physical or biological features of critical habitat (Service 2008b, 
entire). The Refuge's management objectives are to provide sanctuary 
for nesting and wintering seabirds, protect and preserve the wilderness 
character of the islands, and provide sandy barrier beach habitat for a 
variety of wildlife species (Service 2008b, pp. 12, 25).

Unit LA-2: Barataria Barrier Islands and Headlands

    Unit LA-2 consists of 7,795 ac (3,155 ha) within Plaquemines, 
Jefferson, and Lafourche Parishes, Louisiana, including emergent lands 
and/or sand shoals to MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
unit includes: (1) Emergent lands of Lanaux and Shell Islands to MLLW 
in Plaquemines Parish; (2) emergent sand shoals of Grand Bayou Pass in 
Plaquemines Parish; (3) the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to MLLW between 
Grand Bayou Pass and Quatre Bayou Pass (known as the Chaland Headland 
and Chenier Ronquille); (4) emergent sand shoals of Bastian Bay, Bay 
Joe Wise, Chaland Pass, and Bayou Cheniere Ronquille in Plaquemines 
Parish; (5) all emergent lands of the Grand Terre Islands and adjacent 
unnamed island to MLLW between Quatre Bayou Pass and Barataria Pass in 
Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes; (6) the Gulf of Mexico shoreline of 
Grand Isle from the toe of the Gulf-side hurricane protection levee to 
MLLW in Jefferson Parish; (7) the west side of the Caminada Pass 
shoreline and the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to MLLW beginning just north 
of Louisiana Highway 1 in Caminada Pass extending approximately 15 mi 
(24 km) westward to the east side of Belle Pass (known as the Caminada 
Headland, which includes the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and 
Fisheries' (LDWF) Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge) in Jefferson and 
Lafourche Parishes; and (8) all emergent lands of the West Belle Pass 
peninsula to the MLLW. Lands within this unit include approximately 126 
ac (51 ha; 2 percent) in State ownership, and 7,669 ac (3,104 ha; 98 
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit 
includes oil and gas activities (e.g., pipelines, wellheads, supply 
boats), public beaches (i.e., Grand Isle, portions of the Caminada 
Headland), public boat launches, residential development on Grand Isle 
just north of the unit boundary line, Grand Isle State Park, Elmer's 
Island Wildlife Refuge, and barrier island/headland habitats.
    Unit LA-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast. 
Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period on these barrier islands and headlands, 
providing important wintering habitat for foraging and roosting during 
a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy 
sources for migration. The State's attention to restoring the barrier 
islands and headlands in this unit, which adds much-needed sediment to 
the system, in coordination with episodic storm events, have also 
contributed to habitat creation (e.g., sand spits), and in turn, 
optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions. Approximately 2,946 ac (1,192 
ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit LA-2 include disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., pets, 
ORVs/all-terrain vehicles, powered boats, and jet skis (specifically 
for public beaches on Grand Isle and the Caminada Headland)); natural 
predators; nonnative predators (specifically for public beaches on 
Grand Isle and the Caminada Headland); modification or loss of habitat, 
or both, due to

[[Page 37487]]

uncontrolled recreational access, beach cleaning, and/or beach 
stabilization (specifically for public beaches on Grand Isle and the 
Caminada Headland); loss of habitat due to erosion and sea level rise; 
and response to natural and human-caused disasters. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate threats 
may include public outreach and education, educational signage, permits 
for ORV use on public beaches; habitat management or restoration (e.g., 
living shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated shoreline 
migration); management of predator populations; oil spill response 
planning; and management of human activities that disturb foraging and 
roosting rufa red knots (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Unit LA-3: Terrebonne Barrier Islands

    Unit LA-3 consists of 5,072 ac (2,052 ha) in Lafourche and 
Terrebonne Parishes, Louisiana, including emergent lands and/or sand 
shoals to MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal seashore 
that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This unit 
includes: (1) Emergent lands on East Timbalier Island in Lafourche 
Parish; (2) emergent sand shoals at Little Pass Timbalier in Jefferson 
Parish; (3) emergent lands of Timbalier Island (also known as Big or 
West Timbalier Island) in Terrebonne Parish; and (4) emergent lands and 
associated sand shoals on East, Trinity, Whiskey, and Raccoon Islands 
(known as the LDWF Isles Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuge) in 
Terrebonne Parish. Lands within this unit include approximately 2,890 
ac (1,173 ha; 57 percent) in State ownership and 2,172 ac (879 ha; 43 
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use in this unit 
includes recreational activities (e.g., bird watching, fishing), 
biological research activities (which require a permit), and oil and 
gas activities (i.e., East Timbalier Island).
    Unit LA-3 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast. 
Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knot 
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat for 
foraging and roosting on the northern Gulf coast during a time of the 
year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. This unit also has an undeveloped character that provides 
protection from intensive human uses. The State's attention to 
restoring the barrier islands in this unit, which adds much-needed 
sediment to the system, in coordination with episodic storm events have 
also contributed to habitat creation (e.g., sand spits), and in turn, 
optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions. Approximately 4,077 ac (1,650 
ha) of the unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit LA-3 include disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., oil 
and gas activities (for East Timbalier Island only), powered boats); 
native predators; and modification of habitat, such as due to erosion, 
sea level rise, and response to natural and human-caused disasters 
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate threats may include habitat 
management or restoration (e.g., living shorelines, raising marsh 
elevations, and facilitated shoreline migration), management of 
predator populations, oil spill response planning, and management of 
human activities that disturb foraging and roosting rufa red knots (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection, above). The State 
lands of this unit are managed by the LDWF Isles Dernieres Barrier 
Islands Refuge. The State's management of the majority of this unit 
requires special permission and/or permits to access the State-owned 
islands (State of Louisiana 2021, website).

Unit LA-4: Southwest Louisiana Beaches

    Unit LA-4 consists of 6,130 ac (2,481 ha) in Cameron and Vermillion 
Parishes, Louisiana. The unit includes land along the Gulf of Mexico 
shoreline to the MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic intertidal seashore that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) from the eastern 
Vermilion Parish line starting at the eastern boundary of the Audubon 
Society's Paul J. Rainey Wildlife Sanctuary, extending approximately 
128 mi (206 km) westward and terminating at Louisiana Point, and also 
including its associated sand/mud shoals on the east side of Sabine 
Pass in Cameron Parish. Along its entire length, the unit includes the 
shoreline beach from the MLLW line landward to the edge of where dense 
vegetation begins. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,497 
ac (606 ha; 24 percent) in State ownership and 4,633 ac (1,875 ha; 76 
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit 
includes recreational activities (e.g., bird watching, fishing), public 
beaches (i.e., Rutherford Beach, Holly Beach), biological research 
activities (which require a permit on State-owned lands), cattle 
grazing (i.e., on some private lands), and oil and gas activities 
(e.g., pipelines).
    Unit LA-4 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast. 
Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knot 
during the winter period, providing an important wintering habitat 
location on the northern Gulf coast within the subspecies' northern 
wintering range. Approximately 2,499 ac (1,011 ha) of the unit overlap 
with designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping 
plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit LA-4 unit include disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by humans or human activities 
(e.g., pets, vehicles on the beach, powerboats, and uncontrolled 
recreational access on public beaches (e.g., Rutherford Beach, Holly 
Beach)); disturbance from cattle grazing; disturbance from oil and gas 
activities (e.g., pipelines, pipeline repairs); native predators as 
well as nonnative predators (e.g., associated with public beaches); and 
modification or loss of habitat, or both, due to installation of hard 
structures, jetty maintenance, erosion, sea level rise, and responses 
to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate threats may include public outreach/education, educational 
signage, restricting vehicle access on public beaches; habitat 
management or restoration (e.g., living shorelines, facilitated 
shoreline migration); management of predator populations; oil spill 
response planning; and management of human activities that disturb 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). The State portion is managed by 
the LDWF Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge (Coastal Nongame Resources 
Division) in Vermilion Parish. The LDWF allows trapping, fishing, 
boating, birding, wildlife viewing, education, and

[[Page 37488]]

research activities on the Refuge (Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge 2021, 
website).

Unit TX-1: Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats

    Unit TX-1 consists of 1,264 ac (511 ha) in Galveston County, Texas. 
This unit begins at the west side of Rollover Pass and extends 
southwest ending at the north jetty on the Bolivar Peninsula. It 
includes 17 mi (27 km) of Gulf shoreline. The landward boundary is the 
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, and the gulf-side 
boundary is the MLLW, including emergent lands and intertidal area 
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. The west end of the unit includes lands 
known as wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific 
habitat types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass 
mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are nearly 
flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the 
water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside) 
sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; 
estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly or 
regularly, depending upon the location, inundated by tides; and marine 
sandy coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location (Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) 
2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within this unit include approximately 268 
ac (108 ha; 21 percent) in State ownership and 996 ac (403 ha; 79 
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit 
includes multiple human uses for recreation including both pedestrian 
and vehicle activity, and ongoing beach maintenance/nourishment 
activities. The west end of the unit is a well-known birding site 
(Bolivar Flats) that is protected by the Houston Audubon Society.
    Unit TX-1 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing an important wintering habitat 
location on the northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of the rufa red knot 
northern wintering range, especially for an area that also experiences 
a low level of disturbance during this time period. The intertidal zone 
and relatively undisturbed beach habitat provide multiple foraging and 
roosting habitat areas during the time of year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy resources for migration. The west end portion 
of the unit overlaps with 801 ac (324 ha) of designated critical 
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 
10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-1 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic 
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, sport-utility 
vehicles (SUVs), motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of 
habitat due to residential and commercial development, beach 
maintenance and nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3) 
predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused 
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., 
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats include 
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration 
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), 
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and 
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling 
activities through facility placement, as well as spill response plans 
and training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). The Texas General Land Office State lands are managed under The 
Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 61 and The Dune 
Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63. The Audubon 
lands are managed under the Bolivar Flats Bird Sanctuary Management 
Plan (Houston Audubon 2017, entire).

Unit TX-2: West Galveston Island

    Unit TX-2 consists of 590 ac (238 ha) in Galveston County, Texas. 
The unit is along the gulf with boundaries from the MLLW up to the 
vegetation line, including emergent lands and intertidal area 
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. The northeastern boundary is the end of 
the Seawall Boulevard (end of the seawall), and the southwestern 
boundary is San Luis Pass. Specific habitat types within this unit 
include marine sandy coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly 
inundated by tides, depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-12, 
37). Lands within this unit include approximately 307 ac (124 ha; 52 
percent) in State ownership and 283 ac (114 ha; 48 percent) in private/
other ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple 
human uses for recreation including both pedestrian and vehicle 
disturbance, and ongoing beach maintenance/nourishment activities.
    Unit TX-2 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important southbound 
stopover site. The west end portion of the unit overlaps with 106 ac 
(43 ha) of designated critical habitat for the federally threatened 
piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-2 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic 
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs, 
motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of habitat due to 
residential and commercial development, beach maintenance and 
nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3) predation (residential 
and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused disasters and response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and education, 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion 
and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills 
or gas drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The Texas General Land Office State lands are 
managed under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 
61 and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.

Unit TX-3: Cedar Lake to Colorado River

    Unit TX-3 consists of 1,203 ac (487 ha) in Matagorda County, Texas. 
The unit is along the gulf with boundaries from the MLLW up to the 
vegetation line, including emergent lands and intertidal area 
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. The northeastern boundary is the south

[[Page 37489]]

side of Cedar Lake Cut, and the southwestern boundary is near the 
Colorado River. Specific habitat types within this unit include marine 
sandy coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly inundated by 
tides, depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-12, 37). Lands 
within this unit include 1,075 ac (432 ha; 89 percent) in State 
ownership and 128 ac (52 ha; 11 percent) in private/other ownership. 
General land use within this unit includes multiple human uses for 
recreation including both pedestrian and vehicle disturbance, and 
ongoing beach maintenance/nourishment activities.
    Unit TX-3 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound 
stopover site. Additionally, this unit contains a high concentration of 
rufa red knots during the winter period, providing an important 
wintering habitat location on the northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of 
the rufa red knot northern wintering range. During the winter period, 
this area provides foraging and roosting habitat during a time of the 
year when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for 
migration. Portions of the unit overlap with 843 ac (341 ha) of five 
designated critical habitat units for the federally threatened piping 
plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-3 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic 
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs, 
motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of habitat due to 
residential and commercial development, beach maintenance and 
nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3) predation (residential 
and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused disasters and response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and education, 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion 
and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills 
or gas drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The Texas General Land Office State lands are 
managed under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 
61 and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.

Unit TX-4: Mustang Island

    Unit TX-4 consists of 648 ac (262 ha) in Nueces County, Texas. The 
unit is along the gulf with boundaries from the MLLW up to the 
vegetation line, including emergent lands and intertidal area 
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. The northern boundary is the south 
jetty at Port Aransas and the southern boundary is the north jetty of 
Packery Channel. Specific habitat types within this unit include marine 
sandy coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly inundated by 
tides, depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-12, 37). Lands 
within this unit include approximately 395 ac (160 ha; 61 percent) in 
State ownership and 253 ac (102 ha; 39 percent) in private/other 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple human 
uses for recreation including both pedestrian and vehicle disturbance, 
and ongoing beach maintenance/nourishment activities.
    Unit TX-4 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound 
stopover site. Portions of the unit overlap with 589 ac (238 ha) of two 
designated critical habitat units for the federally threatened piping 
plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-4 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic 
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs, 
motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of habitat due to 
residential and commercial development, beach maintenance and 
nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3) predation (residential 
and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused disasters and response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and education, 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion 
and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills 
or gas drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). The Texas General Land Office State lands are 
managed under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 
61 and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.

Unit TX-5: Mollie Beattie Coastal Habitat

    Unit TX-5 consists of a total of 723 ac (293 ha) in Nueces County, 
Texas. This unit is located north of Packery Channel and extends along 
the bayside west of Sylvan Beach Park west of Texas State Highway 361. 
The northern boundary is the Corpus Christi Pass with the southern 
boundary approximately 2 mi (3.2 km) south of Corpus Christi Pass. The 
eastern boundary is where the dense vegetation begins, and the western 
boundary is the MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
unit includes two hurricane washover passes known as Newport and Corpus 
Christi Passes in areas where wind tidal flats are infrequently 
inundated, and bayside flats that are exposed during low tide regimes 
and wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. The unit does not 
include densely vegetated habitat within these boundaries, but it 
includes all seagrass beds exposed at low tides. Specific habitat types 
within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) sandy shore/beach/sandbar 
that is irregularly or regularly, depending upon the location, 
inundated by tides; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) 
and spoils irregularly inundated by tides (FGDC 2013 pp. 11-13, 37). 
Lands within this unit include approximately 505 ac (205 ha; 70 
percent) in State ownership and 218 ac (88 ha; 30 percent) in private/
other ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple 
human uses for recreation (e.g., fishing, boating).
    Unit TX-5 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains high concentrations of rufa red knots 
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound

[[Page 37490]]

stopover site. This entire unit (723 ac (293 ha)) overlaps with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-5 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities (e.g., fishing, 
boating), domestic animals, and ORV activities; (2) modification or 
loss of habitat due to residential and commercial development, and sea 
level rise; (3) predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4) 
human-caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats include conducting public outreach and education, managing 
access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat 
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea 
level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas 
drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above).

Unit TX-6: North Padre Island

    Unit TX-6 consists of 2,817 ac (1,140 ha) in Nueces, Kleberg, 
Kenedy, and Willacy Counties, Texas. The unit is along the gulf with 
boundaries from the MLLW up to the vegetation line, to include emergent 
lands and intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The 
northern boundary is the south side of Packery Channel extending along 
the Gulf shoreline to Port Mansfield East Cut. Specific habitat types 
within this unit include marine sandy coastline beach that is 
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the 
location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-12, 37). Lands within this unit include 
approximately 2,487 ac (1,007 ha; 88 percent) in Federal ownership, 68 
ac (27 ha; 3 percent) in State ownership, and 262 ac (106 ha; 9 
percent) in private/other ownership. General land use within this unit 
includes multiple human uses for recreation, including both pedestrian 
and vehicle activities. In addition, the Padre Island National Seashore 
protects the majority of the area.
    Unit TX-6 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. Additionally, this unit 
contains a high concentration of rufa red knots during the winter 
period, providing an important wintering habitat location on the 
northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of the rufa red knot northern 
wintering range. This location provides foraging and roosting habitat 
areas during a time of the year when rufa red knots are seeking to 
build energy sources for migration. This specific location harbors 
approximately 17 percent of the Texas fall migration population. A 
portion of the unit overlaps with 210 ac (86 ha) of designated critical 
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 
10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-6 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic 
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs, 
motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of habitat due to 
residential and commercial development, beach maintenance, nourishment 
activities, and sea level rise; (3) predation (residential and 
migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused disasters and response to 
natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). 
Special management considerations or protection measures to reduce or 
alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and education, 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting 
habitat during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, 
and types of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion 
and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills 
or gas drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Management of Federal lands occurs under the Padre 
Island National Seashore Resources Management Plan (NPS 1996, entire). 
Texas General Land Office State lands are managed in accordance with 
The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 61 and The 
Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.

Unit TX-7: Upper Laguna Madre/Nighthawk Bay

    Unit TX-7 consists of a total of 1,157 ac (469 ha) in Kleberg 
County, Texas. The unit is along the bayside of Texas Park Road 22. The 
northeastern boundary is the northern edge of the Kleberg County line 
in Nighthawk Bay, and the southwestern boundary ends bayside of Bird 
Island Basin Road. This unit includes a series of small flats along the 
bayside of Padre Island in the Upper Laguna Madre. The unit includes 
bayside flats and seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide 
regimes and wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific 
habitat types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass 
mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are nearly 
flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the 
water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside) 
sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; 
and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly 
or regularly inundated by tide, depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, 
pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within this unit include approximately 273 ac 
(111 ha; 24 percent) in Federal ownership, 816 ac (330 ha; 70 percent) 
in State ownership, and 68 ac (28 ha; 6 percent) in private/other 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple human 
uses for recreation activities (e.g., fishing, boating). The Padre 
Island National Seashore protects the southwestern half of the unit.
    Unit TX-7 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing important wintering habitat for 
foraging and roosting during a time of the year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy sources for migration. The northern half of the 
unit overlaps with 560 ac (227 ha) of designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-7 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities (e.g., fishing, 
boating); (2) habitat modification or erosion resulting from sea level 
rise; (3) predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4) human-
caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters 
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats include 
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red 
knot

[[Page 37491]]

foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration 
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), 
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and 
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling 
activities through facility placement, as well as spill response plans 
and training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). Management of Federal lands occurs under the Padre Island 
National Seashore Resources Management Plan (NPS 1996, entire). There 
is no State resources management plan available for State lands in this 
area.

Unit TX-8: Dagger Hill/Yarborough Pass/Nine Mile Hole

    Unit TX-8 consists of 32,773 ac (13,270 ha) in Kleberg and Kenedy 
Counties, Texas. The unit is located bayside along and within the 
Laguna Madre adjacent to the west side of the Padre Island National 
Seashore. The northern boundary of the unit is Dagger Hill, and the 
southern boundary is approximately 6 mi (9.7 km) south of the land cut 
at Nine Mile Hole. The eastern boundary of this unit is the dense 
vegetation line on the bayside of the Padre Island National Seashore. 
The western boundary extends toward the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway to 
the MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). The southern 
portion of this unit extends across the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway 
dredge spoil islands. The unit includes bayside flats and all seagrass 
beds that are exposed during low tide regimes and wind tidal flats that 
are infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within this unit 
include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that are 
subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants 
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand 
substrate; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is 
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the 
location; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) and 
spoils irregularly inundated by tides (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands 
within this unit include approximately 9,731 ac (3,938 ha; 30 percent) 
in Federal ownership and 23,042 ac (9,332 ha; 70 percent) in State 
ownership. General land use within this unit includes multiple human 
uses for recreational activities (e.g., fishing, boating). The Padre 
Island National Seashore protects the eastern half of the unit.
    Unit TX-8 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Additionally, large sections of the area are remote and 
difficult to access by foot or vehicles, which has likely contributed 
to this area harboring a significant proportion of the Texas spring 
migration population. The southwest section near Nine Mile Hole 
overlaps with 4,827 ac (1,953 ha) of designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-8 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities (e.g., fishing, 
waterfowl hunting, and boating); (2) wind energy development; (3) 
habitat modification or erosion from sea level rise; (4) predation 
(residential and migratory raptors); and (5) human-caused disasters and 
response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil 
spills). Special management considerations or protection measures to 
reduce or alleviate the threats include conducting public outreach and 
education, managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and 
adjacent roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities), managing sediment sources 
to offset erosion and sea level rise, and addressing the impacts of 
potential oil spills or gas drilling activities through facility 
placement, as well as spill response plans and training (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection, above). Management of Federal 
lands occurs under the Padre Island National Seashore Resources 
Management Plan (NPS 1996, entire).

Unit TX-9: Pintail Lake/Padre Island/La Punta Larga

    Unit TX-9 consists of 94,171 ac (38,110 ha) in Kenedy, Willacy, and 
Cameron Counties, Texas. The northern boundary is Pintail Cut, 
extending south along the bay side of North Padre and South Padre 
Islands, with the southern boundary being Andy Bowie County Park. The 
center of the unit is approximately at Port Mansfield East Cut. North 
of the East Cut the western boundary is the MLLW (i.e., the highly 
dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide), and the eastern boundary is where dense 
vegetation begins. South of East Cut the western boundary is the MLLW, 
and the eastern boundary includes the beach side Gulf of Mexico out to 
the MLLW. The unit includes bayside flats and seagrass beds that are 
exposed during low tide regimes, and wind tidal flats that are 
infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within this unit 
include: Estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly 
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) 
regularly inundated by tides; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore 
(beach/sandbar); and marine sandy coastline beach (irregularly or 
regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the location) (FGDC 2013, 
pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within this unit include approximately 25,881 ac 
(10,482 ha; 27 percent) in Federal ownership, 34,165 ac (13,826 ha; 36 
percent) in State ownership, and 34,125 ac (13,802 ha; 36 percent) in 
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes 
multiple human uses for recreational activities, including both 
pedestrian and ORV activities along the gulf beach front and 
recreational fishing and boating on the bayside. Large portions of the 
unit are managed for wildlife habitat by the Laguna Atascosa NWR.
    Unit TX-9 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. This entire unit (94,171 ac (38,110 ha)) overlaps with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-9 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, vehicle 
disturbance, fishing, waterfowl hunting, and boating; (2) wind energy 
development; (3) habitat modification or erosion from sea level rise; 
(4) predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (5) human-caused 
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., 
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats include 
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration 
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), 
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and 
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling 
activities through facility placement, as

[[Page 37492]]

well as spill response plans and training (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection, above). Federal lands in this unit are 
managed according to the Laguna Atascosa NWR Comprehensive Conservation 
Plan (Service 2010e, entire). Texas General Land Office State lands in 
this unit are managed according to The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural 
Resource Code Chapter 61 and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural 
Resource Code Chapter.

Unit TX-10: Peyton's Bay/Arroyo Colorado/Three Islands/Gabrielson 
Island

    Unit TX-10 consists of 35,651 ac (14,427 ha) in Willacy and Cameron 
Counties, Texas. The northern boundary of this unit is approximately 11 
mi (18 km) north of the Arroyo Colorado Cutoff and encompasses Peyton's 
Bay (north being Chubby Island), and the southern boundary is 
approximately 9 mi (14 km) south of the Arroyo Colorado Cutoff 
encompassing Rattlesnake Bay (south edge near Gabrielson Island). The 
eastern boundary is the western side of the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway 
dredge spoil islands, and the western boundary is where dense 
vegetation begins. The unit includes bayside flats and seagrass beds 
that are exposed during low tide regimes and wind tidal flats that are 
infrequently inundated, and does not include densely vegetated habitat 
within these boundaries. Specific habitat types within this unit 
include: estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that are 
subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants 
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand 
substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats regularly 
inundated by tides and are nearly flat areas with a layer of algae 
growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are otherwise devoid of 
vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly 
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) 
rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy 
shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly or regularly inundated by 
tides, depending upon the location; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore 
(beach/sandbar), to include spoils irregularly inundated by tides (FGDC 
2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within this unit include approximately 
8,145 ac (3,296 ha; 23 percent) in Federal ownership, 25,316 ac (10,245 
ha; 71 percent) in State ownership, and 2,190 ac (886 ha; 6 percent) in 
private/other ownership. General land use within this unit includes 
multiple human uses for recreational activities (e.g., fishing, 
boating). The Federal portion of the unit is managed for wildlife 
habitat by the Laguna Atascosa NWR.
    Unit TX-10 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast. 
This entire unit (35,651 ac (14,427 ha)) overlaps with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-10 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities (e.g., fishing, 
waterfowl hunting, and boating); (2) disturbance and habitat 
modification/erosion resulting from wind energy development and sea 
level rise; (3) predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4) 
human-caused disasters and response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats include conducting public outreach and education, managing 
access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat 
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea 
level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas 
drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection, above). Management of Federal lands occurs under the Laguna 
Atascosa NWR Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2010e, entire).

Unit TX-11: South Bay/Boca Chica

    Unit TX-11 consists of 15,243 ac (6,173 ha) in Cameron County, 
Texas. The Boca Chica gulf shoreline portion of this unit begins south 
of the Brownsville Ship Channel and extends approximately 6.5 mi (10 
km) to the south. Within the South Bay, the northern boundary is south 
of Brownsville Ship Channel dredge spoil placement areas, and the 
southern boundary is north of the Rio Grande River. The eastern 
boundary is the bayside of the Boca Chica Beach (Gulf of Mexico) up to 
where dense vegetation begins, and the western boundary is west of the 
Loma islands up to where dense vegetation begins along the wind tidal 
flats. The unit includes wind tidal flats and all seagrass beds that 
are infrequently inundated and/or exposed as low tides, and the tidal 
flats within the area known as South Bay. Specific habitat types within 
this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that 
are subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants 
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand 
substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats regularly 
inundated by tides and are nearly flat areas with a layer of algae 
growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are otherwise devoid of 
vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly 
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) 
rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy 
shore (beach/sandbar) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/
sandbar), spoils irregularly inundated by tides; and marine sandy 
coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within 
this unit include approximately 5,536 ac (2,242 ha; 36 percent) in 
Federal ownership, 3,923 ac (1,589 ha; 26 percent) in State ownership, 
and 5,784 ac (2,342 ha; 38 percent) in private/other ownership. General 
land use within this unit includes rocket and drone launches and 
associated Space X space exploration development, and multiple 
recreational/beachside activities by humans, to include both pedestrian 
and vehicle activities. This unit is also managed for migratory bird 
use by the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR.
    Unit TX-11 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast. 
This entire unit (15,243 ac (6,169 ha)) overlaps with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-11 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, vehicle 
disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs, motorcycles, etc.), fishing, 
waterfowl hunting, and boating; (2) disturbance and habitat 
modification/erosion resulting from wind energy development and sea 
level rise; (3)

[[Page 37493]]

predation (residential and migratory raptors); (4) habitat modification 
resulting from space exploration development; (5) and human-caused 
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., 
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats include 
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration 
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), 
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and 
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling 
activities through facility placement, as well as spill response plans 
and training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection, 
above). Federal lands are managed in accordance with the 1999 
(reprinted) Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR land protection plan (Service 
1993, entire). The Texas General Land Office State lands are managed 
under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 61 and 
The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 63.

Effects of Critical Habitat Designation

Section 7 Consultation

    Section 7(a)(2) of the Act requires Federal agencies, including the 
Service, to ensure that any action they fund, authorize, or carry out 
is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered 
species or threatened species or result in the destruction or adverse 
modification of designated critical habitat of such species. In 
addition, section 7(a)(4) of the Act requires Federal agencies to 
confer with the Service on any agency action which is likely to 
jeopardize the continued existence of any species proposed to be listed 
under the Act or result in the destruction or adverse modification of 
proposed critical habitat.
    We published a final regulation with a revised definition of 
destruction or adverse modification on August 27, 2019 (84 FR 44976). 
Destruction or adverse modification means a direct or indirect 
alteration that appreciably diminishes the value of critical habitat as 
a whole for the conservation of a listed species.
    If a Federal action may affect a listed species or its critical 
habitat, the responsible Federal agency (action agency) must enter into 
consultation with us. Examples of actions that are subject to the 
section 7 consultation process are actions on State, Tribal, local, or 
private lands that require a Federal permit (such as a permit from the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under section 404 of the Clean Water Act 
(33 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.) or a permit from the Service under section 10 
of the Act) or that involve some other Federal action (such as funding 
from the Federal Highway Administration, Federal Aviation 
Administration, or the Federal Emergency Management Agency). Federal 
actions not affecting listed species or critical habitat--and actions 
on State, Tribal, local, or private lands that are not federally 
funded, authorized or carried out by a Federal agency--do not require 
section 7 consultation.
    Compliance with the requirements of section 7(a)(2) is documented 
through our issuance of:
    (1) A concurrence letter for Federal actions that may affect, but 
are not likely to adversely affect, listed species or critical habitat; 
or
    (2) A biological opinion for Federal actions that may affect, and 
are likely to adversely affect, listed species or critical habitat.
    When we issue a biological opinion concluding that a project is 
likely to jeopardize the continued existence of a listed species and/or 
destroy or adversely modify critical habitat, we provide reasonable and 
prudent alternatives to the project, if any are identifiable, that 
would avoid the likelihood of jeopardy and/or destruction or adverse 
modification of critical habitat. We define ``reasonable and prudent 
alternatives'' (at 50 CFR 402.02) as alternative actions identified 
during consultation that:
    (1) Can be implemented in a manner consistent with the intended 
purpose of the action,
    (2) Can be implemented consistent with the scope of the Federal 
agency's legal authority and jurisdiction,
    (3) Are economically and technologically feasible, and
    (4) Would, in the Service Director's opinion, avoid the likelihood 
of jeopardizing the continued existence of the listed species and/or 
avoid the likelihood of destroying or adversely modifying critical 
habitat.
    Reasonable and prudent alternatives can vary from slight project 
modifications to extensive redesign or relocation of the project. Costs 
associated with implementing a reasonable and prudent alternative are 
similarly variable.
    Regulations at 50 CFR 402.16 set forth requirements for Federal 
agencies to reinitiate formal consultation on previously reviewed 
actions. These requirements apply when the Federal agency has retained 
discretionary involvement or control over the action (or the agency's 
discretionary involvement or control is authorized by law) and, 
subsequent to the previous consultation, we have listed a new species 
or designated critical habitat that may be affected by the Federal 
action, or the action has been modified in a manner that affects the 
species or critical habitat in a way not considered in the previous 
consultation. In such situations, Federal agencies sometimes may need 
to request reinitiation of consultation with us, but the regulations 
also specify some exceptions to the requirement to reinitiate 
consultation on specific land management plans after subsequently 
listing a new species or designating new critical habitat. See the 
regulations for a description of those exceptions.

Application of the ``Adverse Modification'' Standard

    The key factor related to the destruction or adverse modification 
determination is whether implementation of the proposed Federal action 
directly or indirectly alters the designated critical habitat in a way 
that appreciably diminishes the value of the critical habitat as a 
whole for the conservation of the listed species. As discussed above, 
the role of critical habitat is to support physical or biological 
features essential to the conservation of a listed species and provide 
for the conservation of the species.
    Section 4(b)(8) of the Act requires us to briefly evaluate and 
describe, in any proposed or final regulation that designates critical 
habitat, activities involving a Federal action that may violate section 
7(a)(2) of the Act by destroying or adversely modifying such habitat, 
or that may be affected by such designation.
    Activities that the Service may, during a consultation under 
section 7(a)(2) of the Act, find are likely to destroy or adversely 
modify rufa red knot critical habitat include, but are not limited to:
    (1) Actions that would significantly alter the configuration, 
topography, or substrate of roosting (i.e., sheltering) or foraging 
habitats. Such activities could include, but are not limited to, 
construction of developments and associated infrastructure, including 
roadways, commercial and residential development, hard stabilization 
structures, electrical transmission lines from offshore wind turbines, 
and oil and gas well pads; removal, placement, or redistribution of 
sediments such as beach nourishment, backpassing (i.e.,

[[Page 37494]]

mechanical reversal of natural sediment migration usually by trucks or 
hydraulic pipelines), dredging of shoals or sand bars, and dredged 
material disposition; planting or promoting dense, woody, or nonnative 
vegetation; and mechanical beach raking. These activities may destroy 
or degrade beach and intertidal habitats.
    (2) Actions that would significantly alter the availability of prey 
items. Such activities could include, but are not limited to, 
deposition of sediment in intertidal areas; substantial levels of ORV 
traffic or use of heavy equipment in intertidal areas; commercial or 
illegal harvest of prey species; harvest of other marine or intertidal 
species that may impact prey species; covering of foraging habitats 
with permanent or temporary structures (e.g., aquaculture gear); 
introductions of nonnative marine species; and removal, crushing, or 
burial of Sargassum or other types of wrack (e.g., mechanical beach 
raking) at times when rufa red knots are present. Deposition of dredged 
material buries invertebrate prey species, altering their abundance, 
distribution, or composition. Off-road vehicles have been shown to 
decrease densities of invertebrates on intertidal flats. Harvest 
activities directly remove prey, or can indirectly impact prey 
populations by altering community composition. Sargassum and other 
wrack contain mussel spat and other invertebrates consumed by rufa red 
knots; thus, beach raking that removes wrack eliminates an important 
microhabitat for foraging. Foraging flats covered by structures are 
inaccessible to rufa red knots.
    (3) Actions that would inhibit the natural ability of beaches and 
intertidal flats to adapt to sea level rise. Such activities could 
include, but are not limited to, construction of seawalls, bulkheads, 
revetments, jetties, groins, and artificial dunes with rock or clay 
cores or stabilized with sand/snow fencing or densely planted 
vegetation. Such structures prevent the natural migration of barrier 
beach and intertidal habitats, increasing the rate and aerial extent of 
inundation and corresponding loss of rufa red knot habitats.
    Under section 7(a)(2) of the Act, project timing often plays an 
important role in the Service's jeopardy analysis, but typically plays 
little to no role in the Service's analysis of adverse modification of 
critical habitat. As part of the jeopardy analysis, the Service must 
consider likely effects both to the habitat and to the species directly 
(e.g., risk of accidental death or injury of individuals, or incidental 
disturbance or displacement of individuals, from project activities). 
To avoid or minimize adverse effects to individuals, the Service often 
makes project timing recommendations in advance of the jeopardy 
analysis (e.g., to avoid those times of year when the species is 
typically present in the action area). In contrast, direct effects to 
individuals (e.g., death, injury, displacement, disturbance) are not 
part of the adverse modification analysis, which is focused on whether 
implementation of the proposed Federal action directly or indirectly 
alters the designated critical habitat in a way that appreciably 
diminishes the value of the critical habitat as a whole for the 
conservation of the listed species. As such, project timing is rarely 
an important consideration in the adverse modification analysis. In 
very general terms, we expect proposed Federal activities to fall into 
three broad categories with regard to considerations around project 
timing:
    (a) Permanent or long-lived habitat modifications (such as the 
categories of actions listed in (1) through (3), above, and depending 
on type, extent, and severity) are likely to result in destruction or 
adverse modification of critical habitat, regardless of what time of 
year they are carried out (i.e., regardless of whether rufa red knots 
are present during implementation). An example might be a series of new 
sea walls.
    (b) Activities that may disturb, displace, or risk injuring rufa 
red knots, but that do not involve habitat modification, would not 
result in destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat, 
regardless of what time of year they are carried out. However, in 
advance of our jeopardy analysis, the Service would likely offer timing 
or other recommendations to reduce adverse effects to the species and 
the risk of incidental take of individuals. An example might be use of 
low-flying aircraft.
    (c) A short-lived habitat modification may (depending on type, 
extent, and severity) be able to avoid adverse modification by being 
terminated and fully reversed/restored well before the expected arrival 
date of migrant or wintering rufa red knots. These are the only 
circumstances in which we expect project timing to be an important 
consideration in the adverse modification analysis. In such cases, any 
Service-recommended timing restrictions offered to protect the 
conservation value of the critical habitat would also be expected to 
reduce adverse effects and the risk of incidental take from disturbance 
or displacement, which are important considerations in our jeopardy 
analysis. An example might be large-scale deployment of moveable 
aquaculture gear that precludes use of rufa red knot foraging habitat, 
but only while the gear is present (i.e., foraging habitat is fully 
restored upon removal of the gear).

Exemptions

Application of Section 4(a)(3) of the Act

    The Sikes Act Improvement Act of 1997 (Sikes Act) (16 U.S.C. 670a) 
required each military installation that includes land and water 
suitable for the conservation and management of natural resources to 
complete an integrated natural resources management plan (INRMP) by 
November 17, 2001. An INRMP integrates implementation of the military 
mission of the installation with stewardship of the natural resources 
found on the base. Each INRMP includes:
    (1) An assessment of the ecological needs on the installation, 
including the need to provide for the conservation of listed species;
    (2) A statement of goals and priorities;
    (3) A detailed description of management actions to be implemented 
to provide for these ecological needs; and
    (4) A monitoring and adaptive management plan.
    Among other things, each INRMP must, to the extent appropriate and 
applicable, provide for fish and wildlife management; fish and wildlife 
habitat enhancement or modification; wetland protection, enhancement, 
and restoration where necessary to support fish and wildlife; and 
enforcement of applicable natural resource laws.
    The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2004 (Pub. 
L. 108-136) amended the Act to limit areas eligible for designation as 
critical habitat. Specifically, section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act (16 
U.S.C. 1533(a)(3)(B)(i)) provides that: ``The Secretary shall not 
designate as critical habitat any lands or other geographical areas 
owned or controlled by the Department of Defense, or designated for its 
use, that are subject to an integrated natural resources management 
plan prepared under section 101 of the Sikes Act (16 U.S.C. 670a), if 
the Secretary determines in writing that such plan provides a benefit 
to the species for which critical habitat is proposed for 
designation.''
    We consult with the military on the development and implementation 
of INRMPs for installations with listed species. We analyzed INRMPs 
developed by military installations located within the range of the 
proposed critical habitat designation for the rufa

[[Page 37495]]

red knot to determine if they meet the criteria for exemption from 
critical habitat under section 4(a)(3) of the Act. The following areas 
are Department of Defense (DoD) lands with completed, Service-approved 
INRMPs within the proposed critical habitat designation.

Approved INRMPs

Eglin Air Force Base (Cape San Blas), Gulf County, FL, 79 ac (32 ha)

    Eglin Air Force Base is the largest forested military reservation 
in the United States. It supports a multitude of military testing and 
training operations, as well as many diverse species and habitats. 
Eglin's missions include the 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne), 
Amphibious Ready Group/Marine Expeditionary Unit, Stand-off Precision 
Guided Missile, and Massive Ordnance Air Blast.
    Eglin Air Force Base, also known as the Eglin Military Complex, is 
located in Santa Rosa, Okaloosa, Walton, and Gulf Counties in Northwest 
Florida and the Gulf, and occupies 464,000 ac (261,428 ha). The Eglin 
Military Complex includes the mainland Reservation located in Santa 
Rosa, Okaloosa, and Walton Counties, as well as a small parcel (962 ac 
(389 ha)) on Cape San Blas in Gulf County, Florida. This parcel 
consists of approximately 3 mi (5 km) of spit shoreline along the Gulf 
of Mexico. The spit is separated from the mainland by St. Joseph Bay. 
The boundaries of Eglin's Cape San Blas parcel are from 29.67680 N 
85.36351 W to 29.67608 N 85.33394 W. Eglin's Cape San Blas parcel also 
contains U.S. Federal Reserve property, but the entire parcel is under 
Eglin's management. The Cape San Blas parcel has 79 ac (32 ha) of Gulf 
beach; ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, or lagoons; and 
emergent sand shoals in the near shore used by wintering red knots.
    The 2017-22 Eglin Air Force Base INRMP guides the management and 
conservation of natural resources under the installation's control. It 
provides interdisciplinary strategic guidance for the management of 
natural resources in support of the military mission within the land 
and water ranges of the Eglin Military Complex. The Eglin Air Force 
Base INRMP integrates and prioritizes wildlife, fire, and forest 
management activities to protect and effectively manage the Complex's 
aquatic and terrestrial environments and ensure ``no net loss'' in the 
operational capability of these resources to support Eglin test and 
training missions.
    The 2017-22 INRMP and the more detailed Threatened and Endangered 
Species Component Plan Update (DoD 2017) explains natural resources 
program management, including a specific section that details 
management for threatened and endangered species, including 
conservation actions for the rufa red knot and its habitat, which are 
similar to those for piping plover that is also present during similar 
time periods (Eglin Air Force Base 2017, Section 7.4). The INRMP 
identifies the need to develop and implement programs to protect and 
conserve federally listed endangered and threatened plants and wildlife 
and candidate species, including the red knot. The Update (DoD 2017, 
Section 8.1) identifies the following management and protective 
measures to achieve this goal:
    (1) Maintain suitable habitat for the species via posting;
    (2) Annually survey and maintain public access control measures on 
Cape San Blas to protect red knots and ensure the long-term 
sustainability of Eglin's barrier island ecosystem for mission use;
    (3) Conduct predator control as necessary;
    (4) Install daytime visual markers on guy wires associated with new 
towers being built at Cape San Blas to reduce collisions by birds;
    (5) Minimize construction activities during the federally 
threatened piping plover season, which also overlaps the majority of 
rufa red knot seasons;
    (6) In partnership with Gulf County, continue to address concerns 
associated with beach driving associated with recreational beach use at 
Cape San Blas;
    (7) Conduct weekly shorebird surveys to track presence of shorebird 
species as well as population trends;
    (8) Ensure that all beach and dune habitats impaired by mission 
activities are appropriately restored and maintained with concurrence 
from the Service;
    (9) Ensure that Eglin personnel drive seaward of the wrack and 
debris line or just above it during high tide conditions; and
    (10) Prohibit beach raking on Eglin property, so the wrack line 
remains intact as a foraging substrate.
    Based on the above considerations, and in accordance with section 
4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act, we have determined that the identified lands 
are subject to the Eglin Air Force Base INRMP and that conservation 
efforts identified in the INRMP will provide a benefit to the rufa red 
knot. Therefore, lands within this installation are exempt from 
critical habitat designation under section 4(a)(3) of the Act. We are 
not including 79 ac (32 ha) of habitat in this proposed critical 
habitat designation because of this exemption.

Tyndall Air Force Base (Shell Island, Crooked Island West, Crooked 
Island East), Bay County, FL, 3,258 ac (1,318 ha)

    Tyndall Air Force Base is located on 30,000 ac (12,141 ha) in 
southeastern Bay County, approximately 13 mi (20 km) east of Panama 
City, Florida. The installation includes forested areas and beaches 
that provide a sea-to-land transition area that is vital for military 
operations to include ground-training and airspace activities that are 
also shared with other Air Force bases and DoD branches. Tyndall's 
missions include the 325th Fighter Wing, 325th Operations Group, 325th 
Maintenance Group, 325th Mission Support Group, and other Major 
Associate Tenants to include the 53rd Weapons Evaluation Group, Air 
Force Civil Engineer Center, Airbase Technologies Division, and 
Detachment 1, 823rd Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair 
Squadron Engineers.
    Similar to the Eglin Air Force Base INRMP, the 2020 Tyndall Air 
Force Base INRMP guides the management and conservation of natural 
resources under the installation's control. It provides 
interdisciplinary strategic guidance for the management of natural 
resources in support of the military mission within the land and water 
ranges of the Installation. The Tyndall Air Force Base INRMP integrates 
and prioritizes wildlife, wildland fire, forest management, and coastal 
zone and marine resources management activities to protect and 
effectively manage the Air Force Base's aquatic and terrestrial 
environments and ensure ``no net loss'' in the operational capability 
of these resources to support the Air Force's training missions.
    The 2020 INRMP has a chapter for natural resources program 
management, including a specific section (Threatened and Endangered 
Species Component Plan) that details management for threatened and 
endangered species and conservation actions for the rufa red knot and 
its habitat (DoD 2020, Section 15, Tab 3). The INRMP identifies the 
need to develop and implement programs to protect and conserve 
federally listed endangered and threatened plants and wildlife and 
candidate species, including the red knot.
    Tyndall Air Force Base is a base combined of developed and natural 
areas located on a peninsula that is bisected by U.S. Highway 98. The 
base is approximately 18 mi (29 km) long and 3 mi (4.8 km) wide, and is 
surrounded by East Bay, St. Andrew Bay, and the Gulf of Mexico to the 
north, west, and

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south, respectively. Crooked Island West, Crooked Island East, and a 
portion of Shell Island, which form St. Andrew Sound, are barrier spits 
on the Gulf and are occupied almost year around by rufa red knots. 
These barrier island spits include various stages of coastal dune 
formations, forests, overwash areas, ephemeral pools, natural brackish 
ponds, or lagoons; emergent sand shoals in the near shore are used by 
rufa red knots almost year round, but mostly during spring migrations.
    We identified two areas on Tyndall Air Force Base that meet the 
criteria identified as essential to the conservation of the species:
    (1) Crooked Island East is approximately 1,001 ac (405 ha) and 
includes approximately 6 mi (9.7 km) of shoreline beach.
    (2) Crooked Island West and Shell Island include approximately 
2,257 ac (913 ha) of shoreline beaches that are approximately 12 mi 
(19.3 km) in length on the base (from the western boundary with St. 
Andrews State Park east to the eastern end of the island).
    The draft ``Threatened and Endangered Species Component Plan'' 
portion of the INRMP (a.k.a. T&E Plan) (Tyndall Air Force Base 2020, 
Section 15, Tab 3) identifies the following management and protective 
measures to achieve conservation goals for rufa red knot:
    (1) Maintain suitable habitat for foraging, sheltering, and 
roosting;
    (2) Support predator control efforts;
    (3) Enforce beach driving restrictions;
    (4) Construct and maintain boardwalks to guide recreation 
locations;
    (5) Support the State of Florida designation of these three island 
locations as Critical Wildlife Areas. Areas within the Critical 
Wildlife Areas may be posted and closed to access for the protection of 
birds either seasonally or year around;
    (6) Continue prohibiting pets on Tyndall Air Force Base beaches at 
all times; and
    (7) Continue to support Audubon and Florida Fish and Wildlife 
Conservation Commission' efforts to collect regular survey data on the 
species.
    Based on the above considerations, and in accordance with section 
4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act, we have determined that the identified lands 
are subject to the Tyndall Air Force Base INRMP and that conservation 
efforts identified in the INRMP will provide a benefit to the rufa red 
knot. Therefore, lands within this installation are exempt from 
critical habitat designation under section 4(a)(3) of the Act. We are 
not including 3,258 ac (1,318 ha) of habitat in this proposed critical 
habitat designation because of this exemption.

Consideration of Impacts Under Section 4(b)(2) of the Act

    Section 4(b)(2) of the Act states that the Secretary shall 
designate and make revisions to critical habitat on the basis of the 
best available scientific data after taking into consideration the 
economic impact, national security impact, and any other relevant 
impact of specifying any particular area as critical habitat. The 
Secretary may exclude an area from critical habitat if she determines 
that the benefits of such exclusion outweigh the benefits of specifying 
such area as part of the critical habitat, unless she determines, based 
on the best scientific data available, that the failure to designate 
such area as critical habitat will result in the extinction of the 
species. In making the determination to exclude a particular area, the 
statute on its face, as well as the legislative history, are clear that 
the Secretary has broad discretion regarding which factor(s) to use and 
how much weight to give to any factor.
    The first sentence in section 4(b)(2) of the Act requires that we 
take into consideration the economic, national security, or other 
relevant impacts of designating any particular area as critical 
habitat. We describe below the process that we undertook for taking 
into consideration each category of impacts and our analyses of the 
relevant impacts.

Consideration of Economic Impacts

    Section 4(b)(2) of the Act and its implementing regulations require 
that we consider the economic impact that may result from a designation 
of critical habitat. To assess the probable economic impacts of a 
designation, we must first evaluate specific land uses or activities 
and projects that may occur in the area of the critical habitat. We 
then must evaluate the impacts that a specific critical habitat 
designation may have on restricting or modifying specific land uses or 
activities for the benefit of the species and its habitat within the 
areas proposed. We then identify which conservation efforts may be the 
result of the species being listed under the Act versus those 
attributed solely to the designation of critical habitat for this 
particular species. The probable economic impact of a proposed critical 
habitat designation is analyzed by comparing scenarios both ``with 
critical habitat'' and ``without critical habitat.''
    The ``without critical habitat'' scenario represents the baseline 
for the analysis, which includes the existing regulatory and socio-
economic burden imposed on landowners, managers, or other resource 
users potentially affected by the designation of critical habitat 
(e.g., under the Federal listing as well as other Federal, State, and 
local regulations). The baseline, therefore, represents the costs of 
all efforts attributable to the listing of the species under the Act 
(i.e., conservation of the species and its habitat incurred regardless 
of whether critical habitat is designated). The ``with critical 
habitat'' scenario describes the incremental impacts associated 
specifically with the designation of critical habitat for the species. 
The incremental conservation efforts and associated impacts would not 
be expected without the designation of critical habitat for the 
species. In other words, the incremental costs are those attributable 
solely to the designation of critical habitat, above and beyond the 
baseline costs. These are the costs we use when evaluating the benefits 
of inclusion and exclusion of particular areas from the final 
designation of critical habitat should we choose to conduct a 
discretionary 4(b)(2) exclusion analysis.
    For this particular designation, we developed an incremental 
effects memorandum (IEM) considering the probable incremental economic 
impacts that may result from this proposed designation of critical 
habitat. The information contained in our IEM was then used to develop 
a screening analysis of the probable effects of the designation of 
critical habitat for the rufa red knot (Industrial Economics, 
Incorporated (IEc) 2021). We began by conducting a screening analysis 
of the proposed designation of critical habitat in order to focus our 
analysis on the key factors that are likely to result in incremental 
economic impacts. The purpose of the screening analysis is to filter 
out particular geographic areas of critical habitat that are already 
subject to such protections and are, therefore, unlikely to incur 
incremental economic impacts. In particular, the screening analysis 
considers baseline costs (i.e., absent critical habitat designation) 
and includes probable economic impacts where land and water use may be 
subject to conservation plans, land management plans, best management 
practices, or regulations that protect the habitat area as a result of 
the Federal listing status of the species. Ultimately, the screening 
analysis allows us to focus our analysis on evaluating the specific 
areas or sectors that may incur probable incremental economic impacts 
as a result of the designation. The screening analysis also assesses 
whether units are unoccupied by the species and thus may

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require additional management or conservation efforts as a result of 
the critical habitat designation for the species; these additional 
efforts may incur incremental economic impacts. This screening analysis 
combined with the information contained in our IEM are what we consider 
our draft economic analysis (DEA) of the proposed critical habitat 
designation for the rufa red knot; our DEA is summarized in the 
narrative below.
    Executive Orders (E.O.s) 12866 and 13563 direct Federal agencies to 
assess the costs and benefits of available regulatory alternatives in 
quantitative (to the extent feasible) and qualitative terms. Consistent 
with the E.O. regulatory analysis requirements, our effects analysis 
under the Act may take into consideration impacts to both directly and 
indirectly affected entities, where practicable and reasonable. If 
sufficient data are available, we assess to the extent practicable the 
probable impacts to both directly and indirectly affected entities. As 
part of our screening analysis, we considered the types of economic 
activities that are likely to occur within the areas likely affected by 
the critical habitat designation. In our evaluation of the probable 
incremental economic impacts that may result from the proposed 
designation of critical habitat for the rufa red knot, first we 
identified, in the IEM dated December 11, 2020, probable incremental 
economic impacts associated with the following categories of activities 
(i.e., Federal agencies and projects that would likely go through the 
section 7 consultation process whether or not critical habitat is 
designated):
    <bullet> Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service: Control and 
management of invasive, harmful, or overabundant species; predator 
control to benefit target ecosystems or species.
    <bullet> Department of Defense: Operation, maintenance, and 
upgrades of military property and infrastructure, including training 
and testing.
    <bullet> Federal Emergency Management Agency: Alternations to both 
habitats and developments to increase coastal resiliency and/or to 
facilitate recovery of human communities following disasters or 
emergencies (such as coastal storms). Emergency consultation may also 
be conducted during or shortly after a disaster, for example to stage 
emergency response equipment in rufa red knot habitat, to transit 
through habitat as part of the emergency response, or retrieve orphaned 
vessels, containers, or other items from habitat.
    <bullet> Federal Energy Regulatory Commission: Non-Federal 
activities that require Federal authorization, such as liquefied 
natural gas facilities and associated pipeline infrastructure.
    <bullet> Federal Highway Administration: Transportation 
infrastructure maintenance and upgrades.
    <bullet> Federal Aviation Administration: Operation, management, 
and upgrades of airports and air traffic control systems.
    <bullet> National Aeronautics and Space Administration: Rocket and 
drone launches, drone and aircraft flights, recreational beach uses 
(e.g., swimming, sunbathing, ORVs), beach renourishment and seawall 
repair, protected species management, facility maintenance and 
construction, and educational use.
    <bullet> National Park Service: Infrastructure maintenance or 
upgrades, habitat or species management, research, and changes to 
visitor use policies or regulations.
    <bullet> U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Federally funded coastal 
engineering, such as beach nourishment, dredging, shoreline 
stabilization, and habitat restoration; non-Federal activities that 
require Federal permits, such as coastal engineering, coastal 
development (e.g., residential, commercial, recreational 
infrastructure), transportation infrastructure (e.g., docks, piers, 
ports, roads, rail lines), utility and energy infrastructure, habitat 
restoration, habitat and species management (e.g., mosquito control), 
and aquaculture.
    <bullet> U.S. Coast Guard: Response actions associated with cleanup 
of hazardous substances in the coastal and marine environments, and 
authorization of fireworks displays.
    <bullet> U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Wildlife Refuges: 
Land acquisition, infrastructure maintenance or upgrades, habitat or 
species management, research, and changes to visitor use policies or 
regulations.
    We considered each industry or category individually. Additionally, 
we considered whether their activities have any Federal involvement. 
Critical habitat designation generally will not affect activities that 
do not have any Federal involvement; under the Act, designation of 
critical habitat only affects activities conducted, funded, permitted, 
or authorized by Federal agencies. If we list the species, in areas 
where the rufa red knot is present, Federal agencies would be required 
to consult with the Service under section 7 of the Act on activities 
they fund, permit, or implement that may affect the species. If, when 
we list the species, we also finalize this proposed critical habitat 
designation, consultations to avoid the destruction or adverse 
modification of critical habitat would be incorporated into the 
existing consultation process.
    In our IEM, we attempted to clarify the distinction between the 
effects that will result from the species being listed and those 
attributable to the critical habitat designation (i.e., difference 
between the jeopardy and adverse modification standards) for the rufa 
red knot's critical habitat. The following specific circumstances help 
to inform our evaluation: (1) The essential physical or biological 
features identified for critical habitat are the same features 
essential for the life requisites of the species, and (2) any actions 
that would result in sufficient harm or harassment to constitute 
jeopardy to the rufa red knot would also likely adversely affect the 
essential physical or biological features of critical habitat. The IEM 
outlines our rationale concerning this limited distinction between 
baseline conservation efforts and incremental impacts of the 
designation of critical habitat for this species. This evaluation of 
the incremental effects has been used as the basis to evaluate the 
probable incremental economic impacts of this proposed designation of 
critical habitat.
    The proposed critical habitat designation for the rufa red knot 
includes 120 proposed critical habitat units (18 of which are further 
subdivided into 46 subunits), totaling approximately 649,066 ac 
(262,667 ha), all of which were occupied by the rufa red knot at the 
time of listing, and are currently occupied. The incremental costs of 
designating critical habitat for the rufa red knot are likely to be 
limited to additional administrative effort to consider adverse 
modification in consultations for the species, which is based on 
factors such as the same types of project modifications for avoiding 
adverse modification compared to avoiding jeopardy in occupied habitat, 
or the presence of additional listed species with similar habitat needs 
or designated critical habitat. The incremental administrative burden 
resulting from the designation of critical habitat for the rufa red 
knot is not anticipated to reach $100 million in any given year based 
on the anticipated annual number of consultations and associated 
consultation costs, which are not expected to exceed $480,000 per year 
(2021 dollars). Because the designation is not expected to result in 
additional project modifications recommendations for the species, 
ancillary economic benefits are not expected.
    We are soliciting data and comments from the public on the DEA 
discussed above, as well as all aspects of this

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proposed rule and our required determinations. During the development 
of a final designation, we will consider the information presented in 
the DEA and any additional information on economic impacts received 
during the public comment period to determine whether any specific 
areas should be excluded from the final critical habitat designation 
under authority of section 4(b)(2) and our implementing regulations at 
50 CFR 424.19. In particular, we may exclude an area from critical 
habitat if we determine that the benefits of excluding the area 
outweigh the benefits of including the area, provided the exclusion 
will not result in the extinction of this species.

Consideration of National Security Impacts or Homeland Security Impacts

    Section 4(a)(3)(B)(i) of the Act may not cover all DoD lands or 
areas that pose potential national-security concerns (e.g., a DoD 
installation that is in the process of revising its INRMP for a newly 
listed species or a species previously not covered). If a particular 
area is not covered under section 4(a)(3)(B)(i), national-security or 
homeland-security concerns are not a factor in the process of 
determining what areas meet the definition of ``critical habitat.'' 
Nevertheless, when designating critical habitat under section 4(b)(2), 
the Service must consider impacts on national security, including 
homeland security, on lands or areas not covered by section 
4(a)(3)(B)(i). Accordingly, we will always consider for exclusion from 
the designation areas for which DoD, Department of Homeland Security 
(DHS), or another Federal agency has requested exclusion based on an 
assertion of national-security or homeland-security concerns.
    We cannot, however, automatically exclude requested areas. When 
DoD, DHS, or another Federal agency requests exclusion from critical 
habitat on the basis of national-security or homeland-security impacts, 
it must provide a reasonably specific justification of an incremental 
impact on national security that would result from the designation of 
that specific area as critical habitat. That justification could 
include demonstration of probable impacts, such as impacts to ongoing 
border-security patrols and surveillance activities, or a delay in 
training or facility construction, as a result of compliance with 
section 7(a)(2) of the Act. If the agency requesting the exclusion does 
not provide us with a reasonably specific justification, we will 
contact the agency to recommend that it provide a specific 
justification or clarification of its concerns relative to the probable 
incremental impact that could result from the designation. If the 
agency provides a reasonably specific justification, we will defer to 
the expert judgment of DoD, DHS, or another Federal agency as to: (1) 
Whether activities on its lands or waters, or its activities on other 
lands or waters, have national-security or homeland-security 
implications; (2) the importance of those implications; and (3) the 
degree to which the cited implications would be adversely affected in 
the absence of an exclusion. In that circumstance, in conducting a 
discretionary section 4(b)(2) exclusion analysis, we will give great 
weight to national-security and homeland-security concerns in analyzing 
the benefits of exclusion.
    Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we consider whether there are 
lands where a national security impact might exist. In preparing this 
proposal, we have determined that some lands within the proposed 
designation of critical habitat for the rufa red knot are owned or 
managed by the DoD. We already discussed two areas (Eglin Air Force 
Base and Tyndall Air Force Base) with approved INRMPs under Application 
of Section 4(a)(3) of the Act, above. In addition, NASA has expressed 
concern that the designation of critical habitat on the Wallops Flight 
Facility would have implications for national security, as summarized 
below.
Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility (Wallops Island), 
Accomack County, Virginia (571 ac (231 ha))
    NASA owns and operates the Goddard Space Flight Center's Wallops 
Flight Facility, located on Wallops Island in Accomack County, 
Virginia. This area on Wallops Island includes both Subunits VA-2A and 
VA-2B (i.e., 540 ac (218 ha) within Subunit VA-2A and 31 ac (13 ha) 
within Subunit VA-2B), totaling 571 ac (231 ha).
    The Wallops Flight Facility is the oldest active launch range in 
the continental United States, and its mission currently includes 
support of scientific research and emerging technologies, and employing 
measures (consistent with the inherent right of self-defense) to deter 
others from interference and attack, defend our space systems, and 
contribute to the defense of allied space systems . . .'' (NASA 2020a, 
p. 2). Additionally the facility shares its government-owned 
infrastructure with other Federal agencies, mostly from DoD, to 
facilitate critical activities including target, missile, test article, 
and spacecraft launches; manned and unmanned aircraft development and 
pilot training; launch systems testing (e.g., communications, 
telemetry, guidance); rocket launches ranging from small sounding and 
suborbital rockets to small- and medium-classed expendable launch 
vehicles; launching resupply missions to the International Space 
Station; and science payloads that could support disaster readiness or 
surveillance (NASA 2020a, pp. 2-3). A significant partner with 
facilities in Wallops Island is the U.S. Navy Surface Combat Systems 
Center, whose core mission is developing and certifying the Ship Self 
Defense System and Aegis Combat System. Additionally, the facility 
supports national security interests by providing essential launch 
services to the Virginia Commercial Space Flight Authority's launch 
facility, enabling NASA to achieve the national security requirements 
and the findings of Congress specified in Public Law 111-314 (NASA 
2020a, pp. 2-4).
    Wallops Island provides varied habitat types that support multiple 
protected species, including the federally threatened rufa red knot. 
Monitoring and management of protected areas during sensitive seasonal 
periods (e.g., implementing predator control, ensuring sensitives 
species are not disturbed by pedestrians and vehicles) is an ongoing 
action by staff/employees (NASA 2020a, pp. 21-22). NASA also intends to 
abide by all Terms and Conditions, as well as Monitoring and Reporting 
Requirements, stipulated in the Service's June 7, 2019, Wallops Flight 
Facility Update and Consolidation of Existing Biological Opinions 
(Project # 2015-F-3317; Service 2019, entire).
    NASA has requested exclusion from the rufa red knot final critical 
habitat designation based on national security impacts that would 
hamper the nation's ability to foster ongoing partnerships with other 
nations through International Space Station resupply, reduce the 
success of ensuring orbital launch successes, and potentially adversely 
impact Fleet deployment. Therefore, we are considering to exclude 571 
ac (231 ha) of NASA-owned lands at Wallops Flight Facility from this 
critical habitat designation under section 4(b)(2) of the Act.
    During the development of the final designation, we will consider 
any information currently available or received during the public 
comment period regarding the national security impacts of the proposed 
designation, and will determine whether any specific areas, including 
the Wallops Flight Facility, should be excluded from the final critical 
habitat designation under

[[Page 37499]]

authority of section 4(b)(2) and our implementing regulations at 50 CFR 
424.19.

Consideration of Other Relevant Impacts

    Under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, we consider any other relevant 
impacts, in addition to economic impacts and impacts on national 
security discussed above. We consider a number of factors including 
whether there are permitted conservation plans covering the species in 
the area such as HCPs, safe harbor agreements, or candidate 
conservation agreements with assurances, or whether there are non-
permitted conservation agreements and partnerships that would be 
encouraged by designation of, or exclusion from, critical habitat. In 
addition, we look at the existence of Tribal conservation plans and 
partnerships and consider the government-to-government relationship of 
the United States with Tribal entities. We also consider any social 
impacts that might occur because of the designation.
    In preparing this proposal, we have determined that there are 
currently no HCPs or other management plans specifically for the rufa 
red knot or its habitat that would be encouraged by the exclusion from 
a critical habitat designation, and the proposed designation does not 
include any Tribal lands or trust resources. We anticipate no impact on 
Tribal lands, partnerships, or HCPs from this proposed critical habitat 
designation.
    During the development of a final designation, we will consider any 
information currently available or received during the public comment 
period regarding the economic, national security, or other relevant 
impacts of the proposed designation and will determine whether any 
specific areas should be excluded from the final critical habitat 
designation under authority of section 4(b)(2) and our implementing 
regulations at 50 CFR 424.19.

Required Determinations

Clarity of the Rule

    We are required by Executive Orders 12866 and 12988 and by the 
Presidential Memorandum of June 1, 1998, to write all rules in plain 
language. This means that each rule we publish must:
    (1) Be logically organized;
    (2) Use the active voice to address readers directly;
    (3) Use clear language rather than jargon;
    (4) Be divided into short sections and sentences; and
    (5) Use lists and tables wherever possible.
    If you feel that we have not met these requirements, send us 
comments by one of the methods listed in ADDRESSES. To better help us 
revise the rule, your comments should be as specific as possible. For 
example, you should tell us the numbers of the sections or paragraphs 
that are unclearly written, which sections or sentences are too long, 
the sections where you feel lists or tables would be useful, etc.

Regulatory Planning and Review (Executive Orders 12866 and 13563)

    Executive Order 12866 provides that the Office of Information and 
Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) in the Office of Management and Budget will 
review all significant rules. OIRA has determined that this rule is not 
significant.
    Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of E.O. 12866 while 
calling for improvements in the nation's regulatory system to promote 
predictability, to reduce uncertainty, and to use the best, most 
innovative, and least burdensome tools for achieving regulatory ends. 
The executive order directs agencies to consider regulatory approaches 
that reduce burdens and maintain flexibility and freedom of choice for 
the public where these approaches are relevant, feasible, and 
consistent with regulatory objectives. E.O. 13563 emphasizes further 
that regulations must be based on the best available science and that 
the rulemaking process must allow for public participation and an open 
exchange of ideas. We have developed this proposed rule in a manner 
consistent with these requirements.

Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)

    Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act (RFA; 5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), 
as amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (SBREFA; 5 U.S.C. 801 et seq.), whenever an agency is required to 
publish a notice of rulemaking for any proposed or final rule, it must 
prepare and make available for public comment a regulatory flexibility 
analysis that describes the effects of the rule on small entities 
(i.e., small businesses, small organizations, and small government 
jurisdictions). However, no regulatory flexibility analysis is required 
if the head of the agency certifies the rule will not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
The SBREFA amended the RFA to require Federal agencies to provide a 
certification statement of the factual basis for certifying that the 
rule will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial 
number of small entities.
    According to the Small Business Administration, small entities 
include small organizations such as independent nonprofit 
organizations; small governmental jurisdictions, including school 
boards and city and town governments that serve fewer than 50,000 
residents; and small businesses (13 CFR 121.201). Small businesses 
include manufacturing and mining concerns with fewer than 500 
employees, wholesale trade entities with fewer than 100 employees, 
retail and service businesses with less than $5 million in annual 
sales, general and heavy construction businesses with less than $27.5 
million in annual business, special trade contractors doing less than 
$11.5 million in annual business, and agricultural businesses with 
annual sales less than $750,000. To determine whether potential 
economic impacts to these small entities are significant, we considered 
the types of activities that might trigger regulatory impacts under 
this designation as well as types of project modifications that may 
result. In general, the term ``significant economic impact'' is meant 
to apply to a typical small business firm's business operations.
    Under the RFA, as amended, and as understood in the light of recent 
court decisions, Federal agencies are required to evaluate the 
potential incremental impacts of rulemaking on those entities directly 
regulated by the rulemaking itself; in other words, the RFA does not 
require agencies to evaluate the potential impacts to indirectly 
regulated entities. The regulatory mechanism through which critical 
habitat protections are realized is section 7 of the Act, which 
requires Federal agencies, in consultation with the Service, to ensure 
that any action authorized, funded, or carried out by the agency is not 
likely to destroy or adversely modify critical habitat. Therefore, 
under section 7, only Federal action agencies are directly subject to 
the specific regulatory requirement (avoiding destruction and adverse 
modification) imposed by critical habitat designation. Consequently, it 
is our position that only Federal action agencies would be directly 
regulated if we adopt the proposed critical habitat designation. There 
is no requirement under the RFA to evaluate the potential impacts to 
entities not directly regulated. Moreover, Federal agencies are not 
small entities. Therefore, because no small entities would be directly 
regulated by this rulemaking, the Service certifies that, if made final 
as proposed, the proposed critical

[[Page 37500]]

habitat designation will not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.
    In summary, we have considered whether the proposed designation 
would result in a significant economic impact on a substantial number 
of small entities. For the above reasons and based on currently 
available information, we certify that, if made final, the proposed 
critical habitat designation will not have a significant economic 
impact on a substantial number of small business entities. Therefore, 
an initial regulatory flexibility analysis is not required.

Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use--Executive Order 13211

    Executive Order 13211 (Actions Concerning Regulations That 
Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or Use) requires 
agencies to prepare Statements of Energy Effects when undertaking 
certain actions. In our draft economic analysis, we did not find that 
the designation of this proposed critical habitat would significantly 
affect energy supplies, distribution, or use. Oil/gas development and 
renewable energy/power generation activities have been known to occur 
within the range of the rufa red knot and its proposed critical habitat 
units/subunits (IEc 2021, Exhibit 5; Service 2020b, pp. 42-45); oil/gas 
development activities have primarily occurred in Georgia and Louisiana 
and to a lesser extent South Carolina and Texas, and renewable energy/
power generation activities have occurred primarily in South Carolina, 
and to a lesser extent New Jersey, Louisiana, and Texas. These are 
activities that the Service consults on with Federal agencies or the 
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under section 7 of the Act. As discussed 
in the DEA, the costs associated with consultations related to occupied 
critical habitat would be largely administrative in nature and are not 
anticipated to reach $100 million in any given year based on the 
anticipated annual number of consultations and associated consultation 
costs, which are not expected to exceed $480,000 per year (2021 
dollars) (IEc, pp. 10, 18-19). Therefore, this action is not a 
significant energy action, and no Statement of Energy Effects is 
required.

Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 et seq.)

    In accordance with the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (2 U.S.C. 1501 
et seq.), we make the following finding:
    (1) This proposed rule would not produce a Federal mandate. In 
general, a Federal mandate is a provision in legislation, statute, or 
regulation that would impose an enforceable duty upon State, local, or 
Tribal governments, or the private sector, and includes both ``Federal 
intergovernmental mandates'' and ``Federal private sector mandates.'' 
These terms are defined in 2 U.S.C. 658(5)-(7). ``Federal 
intergovernmental mandate'' includes a regulation that ``would impose 
an enforceable duty upon State, local, or Tribal governments'' with two 
exceptions. It excludes ``a condition of Federal assistance.'' It also 
excludes ``a duty arising from participation in a voluntary Federal 
program,'' unless the regulation ``relates to a then-existing Federal 
program under which $500,000,000 or more is provided annually to State, 
local, and Tribal governments under entitlement authority,'' if the 
provision would ``increase the stringency of conditions of assistance'' 
or ``place caps upon, or otherwise decrease, the Federal Government's 
responsibility to provide funding,'' and the State, local, or Tribal 
governments ``lack authority'' to adjust accordingly. At the time of 
enactment, these entitlement programs were: Medicaid; Aid to Families 
with Dependent Children work programs; Child Nutrition; Food Stamps; 
Social Services Block Grants; Vocational Rehabilitation State Grants; 
Foster Care, Adoption Assistance, and Independent Living; Family 
Support Welfare Services; and Child Support Enforcement. ``Federal 
private sector mandate'' includes a regulation that ``would impose an 
enforceable duty upon the private sector, except (i) a condition of 
Federal assistance or (ii) a duty arising from participation in a 
voluntary Federal program.''
    The designation of critical habitat does not impose a legally 
binding duty on non-Federal Government entities or private parties. 
Under the Act, the only regulatory effect is that Federal agencies must 
ensure that their actions do not destroy or adversely modify critical 
habitat under section 7. While non-Federal entities that receive 
Federal funding, assistance, or permits, or that otherwise require 
approval or authorization from a Federal agency for an action, may be 
indirectly impacted by the designation of critical habitat, the legally 
binding duty to avoid destruction or adverse modification of critical 
habitat rests squarely on the Federal agency. Furthermore, to the 
extent that non-Federal entities are indirectly impacted because they 
receive Federal assistance or participate in a voluntary Federal aid 
program, the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act would not apply, nor would 
critical habitat shift the costs of the large entitlement programs 
listed above onto State governments.
    (2) We do not believe that this rule would significantly or 
uniquely affect small governments because it is not anticipated to 
reach a Federal mandate of $100 million in any given year; that is, it 
is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under the Unfunded Mandates 
Reform Act. The designation of critical habitat imposes no obligations 
on State or local governments. By definition, Federal agencies are not 
considered small entities, although the activities they fund or permit 
may be proposed or carried out by small entities. Consequently, we do 
not believe that the proposed critical habitat designation would 
significantly or uniquely affect small government entities. As such, a 
Small Government Agency Plan is not required.

Takings--Executive Order 12630

    In accordance with E.O. 12630 (Government Actions and Interference 
with Constitutionally Protected Private Property Rights), we have 
analyzed the potential takings implications of designating critical 
habitat for the rufa red knot in a takings implications assessment. The 
Act does not authorize the Service to regulate private actions on 
private lands or confiscate private property as a result of critical 
habitat designation. Designation of critical habitat does not affect 
land ownership, or establish any closures, or restrictions on use of or 
access to the designated areas. Furthermore, the designation of 
critical habitat does not affect landowner actions that do not require 
Federal funding or permits, nor does it preclude development of habitat 
conservation programs or issuance of incidental take permits to permit 
actions that do require Federal funding or permits to go forward. 
However, Federal agencies are prohibited from carrying out, funding, or 
authorizing actions that would destroy or adversely modify critical 
habitat. A takings implications assessment has been completed for the 
proposed designation of critical habitat for the rufa red knot, and it 
concludes that, if adopted, this designation of critical habitat does 
not pose significant takings implications for lands within or affected 
by the designation.

Federalism--Executive Order 13132

    In accordance with E.O. 13132 (Federalism), this proposed rule does 
not have significant federalism effects. A federalism summary impact 
statement is not required. In keeping with Department of the Interior 
and Department of Commerce policy, we

[[Page 37501]]

requested information from, and coordinated development of this 
proposed critical habitat designation with, appropriate State resource 
agencies. From a federalism perspective, the designation of critical 
habitat directly affects only the responsibilities of Federal agencies. 
The Act imposes no other duties with respect to critical habitat, 
either for States and local governments, or for anyone else. As a 
result, the proposed rule does not have substantial direct effects 
either on the States, or on the relationship between the national 
government and the States, or on the distribution of powers and 
responsibilities among the various levels of government. The proposed 
designation may have some benefit to these governments because the 
areas that contain the features essential to the conservation of the 
species are more clearly defined, and the physical or biological 
features of the habitat necessary for the conservation of the species 
are specifically identified. This information does not alter where and 
what federally sponsored activities may occur. However, it may assist 
State and local governments in long-range planning because they no 
longer have to wait for case-by-case section 7 consultations to occur.
    Where State and local governments require approval or authorization 
from a Federal agency for actions that may affect critical habitat, 
consultation under section 7(a)(2) of the Act would be required. While 
non-Federal entities that receive Federal funding, assistance, or 
permits, or that otherwise require approval or authorization from a 
Federal agency for an action, may be indirectly impacted by the 
designation of critical habitat, the legally binding duty to avoid 
destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat rests squarely 
on the Federal agency.

Civil Justice Reform--Executive Order 12988

    In accordance with Executive Order 12988 (Civil Justice Reform), 
the Office of the Solicitor has determined that the rule would not 
unduly burden the judicial system and that it meets the requirements of 
sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of the Order. We have proposed designating 
critical habitat in accordance with the provisions of the Act. To 
assist the public in understanding the habitat needs of the species, 
this proposed rule identifies the elements of physical or biological 
features essential to the conservation of the species. The proposed 
areas of designated critical habitat are presented on maps, and the 
proposed rule provides several options for the interested public to 
obtain more detailed location information, if desired.

Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.)

    This rule does not contain information collection requirements, and 
a submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the 
Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.) is not 
required. We may not conduct or sponsor and you are not required to 
respond to a collection of information unless it displays a currently 
valid OMB control number.

National Environmental Policy Act (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.)

    It is our position that, outside the jurisdiction of the U.S. Court 
of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit, we do not need to prepare 
environmental analyses pursuant to the National Environmental Policy 
Act (NEPA; 42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) in connection with designating 
critical habitat under the Act. We published a notice outlining our 
reasons for this determination in the Federal Register on October 25, 
1983 (48 FR 49244). This position was upheld by the U.S. Court of 
Appeals for the Ninth Circuit (Douglas County v. Babbitt, 48 F.3d 1495 
(9th Cir. 1995), cert. denied 516 U.S. 1042 (1996)).

Government-to-Government Relationship With Tribes

    In accordance with the President's memorandum of April 29, 1994 
(Government-to-Government Relations with Native American Tribal 
Governments; 59 FR 22951), Executive Order 13175 (Consultation and 
Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments), and the Department of the 
Interior's manual at 512 DM 2, we readily acknowledge our 
responsibility to communicate meaningfully with recognized Federal 
Tribes on a government-to-government basis. In accordance with 
Secretarial Order 3206 of June 5, 1997 (American Indian Tribal Rights, 
Federal-Tribal Trust Responsibilities, and the Endangered Species Act), 
we readily acknowledge our responsibilities to work directly with 
Tribes in developing programs for healthy ecosystems, to acknowledge 
that Tribal lands are not subject to the same controls as Federal 
public lands, to remain sensitive to Indian culture, and to make 
information available to Tribes. We have determined that no Tribal 
lands fall within the boundaries of the proposed critical habitat for 
the rufa red knot (although we note that the Shinnecock Indian Nation 
likely has Tribal interests in natural and cultural resources within 
the Mississippi proposed units; we have and will continue to coordinate 
with them), so no Tribal lands would be affected by the proposed 
designation.

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this proposed rule is 
available on the internet at http://www.regulations.gov and upon 
request from the New Jersey Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR 
FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT).

Authors

    The primary authors of this proposed rule are the staff members of 
the Fish and Wildlife Service's Species Assessment Team and the New 
Jersey Ecological Services Field Office.

List of Subjects in 50 CFR Part 17

    Endangered and threatened species, Exports, Imports, Reporting and 
recordkeeping requirements, Transportation.

    Accordingly, we propose to amend part 17, subchapter B of chapter 
I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as set forth below:

PART 17--ENDANGERED AND THREATENED WILDLIFE AND PLANTS

0
1. The authority citation for part 17 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  16 U.S.C. 1361-1407; 1531-1544; and 4201-4245, 
unless otherwise noted.

0
2. In Sec.  17.11(h), revise the entry for ``Knot, rufa red'' in the 
List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife under BIRDS to read as set 
forth below:


Sec.  17.11   Endangered and threatened wildlife.

* * * * *
    (h) * * *

[[Page 37502]]



----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                                              Listing citations
           Common name                Scientific name        Where listed         Status        and applicable
                                                                                                    rules
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
              Birds
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
Knot, rufa red...................  Calidris canutus      Wherever found......            T   79 FR 73705, 12/11/
                                    rufa.                                                     2014; 50 CFR
                                                                                              17.95(b) \CH\.
 
                                                  * * * * * * *
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

0
3. Amend Sec.  17.95(b) by adding an entry for ``Rufa Red Knot 
(Calidris canutus rufa)'' in the same alphabetical order as the species 
appears in the table in Sec.  17.11(h), to read as set forth below:


Sec.  17.95  Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.

* * * * *
    (b) Birds.
* * * * *
Rufa Red Knot (Calidris Canutus Rufa)
    (1) Critical habitat units are depicted for Barnstable County, 
Massachusetts; Suffolk, Nassau, and Queens Counties, New York; Ocean, 
Atlantic, Cape May, and Cumberland Counties, New Jersey; Kent and 
Sussex Counties, Delaware; Accomack and Northampton Counties, Virginia; 
Dare, Hyde, Carteret, Onslow, Pender, New Hanover, and Brunswick 
Counties, North Carolina; Georgetown, Horry, Charleston, Colleton, 
Beaufort, and Jasper Counties, South Carolina; Chatham, Liberty, 
McIntosh, Glynn, and Camden Counties, Georgia; Nassau, Duval, Volusia, 
Brevard, Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Sarasota, Manatee, Pinellas, Pasco, 
Levy, Wakulla, Franklin, and Gulf Counties, Florida; Mobile County, 
Alabama; Harrison County, Mississippi; St. Bernard, Plaquemines, 
Jefferson, Lafourche, Terrebonne, Cameron, and Vermillion Parishes, 
Louisiana; and Galveston, Matagorda, Nueces, Kleberg, Kenedy, Willacy, 
and Cameron Counties, Texas, on the maps in this entry.
    (2) Within these areas, the physical or biological features 
essential to the conservation of rufa red knot consist of the following 
components:
    (i) Beaches and tidal flats used for foraging. This feature 
includes high-energy ocean- or bay-front barrier island or mainland 
beaches, as well as shorelines and tidal flats in more sheltered 
estuaries (e.g., bays, sounds, lagoons). Foraging substrates can 
include sand, mud, peat, and sand embedded with shell, gravel, or 
cobble. Foraging areas are between mean lower low water (MLLW) and mean 
higher high water. Suitable foraging habitats provide abundant 
quantities of accessible and appropriately sized prey items (e.g., 
mussels and mussel spat, clams, other mollusks, horseshoe crab eggs, 
crustaceans, polychaete worms), timed to occur in high densities during 
those seasons when rufa red knots are present. ``Superabundant'' prey 
densities, typically bivalves or horseshoe crab eggs, are needed in 
migration staging areas to support rapid weight gain following long-
distance flights. Large areas capable of supporting concentrations of 
shorebirds are especially important.
    (ii) Upper beach areas used for roosting, preening, resting, or 
sheltering. This feature includes unvegetated or sparsely vegetated 
sand between the high water line and the primary dune line. Generally 
these sites are open, with a large viewscape for predator avoidance. 
Many sites have micro-topographic relief offering refuge from high 
winds. Large areas capable of supporting concentrations of shorebirds--
close to foraging areas, with limited predation pressure and protected 
from human disturbance--are especially important.
    (iii) Ephemeral and/or dynamic coastal features used for foraging 
or roosting. This includes dynamic and ephemeral features such as sand 
spits, islets, shoals, and sandbars, features often associated with 
inlets. Other ephemeral features used by rufa red knots include tidal 
pools; wind-exposed bay bottoms or oyster reefs; and unvegetated 
overwash areas (e.g., among or behind dunes, as formed by storms or 
extreme wave action).
    (iv) Ocean vegetation deposits or surf-cast wrack used for foraging 
and roosting. This feature includes Sargassum (a species of macroalgae 
in oceans that inhabits shallow water and coral reefs), seagrass, or 
seaweed deposits with mussel spat attached, or surf-cast wrack that 
accumulates along beaches and supports or captures food items, such as 
horseshoe crab eggs. In some areas, rufa red knots may also roost atop 
wrack mounds.
    (v) Intertidal peat banks used for foraging and roosting. In some 
areas, exposed intertidal peat banks (e.g., along bay-front beaches and 
fronting tidal marshes) provide important foraging and roosting 
habitat.
    (vi) Features landward of the beach that support foraging or 
roosting. In some areas, rufa red knots use sparsely vegetated habitats 
landward of the beach berm, such as unstabilized dunes, mangrove edges, 
brackish ponds, and patches of mostly bare ground (e.g., blowouts, 
depressions, pannes) within salt marshes.
    (vii) Artificial habitat mimicking natural conditions or 
maintaining the physical or biological features set forth in paragraphs 
(2)(i) through (vi) of this entry. Coastal engineering that interferes 
with natural coastal processes is generally considered a threat to the 
rufa red knot. However, in some cases, artificial habitats mimic the 
natural conditions described in the other physical or biological 
features described above. Such artificial habitats can include 
nourished beaches, dredged spoil deposition sites, elevated road 
causeways, jetties, or impoundments. Additionally, some anthropogenic 
structures may promote or maintain the natural physical or biological 
features. For example, in parts of Delaware Bay, rufa red knot habitat 
features are enhanced by living shorelines (e.g., shell bag reefs), and 
in one case by a rock breakwater.
    (3) Critical habitat does not include manmade structures (such as 
buildings, aqueducts, runways, roads, and other paved areas) and the 
land on which they are located existing within the legal boundaries on 
[EFFECTIVE DATE OF RULE].
    (4) Data layers defining map units were created using rufa red knot 
distribution data provided by eBird data and multiple local and 
regional sources as available (e.g., reports, databases, and 
geolocator/resighting data maintained by State Fish and Wildlife 
Departments, universities, local governments, and nonprofit 
organizations across the range of the species). Landforms were 
primarily delineated based on the most current available aerial maps, 
but in some cases older maps dating as far back as 2010 were consulted 
to gauge patterns of coastal change over time.

[[Page 37503]]

The maps in this entry, as modified by any accompanying regulatory 
text, establish the boundaries of the critical habitat designation. The 
coordinates or plot points or both on which each map is based are 
available to the public at the Service's internet site at https://fws.gov/northeast/red-knot/, at http://www.regulations.gov under Docket 
No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, and at the field office responsible for this 
designation. You may obtain field office location information by 
contacting one of the Service regional offices, the addresses of which 
are listed at 50 CFR 2.2.
    (5) Note: Index map follows:
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.000

    (6) Unit MA-1: Pleasant Bay, Massachusetts.
    (i) Unit MA-1 consists of approximately 4,357 ac (1,763 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Barnstable County consisting of exposed intertidal 
flats, shoals, mud flats, and intertidal salt marsh pannes in Little 
Pleasant Bay and Pleasant Bay, and ephemeral tidal pools, primary sand 
dunes, and beaches associated with Nauset Beach South (Orleans), North 
Beach (Chatham), and North Beach Island (Chatham). Lands within this 
unit include approximately 126 ac (51 ha) in Federal ownership 
(including Cape Code National Seashore), 1,596 ac (646 ha) in private/
other ownership, and 2,634 ac (1,066 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit MA-1 follows:

[[Page 37504]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.001

    (7) Unit MA-2: Monomoy and South Beach Islands, Massachusetts.
    (i) Unit MA-2 consists of approximately 5,093 ac (2,061 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Barnstable County consisting of exposed intertidal 
sand

[[Page 37505]]

and mud flats and shoals, ephemeral tidal pools, salt marsh, primary 
sand dunes, and beaches associated with North and South Monomoy 
Islands, Minomoy Island, and the South Beach Island complex. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 4,047 ac (1,638 ha) in Federal 
ownership (including Monomoy National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)) and 1,045 
ac (423) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit MA-2 is presented at paragraph (6)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (8) Unit NY-1: Moriches Inlet, New York.
    (i) Unit NY-1 consists of approximately 1,001 ac (405 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Suffolk County consisting of highly dynamic beach, 
sand flats, bay islands, back bay shoreline, intertidal areas, and 
surface water within the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 78 ac (32 ha) in Federal 
ownership, 63 ac (25 ha) in State ownership, 163 ac (66 ha) in private/
other (including the towns of Brookhaven and Southampton) ownership, 
and 697 ac (282 ha) that are uncategorized. This area includes the 
South Shore Estuary Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit NY-1 follows:

[[Page 37506]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.002

    (9) Unit NY-2: Jones Inlet, New York.
    (i) Unit NY-2 consists of approximately 1,821 ac (737 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Nassau County consisting of ocean beach habitat, 
sand

[[Page 37507]]

flats, bay islands, and small embayments. It is irregularly shaped and 
is bounded to the south by the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by Point 
Lookout, to the north by a line running in Hempstead Bay, and to the 
east at the eastern extent of Zachs Bay. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 710 ac (287 ha) in State ownership and 1,111 ac (450 ha) 
that are under private/other ownership. This area includes the South 
Shore Estuary Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit NY-2 follows:

[[Page 37508]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.003

    (10) Unit NY-3: Jamaica Bay, New York.
    (i) Unit NY-3 consists of approximately 5,458 ac (2,209 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Queens County consisting of ocean beach habitat 
that is

[[Page 37509]]

primarily within the National Park Service's Jamaica Bay Wildlife 
Refuge, Gateway National Recreation Area, and all under Federal 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit NY-3 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.004
    

[[Page 37510]]


    (11) Unit NJ-1: Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-1 consists of approximately 9,719 ac (3,933 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Ocean and Atlantic Counties consisting of beach, 
dune, shoals, open water, and tidal marsh associated with two inlets 
extending from the northern boundary of the Holgate Unit of Edwin B. 
Forsythe NWR, west to the ``Seven Islands'' portion of Great Bay 
Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, and south nearly to 15th Street 
North in Brigantine City. Lands within this unit include approximately 
1,560 ac (632 ha) in Federal ownership (Forsythe NWR), 3,187 ac (1,291 
ha) in State ownership (including the North Brigantine Natural Area), 
10 ac (4 ha) in private/other ownership, and 4,961 ac (2,006 ha) that 
are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-1 follows:

[[Page 37511]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.005

    (12) Unit NJ-2: Seven Mile Beach, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-2 consists of approximately 536 ac (217 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Cape May County consisting of sandy ocean-front beach in

[[Page 37512]]

Avalon and Stone Harbor Boroughs, from the jetty at 8th Street in 
Avalon near Townsends Inlet and extending south to 102nd Street in 
Stone Harbor. All lands within this unit are in private/other 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-2 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.006
    
    (13) Unit NJ-3: Hereford Inlet, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-3 consists of approximately 1,631 ac (660 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Cape May County consisting of sandy oceanfront 
beaches, unstabilized barrier peninsula, undeveloped marsh islands, and 
several

[[Page 37513]]

areas of tidal flats and shoals extending along the ocean from 111th 
Street in Stone Harbor Borough south to 22nd Avenue in North Wildwood 
City. The unit also includes areas behind the barrier island in Middle 
Township, Stone Harbor, and North Wildwood extending from Stone Harbor 
Boulevard south along Great Channel to Nummy Island and the southern 
shoreline of Grassy Sound Channel. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 175 ac (71 ha) in State ownership (including the Cape May 
Coastal Wetlands Wildlife Management Area), 735 ac (297 ha) in private/
other ownership, and 721 ac (292 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-3 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.007
    

[[Page 37514]]


    (14) Unit NJ-4: Two Mile Beach, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-4 consists of approximately 128 ac (52 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Cape May County consisting of sandy oceanfront beach from 
the northeastern boundary of the Two Mile Beach Unit of Cape May NWR 
extending southwest to include all beach portions of the U.S. Coast 
Guard Loran Support Unit, ending at the eastern jetty of the Cape May 
Inlet. Lands within this unit are all under Federal ownership (Cape May 
NWR and U.S. Coast Guard).
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-4 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.008
    

[[Page 37515]]


    (15) Unit NJ-5: Cape May Bayshore, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-5 consists of approximately 1,202 ac (487 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Cape May County consisting of Delaware Bay beaches, 
flats, and shoals from approximately Cloverdale Avenue in Lower 
Township to the jetty on the south shore of the mouth of Bidwell Creek 
in Middle Township. Lands within this unit include approximately 133 ac 
(54 ha) in Federal ownership (Cape May NWR), 44 ac (18 ha) in State 
ownership, 167 ac (67 ha) in private/other ownership, and 858 ac (347 
ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-5 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.009
    

[[Page 37516]]


    (16) Unit NJ-6: Dennis Creek, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-6 consists of approximately 279 ac (113 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Cape May County consisting of Delaware Bay beaches, flats, 
and shoals from the northern shore of Bidwell Creek north to about 0.5 
mi (0.8 km) north of Dennis Creek. Lands within this unit are all in 
State ownership (Dennis Creek Wildlife Management Area).
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-6 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.010
    

[[Page 37517]]


    (17) Unit NJ-7: Heislerville, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-7 consists of approximately 1,110 ac (449 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Cape May and Cumberland Counties consisting of 
Delaware Bay beaches, flats, shoals, tidal marsh, and open waters from 
approximately 2,000 ft (0.6 km) east of West Creek in Dennis Township, 
Cape May County, and extending west to the eastern end of Bay Avenue in 
Maurice River Township, Cumberland County. The developed area along Bay 
Avenue is excluded from the unit. West of Bay Avenue, Unit NJ-7 
continues north to the mouth of Andrews Ditch in Maurice River 
Township. Lands within this unit include approximately 524 ac (211 ha) 
in State ownership (including the Heislerville Wildlife Management 
Area), 459 ac (186 ha) in private/other ownership, and 127 ac (52 ha) 
that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-7 follows:

[[Page 37518]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.011

    (18) Unit NJ-8: Egg Island, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-8 consists of approximately 1,955 ac (791 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Cumberland County consisting of Delaware Bay 
beaches, flats, shoals, tidal marsh, and open waters from the mouth of 
Oranoaken Creek extending south to Egg Island point, and then northwest 
to about 850 ft (259 m) past Budney Avenue in the community of 
Fortescue. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,908 ac (773 
ha) in State ownership, 32 ac (13 ha) in private/other ownership, and 
14 ac (5 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-8 follows:

[[Page 37519]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.012

    (19) Unit NJ-9: Newport Neck, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-9 consists of approximately 472 ac (191 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Cumberland County consisting of Delaware Bay beaches, flats, 
shoals, and tidal marsh from the north bank of the mouth of Fortescue 
Creek extending northwest to include both sides of the mouth of 
Nantuxent Creek. Beaches adjacent to the developed community of Gandys 
Beach are not included in this unit. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 202 ac (82 ha) in State ownership (including the 
Fortescue Wildlife Management Area), 176 ac (71 ha) in private/other 
ownership, and 93 ac (38 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-9 follows:

[[Page 37520]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.013

    (20) Unit DE-1: St. Jones River, Delaware.
    (i) Unit DE-1 consists of two subunits comprising 46 ac (19 ha) of 
occupied habitat in the St. Jones River area in Kent County. This unit 
consists of lands owned by the State of Delaware and private 
landowners.
    (ii) Map of Unit DE-1 follows:

[[Page 37521]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.014

    (iii) Subunit DE-1A (St. Jones North) consists of approximately 43 
ac (18 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County consisting of beach 
shoreline at the north end from South Bay Drive in South Kitts Hummock 
where there is a jetty into Delaware Bay, and continues to the south 
where it meets the St. Jones River inlet. The eastern boundary is the 
MLLW of the Delaware Bay, and the western boundary runs along the dune 
line where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated, sandy beach to 
densely vegetated dunes or marsh. Lands within this subunit are

[[Page 37522]]

approximately 37 ac (15 ha) in State ownership (including the Ted 
Harvey Wildlife Area), 3 ac (1 ha) of undeveloped beach privately owned 
by Delaware Wildlands, a conservation organization, and 3 ac (1 ha) 
that are uncategorized.
    (iv) Map of Subunit DE-1A is presented at paragraph (20)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (iv) Subunit DE-1B (St. Jones South) consists of approximately 3 ac 
(1 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County consisting of beach shoreline 
at the south side of the inlet to the St. Jones River. The eastern 
boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay, and the western boundary is 
where the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within this 
subunit include approximately 1 ac (0.5 ha) in State ownership and 
approximately 2 ac (0.6 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (v) Map of Subunit DE-1B is presented at paragraph (20)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (21) Unit DE-2: Brokonbridge Gut, Delaware.
    (i) Unit DE-2 consists of two subunits comprising 163 ac (66 ha) of 
occupied habitat in the area where Brokonbridge Gut enters the Delaware 
Bay in Kent County. This unit consists of lands owned by the State of 
Delaware and private landowners.
    (ii) Map of Unit DE-2 follows:

[[Page 37523]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.015

    (iii) Subunit DE-2A (North Brokonbridge Gut) consists of 
approximately 93 ac (37 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County 
consisting of beach shoreline between the north side of the 
Brokonbridge Gut inlet to the south side of the Murderkill River inlet. 
The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay, and the western 
boundary is where the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within 
this subunit are primarily in private/other ownership (91 ac (37 ha) 
with a small portion (2 ac; 1 ha) owned by the State.
    (iv) Map of Subunit DE-2A is presented at paragraph (21)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit DE-2B (South Brokonbridge Gut) consists of 
approximately 70 ac (29 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County 
consisting of beach shoreline at the south side of the

[[Page 37524]]

inlet to Brokonbridge Gut. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the 
Delaware Bay, and the western boundary is where the sandy beach turns 
to marshy habitat. Lands within this subunit are all in private/other 
ownership, primarily owned and protected by a private conservation 
organization (Delaware Wildlands; 52 ac (21 ha)), with the remaining 
approximately 18 ac (7 ha) as private, undeveloped land.
    (vi) Map of Subunit DE-2B is presented at paragraph (21)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (22) Unit DE-3: Mispillion Harbor, Delaware.
    (i) Unit DE-3 consists of three subunits comprising 1,949 ac (789 
ha) of occupied habitat in the Mispillion Harbor area where the 
Mispillion River and Cedar Creek enter the Delaware Bay in Kent and 
Sussex Counties. This unit consists of lands owned primarily by the 
State of Delaware, with minor ownership by Federal and private/other.
    (ii) Map of Unit DE-3 follows:

[[Page 37525]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.016

    (iii) Subunit DE-3A (Main Harbor) consists of approximately 61 ac 
(25 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent and Sussex Counties consisting of 
beach shoreline at the south side of the inlet to Brokonbridge Gut. The 
eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay, and the western 
boundary is where the sandy beach turns to marshy habitat. Lands within 
this subunit include approximately 32 ac (13 ha; 53 percent) in State 
ownership and 29 ac (12 ha; 47 percent) that are uncategorized.
    (iv) Map of Subunit DE-3A is presented at paragraph (22)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit DE-3B (Rawley Island Roost) consists of approximately 
1,298 ac (525 ha) of occupied habitat in Kent County consisting of 
beach shoreline

[[Page 37526]]

and marsh on the north side of the Mispillion River, extending north to 
Graco's Canal. The western boundary is Crooked Gut, and the eastern 
boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay. Lands within this subunit 
include approximately 1,139 ac (461 ha) in State ownership (Milford 
Neck Wildlife Area), 153 ac (62 ha) in private/other ownership, and 6 
ac (2 ha) that are uncategorized. Private lands are owned by a 
combination of a private conservation organization--The Nature 
Conservancy (TNC; 148 ac (60 ha))--with a small area of private, 
undeveloped land that has a conservation easement.
    (vi) Map of Subunit DE-3B is presented at paragraph (22)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (vii) Subunit DE-3C (Slaughter Beach) consists of approximately 590 
ac (239 ha) of occupied habitat in Sussex County consisting of beach 
shoreline, marsh, and harbor structures extending from the eastern tip 
of the dike that outlines the outer tip of the Mispillion Harbor, south 
along the sandy beach of Slaughter Beach to the southern end of Isaacs 
Shore Drive. The western boundary is where the lightly vegetated beach 
becomes marsh in the northern portions of this subunit, or where 
property parcels end in the southern portion of this subunit. The 
eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware Bay. Lands within this 
subunit include approximately 1 ac (0.25 ha) in Federal ownership, 59 
ac (24 ha) in State ownership, 2 ac (1 ha) in private/other ownership, 
and 528 ac (213 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (viii) Map of Subunit DE-3C is presented at paragraph (22)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (23) Unit DE-4: Prime Hook, Delaware.
    (i) Unit DE-4 consists of approximately 549 ac (222 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Sussex County consisting of beach shoreline and marsh from 
about 1 mi (1.6 km) north of Fowler Beach Road south to the end of 
South Bayshore Drive. The eastern boundary is the MLLW of the Delaware 
Bay, and the western boundary in the northern portion of the unit runs 
along the dune line where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated 
sandy beach to densely vegetated dunes or marsh. The western boundary 
of the central portion of this unit includes marsh and shallow open 
water areas where birds can roost overnight and forage. The western 
edge of the southern portion of the unit is where property parcels end 
at the beach. Lands within this unit include approximately 480 ac (195 
ha) in Federal ownership (Prime Hook NWR), 6 ac (2 ha) in private/other 
ownership, and 63 ac (25 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit DE-4 follows:

[[Page 37527]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.017

    (24) Unit VA-1: Assateague Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-1 consists of approximately 2,817 ac (1,140 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline from 
the Virginia-Maryland State line south to the area known as ``The 
Hook,'' a wide peninsula that curves northwest. The western boundary is 
along the dune line where the habitat changes from sandy beach with 
little vegetation to densely vegetated dunes or marshland, as well as 
densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the 
beach and primary dune. The eastern boundary extends seaward past the 
MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are 
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this 
unit are federally

[[Page 37528]]

owned (Assateague Island National Seashore and Chincoteague NWR).
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-1 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.018
    
    (25) Unit VA-2: Wallops Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-2 comprises two subunits (totaling 571 ac (231 ha)) of 
occupied habitat owned and managed by the National Aeronautics and 
Space Administration (NASA) as part of the Wallops Flight Facility 
located in Accomack County.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-2 follows:

[[Page 37529]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.019

    (iii) Subunit VA-2A (Wallops Island North) consists of 
approximately 540 ac (218 ha) of occupied habitat in Accomack County 
consisting of beach shoreline and dynamic intertidal areas. The north 
and east boundaries of the subunit are Chincoteague Inlet and seaward 
past the MLLW line and shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 
3 in (7.6 cm) of water). The western boundary is along the marsh line 
where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and 
exposed peat with little vegetation to densely vegetated marshland, 
peat

[[Page 37530]]

banks, or densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward 
of the beach and primary dune. The southern boundary tapers to a point 
ending at the northern end of the facility's sea wall structure; it 
extends past the MLLW line and includes the areas that are slightly 
inundated with less than 3 in (7.5 cm) of water. All lands within this 
subunit are federally owned by NASA.
    (iv) Map of Subunit VA-2A is presented at paragraph (25)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit VA-2B (Wallops Island South) consists of approximately 
31 ac (13 ha) of occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of 
beach shoreline and dynamic intertidal areas. The northern boundary is 
the end of the road south of the old runway, the southern boundary is 
Assawoman Creek, the western boundary is along the marsh line where the 
habitat changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat 
with little vegetation to densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or 
densely forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and 
primary dune, and the eastern boundary extends seaward past the MLLW 
line including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated 
with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this subunit 
are federally owned by NASA.
    (vi) Map of Subunit VA-2B is presented at paragraph (25)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (26) Unit VA-3: Assawoman Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-3 consists of approximately 633 ac (256 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline and dynamic 
intertidal areas. The unit is from Assawoman Creek in the north to 
Kegotank Creek and Gargathy Inlet in the south, extending east past the 
MLLW line including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are 
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water). The western boundary 
is formed by Houseboat Creek, a section of Egg Marsh, and Kegotank Bay. 
All lands within this unit are federally owned by Chincoteague NWR.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-3 follows:

[[Page 37531]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.020

    (27) Unit VA-4: Metompkin Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-4 consists of approximately 1,467 ac (594 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline and 
dynamic intertidal areas. The unit extends from Kegotank Creek and 
Gargathy Inlet south to the mouth of Folly Creek. The western boundary 
is formed by the Virginia Inside Passage of the Intercoastal Waterway 
and Metompkin Bay and includes extensive areas of overwash and low 
marsh areas along the western boundary. The eastern boundary extends 
seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling 
areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 64 ac (26 ha) in Federal 
ownership (Chincoteague NWR), 56 ac

[[Page 37532]]

(22 ha) in State ownership, and 1,239 ac (502 ha) in private/other 
ownership (TNC), and 110 ac (44 ha) that are uncategorized. This 
coastal area is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-4 follows:

[[Page 37533]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.021

    (28) Unit VA-5: Cedar Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-5 consists of approximately 2,274 ac (920 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline and

[[Page 37534]]

dynamic intertidal areas. The unit extends from an inlet between Cedar 
Island and the southern end of Metompkin Island south to Wachapreague 
Inlet. The western boundary is along the marsh line where the habitat 
changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and exposed peat with little 
vegetation to densely vegetated marshland, peat banks, or densely 
vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the beach and 
primary dune, or open water including Burtons Bay. The eastern boundary 
extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas 
that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as 
shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of 
water. Lands within this unit include approximately 203 ac (82 ha) in 
Federal ownership, 77 ac (31 ha) in State ownership, 920 ac (372 ha) in 
private/other ownership, and 1,074 ac (434 ha) that are uncategorized. 
This coastal area is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-5 follows:

[[Page 37535]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.022

    (29) Unit VA-6: Parramore Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-6 consists of approximately 6,802 ac (2,753 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Accomack County consisting of beach shoreline and 
dynamic intertidal areas. The unit extends from Wachapreague Inlet 
south to Quinby Inlet. The western boundary is Horseshoe Lead, Drawing 
Channel, Swash Bay, and Revel Island Bay. The eastern boundary extends 
seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well

[[Page 37536]]

as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of 
water. Lands within this unit include approximately 5,631 ac (2,280 ha) 
in private/other ownership (TNC) and 1,171 ac (473 ha) that are 
uncategorized. This coastal area is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-6 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.023
    

[[Page 37537]]


    (30) Unit VA-7: Chimney Pole Marsh, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-7 consists of approximately 2,004 ac (811 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Chimney Pole Marsh and the southern portion of 
Sandy Island in Accomack County consisting of mud flats, low marsh, 
sandy beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. The boundary of the 
marsh on all sides extends seaward past the MLLW line, including 
dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 
in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include approximately 
1,224 ac (496 ha) in State ownership, 285 ac (116 ha) in private/other 
ownership (TNC), and 495 ac (200 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-7 follows:

[[Page 37538]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.024

    (31) Unit VA-8: Hog Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-8 consists of approximately 3,235 ac (1,309 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat. 
The unit is bounded by the Quinby Inlet to the north and Great 
Machipongo Inlet to the south. The western boundary is along the marsh 
line where the habitat changes from lightly vegetated sandy beach and 
exposed peat with little vegetation to densely vegetated marshland, 
peat banks, or densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation 
landward of the beach and

[[Page 37539]]

primary dune, or open water including Hog Island Bay. The eastern 
boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic 
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit include approximately 16 ac 
(7 ha) in State ownership, 2,966 ac (1,201 ha) in private/other 
ownership, and 253 ac (101 ha) that is uncategorized. This coastal area 
is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-8 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.025
    

[[Page 37540]]


    (32) Unit VA-9: Cobb Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-9 consists of approximately 2,342 ac (948 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat. 
The unit is bounded by Great Machipongo Inlet to the north and Sandy 
Shoal Inlet to the south. The western boundary is formed by Hog Island 
Bay, Spidercrab Bay, and Cobb Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward 
past the MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that 
are inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 16 ac (7 ha) in State ownership, 1,778 ac 
(720 ha) in private/other ownership, and 547 ac (221 ha) that are 
uncategorized. This coastal area is part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-9 follows:

[[Page 37541]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.026

    (33) Unit VA-10: Little Cobb Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-10 consists of approximately 82 ac (33 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat lying 
just west of the southern end of Cobb Island and within the waters of 
Cobb Bay. The boundary of this small island in all directions is the 
waters of Cobb Bay and the extent of the boundary seaward past the MLLW 
line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated

[[Page 37542]]

with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this unit are 
in private/other ownership (TNC) and are part of the Virginia Coast 
Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-10 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.027
    

[[Page 37543]]


    (34) Unit VA-11: Wreck Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-11 consists of approximately 1,270 ac (514 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat 
bounded to the north by Sandy Shoal Inlet and Red Drum Drain and New 
Inlet to the south. The western boundary is South Bay. The eastern 
boundary extends seaward past the MLLW line, including dynamic 
intertidal areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide, as well as shoaling areas that are inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this unit are State owned and 
managed as Wreck Island Natural Area Preserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-11 follows:

[[Page 37544]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.028

    (35) Unit VA-12: Myrtle Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-12 consists of approximately 1,416 ac (573 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of extensive mud 
flats, low marsh, sandy beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. 
The north boundary is Ship Shoal Inlet, the south boundary is Little 
Inlet, the west boundary is Main Ship Shoal Channel and Big Creek 
Marsh, and the east boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. The boundary for 
the island and marsh complex extends seaward past the

[[Page 37545]]

MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are 
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. Lands within this unit 
include 1,028 ac (417 ha) that are in private/other ownership and 388 
ac (156 ha) that are uncategorized. The island is owned and managed by 
TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-12 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.029
    

[[Page 37546]]


    (36) Unit VA-13: Smith Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-13 consists of approximately 2,529 ac (1,024 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Northampton County consisting of shoreline habitat 
bounded to the north by Little Inlet, to the south by Smith Island 
Inlet, and to the west along the dune line where the habitat changes 
from sandy beach with little vegetation to densely vegetated dunes or 
marshland, as well as densely vegetated forested or herbaceous 
vegetation landward of the beach and primary dune, or open water 
including Magothy Bay. The eastern boundary extends seaward past the 
MLLW line, including dynamic intertidal areas that are covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide, as well as shoaling areas that are 
inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) of water. All lands within this 
unit are in private/other ownership (TNC). The island is owned and 
managed by TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-13 follows:

[[Page 37547]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.030

    (37) Unit NC-1: Outer Banks, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-1 consists of two subunits comprising 11,367 ac (4,600 
ha) of occupied habitat in Dare and Hyde Counties. This unit consists 
of Federal lands owned by the NPS and Service, and lands owned by the 
State of North Carolina.
    (ii) Subunit NC-1A (Hatteras Island and Shoals) consists of 
approximately 5,754 ac (2,329 ha) of occupied habitat in Dare County 
consisting of beach shoreline from the southeast side of

[[Page 37548]]

Oregon Inlet, south along the ocean-facing side of the island 
(including Pea Island NWR) to Cape Point in Cape Hatteras National 
Seashore. From Cape Point, the subunit stretches along the ocean side 
of the island about 13.25 mi (21 km) west to the east side of Hatteras 
Inlet. This subunit includes from MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach 
and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide, that are associated with the northeast side of Hatteras 
Inlet's navigable channel) to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins. Lands within 
this subunit include approximately 4,940 ac (1,999 ha) in Federal 
ownership (Cape Hatteras National Seashore) and 814 ac (329 ha) that 
are uncategorized.
    (iii) Map of Subunit NC-1A follows:

[[Page 37549]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.031

    (iv) Subunit NC-1B (Ocracoke Island) consists of approximately 
5,613 ac (2,271 ha) of occupied habitat in Hyde County consisting of 
beach shoreline from the southwest side of Hatteras Inlet along the 
ocean-facing side of the island to the northeast side of Ocracoke 
Inlet. This subunit also encompasses shallow areas and mudflats within 
Pamlico Sound on the west side of Ocracoke Island near Ocracoke 
Village. This subunit includes from MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic 
beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the toe of

[[Page 37550]]

the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red 
knot, begins, including the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated 
with the southwest side of Hatteras Inlet and the northeast side of 
Ocracoke Inlet, and the sand and mud islands identified in Pamlico 
Sound northeast of Ocracoke Village. Lands within this subunit include 
approximately 1,427 ac (577 ha) in Federal ownership (i.e., the entire 
ocean-facing side of the Ocracoke Island, which is part of Cape 
Hatteras National Seashore), 3,612 ac (1,462 ha) in State ownership, 
and 575 ac (233 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (v) Map of Subunit NC-1B follows:

[[Page 37551]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.032

    (38) Unit NC-2: Core Banks, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-2 consists of two subunits comprising 11,281 ac (4,565 
ha) of occupied habitat in Carteret County. This unit consists of 
Federal lands owned by the NPS (Cape Lookout National Seashore).
    (ii) Subunit NC-2A (North Core Banks) consists of approximately 
8,187 ac (3,313 ha) of occupied habitat in Carteret County consisting 
of beach shoreline from the North Core Banks side of the Ocracoke Inlet 
channel south to the North Core Banks side of the New

[[Page 37552]]

Drum Inlet channel. The west boundary is the toe of the primary dune or 
dense vegetation line (where the physical or biological features do not 
occur), and the east boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the 
highly dynamic beach and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide). This subunit also includes MLLW on 
Core Sound to the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean in washover areas 
associated with Old Drum Inlet, all emergent sand shoals within the 
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the North Core Banks 
side of the Ocracoke Inlet channel, and the emergent sand shoals within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the North Core 
Banks side of the New Drum Inlet channel. Lands within this subunit 
include 6,534 ac (2,644 ha) that are Federal ownership (Cape Lookout 
National Seashore) and 1,654 ac (669 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (iii) Map of Subunit NC-2A follows:

[[Page 37553]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.033

    (iv) Subunit NC-2B (South Core Banks) consists of approximately 
3,094 ac (1,252 ha) of occupied habitat in Carteret County consisting 
of beach shoreline from the South Core Banks side of the New Drum Inlet 
Channel south to the Power Squadron Spit excluding the jetty. The west 
boundary is at the toe of the primary dune or dense vegetation line 
where the physical or biological features do not occur, and the east 
boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean (i.e., the highly dynamic beach 
and emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and

[[Page 37554]]

uncovered at low tide). This subunit also includes MLLW on Core Sound 
to the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean in emergent sand shoals within the 
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the South Core Banks 
side of the New Drum Inlet channel, and all emergent sand shoals 
associated with Cape Point. All of the lands within this subunit are 
under Federal ownership (Cape Lookout National Seashore).
    (v) Map of Subunit NC-2B follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.034
    

[[Page 37555]]


    (39) Unit NC-3: Shackleford Island, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-3 consists of approximately 4,972 ac (2,012 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Carteret County consisting of shoreline habitat 
bounded to the north by the MLLW along Back Sound, Bald Hill, Johnson 
and Lighthouse Bays south to dense vegetation where the physical or 
biological features do not occur. The east boundary is the Shackleford 
Island side of Barden Inlet channel, the south boundary is MLLW on the 
Atlantic Ocean, and the west boundary is the Shackleford Island side of 
Beaufort Inlet Channel. This unit includes emergent sand shoals within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Shackleford 
Island side of the Barden Inlet channel, and the emergent sand shoals 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west 
side of the Beaufort Inlet channel (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and 
emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). All lands within this unit are in Federal ownership (Cape 
Lookout National Seashore).
    (ii) Map of Unit NC-3 follows:

[[Page 37556]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.035

    (40) Unit NC-4: Emerald Isle-Atlantic Beach, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-4 consists of approximately 2,030 ac (822 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Carteret County consisting of shoreline habitat 
that stretches about 23 mi (37 km) from the Beaufort Inlet channel and 
Fort Macon State Park west to the eastern side of the Bogue Inlet 
channel. Unit NC-4 includes from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins and 
where the physical or biological features no longer occur. This

[[Page 37557]]

unit also includes the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and 
ebb-tidal deltas associated with the west side of the Beaufort Inlet 
channel, not including the jetty, as well as the emergent sand shoals 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of the 
Bogue Inlet channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,908 
ac (772 ha) in State ownership and 122 ac (50 ha) in private/other 
ownership (which includes 1 ac (0.5 ha) in local government ownership 
and 121 ac (49 ha) in private ownership).
    (ii) Map of Unit NC-4 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.036
    

[[Page 37558]]


    (41) Unit NC-5: New Topsail Inlet-Topsail Beach, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-5 consists of approximately 1,612 ac (652 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Onslow and Pender Counties consisting of shoreline 
habitat that stretches about 23 mi (37 km) from the west side of the 
New River Inlet channel west to the east side of the New Topsail Inlet 
channel. This unit includes from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins and 
where the physical or biological features no longer occur. This unit 
also includes the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the west side of the New River Inlet 
channel, as well as the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and 
ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of the New Topsail Inlet channel. All 
lands within this unit are in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit NC-5 follows:

[[Page 37559]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.037

    (42) Unit NC-6: Cape Fear-Fort Fisher, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-6 consists of approximately 1,986 ac (804 ha) of 
occupied coastal barrier island Carolina Beach Inlet in New Hanover 
County, North Carolina, to the mouth of the Cape Fear River in 
Brunswick County, North Carolina. The north boundary of this unit is 
the northeast tip of Pleasure Island south of Carolina Beach Inlet and 
the south boundary extends from the tip of Cape Fear west approximately 
3.4 mi (5 km) to the mouth of the Cape Fear River. The west boundary is 
the toe of

[[Page 37560]]

the primary dune or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the 
rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological features no 
longer occur. The east boundary is MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean excluding 
groins and jetties. This unit also includes all emergent sand shoals 
associated with the tip of Cape Fear, the Cape Fear River south of 
Military Ocean Terminal Sunny Point, and the emergent sand shoals 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the 
southwest side of Carolina Beach Inlet channel and the southwest tip of 
Bald Head Island. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,713 ac 
(693 ha) in State ownership and 274 ac (111 ha) in private/other 
ownership. State lands in this unit contain parts of Fort Fisher State 
Recreation Area and Zeke's Island Estuarine Reserve.
    (ii) Map of Unit NC-6 follows:

[[Page 37561]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.038

    (43) Unit NC-7: Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-7 consists of approximately 298 ac (120 ha) of occupied 
coastal barrier island Carolina Beach Inlet in Brunswick County, 
stretching about 6 mi (10 km) from the west side of Shallotte Inlet to 
the east side of Tubbs Inlet. The east boundary of this unit is the 
west side of Shallotte Inlet. The south boundary is the MLLW on the 
Atlantic Ocean, the west boundary is the east side of Tubbs Inlet, and 
the north boundary is the toe of the primary dune or where densely

[[Page 37562]]

vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins and where the 
physical or biological features no longer occur. This unit also 
includes the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal 
deltas associated with the west side of the Shallotte Inlet channel, as 
well as the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal 
deltas on the east side of the Tubbs Inlet channel. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 182 ac (73 ha) in State ownership and 116 ac 
(47 ha) in private/other (municipal) ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit NC-7 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.039
    

[[Page 37563]]


    (44) Unit NC-8: Sunset Beach-Bird Island, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-8 consists of approximately 384 ac (155 ha) of occupied 
coastal barrier island in Brunswick County, stretching about 4.1 mi 
(6.6 km) from the west side of Tubbs Inlet to the east side of Little 
River Inlet. The east boundary of this unit is the west side of Tubbs 
Inlet. The south boundary is the MLLW on the Atlantic Ocean, the west 
boundary is the east side of Little River Inlet, and the north boundary 
is the toe of the primary dune or where densely vegetated habitat, not 
used by the rufa red knot, begins and where the physical or biological 
features no longer occur. This unit also includes the emergent sand 
shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the 
west side of the Tubbs Inlet channel, as well as the emergent sand 
shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the east side of 
the Little River Inlet channel, excluding the jetty. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 345 ac (139 ha) in State ownership (part of 
the North Carolina Coastal Reserve) and 39 ac (16 ha) in private/other 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit NC-8 follows:

[[Page 37564]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.040

    (45) Unit SC-1: Garden City Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-1 consists of approximately 616 ac (249 ha) of occupied 
coastal shoreline habitat in Georgetown and Horry Counties. The 
northern boundary of the unit begins at the Garden City pier in Horry 
County and extends southwest to the northern side of Murrells Inlet in 
Georgetown County. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which 
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the

[[Page 37565]]

toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the 
red knot, begins. This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the northeastern side of Murrells Inlet's navigable 
channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 267 ac (108 ha) 
in State ownership and 349 ac (141 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-1 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.041
    

[[Page 37566]]


    (46) Unit SC-2: Huntington Beach State Park/Litchfield Beach, South 
Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-2 consists of approximately 1,634 ac (661 ha) of 
occupied coastal shoreline habitat in Georgetown County. The unit 
boundary begins on the southern side of Murrells Inlet southwest and 
extends southwest to the northern side of Midway Inlet. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW (which includes the highly dynamic 
shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. This unit also 
includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of 
Murrells Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of Midway 
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 
80 ac (32 ha) in State ownership, which includes Huntington Beach State 
Park, and 1,554 ac (629 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-2 follows:

[[Page 37567]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.042

    (47) Unit SC-3: Sand and South Island Beaches, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-3 consists of approximately 8,256 ac (3,341 ha) of 
occupied coastal shoreline habitat on Sand and South Islands, barrier 
islands off the coast of Georgetown County. The unit boundary begins on 
the northeastern edge of South Island in North Inlet behind North 
Island following the shoreline to include Sand Island and continuing 
southwest to the southern tip of South Island. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW (which includes the highly dynamic shoreline 
and sandy intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide) to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, 
not used by the red knot, begins. This unit also includes the 
ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the unnamed inlet between Sand and South

[[Page 37568]]

Islands and the northeastern side of North Santee River Inlet's 
navigable channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 7,843 
ac (3,174 ha) in State ownership (including the Tom Yawkey Wildlife 
Center Heritage Preserve), 129 ac (52 ha) in private/other ownership, 
and 283 ac (115 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-3 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.043
    
    (48) Unit SC-4: Sand and South Island Beaches, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-4 consists of approximately 8,312 ac (3,364 ha) of 
occupied coastal shoreline habitat on all of Murphy Island, a barrier 
island off

[[Page 37569]]

the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary begins on the South 
Santee River shoreline of Murphy's Island and extends to the Alligator 
Creek shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW (which 
includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the toe of the dunes 
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the red knot, begins. 
This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed 
inlets along the shoreline of Murphy Island. Lands within this unit are 
entirely in State ownership and the South Carolina Department of 
Natural Resources manages Murphy Island as part of the Santee Coastal 
Reserve Wildlife Management Area.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-4 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.044
    

[[Page 37570]]


    (49) Unit SC-5: North Cape Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-5 consists of approximately 1,270 ac (514 ha) of 
occupied coastal shoreline habitat on the northern portion of Cape 
Island, a barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit 
boundary begins on the Cape Romain Harbor shoreline of Cape Island and 
extends south to the shoreline along the unnamed inlet between North 
Cape and South Cape Islands. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the northern side of the navigable channel of the 
unnamed inlet between North Cape Island and South Cape Island. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 775 ac (313 ha) in Federal 
ownership (Cape Romain NWR) and 495 ac (200 ha) in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-5 follows:

[[Page 37571]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.045

    (50) Unit SC-6: South Cape and Lighthouse Island Beaches, South 
Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-6 consists of approximately 2,037 ac (824 ha) of 
occupied coastal shoreline habitat along the entire southern portion of 
Cape Island and all of Lighthouse Island, barrier islands off the 
coast, in Charleston County. The unit boundary begins at the northern 
tip of South Cape Island in the unnamed inlet between North Cape and 
South Cape Islands and extends to the western tip of Lighthouse Island 
in Key Inlet. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe 
of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red 
knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and

[[Page 37572]]

ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southern side of the navigable 
channel of the unnamed inlet between North Cape Island and South Cape 
Island and the emergent sand shoals associated with Key Inlet. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 1,552 ac (628 ha) in Federal 
ownership (Cape Romain NWR) and 485 ac (196 ha) in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-6 is presented at paragraph (49)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (51) Unit SC-7: Raccoon Key Complex and White Banks Beaches, South 
Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-7 consists of approximately 5,324 ac (2,154 ha) of 
occupied coastal shoreline habitat along the entire Raccoon Key complex 
and White Banks, islands off the coast, in Charleston County. The unit 
boundary begins at the intersection of the Romain River and Key Inlet 
side of Raccoon Key and extends to the western edge of White Banks in 
Bulls Bay. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of 
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) 
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal 
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed 
inlets in the Raccoon Key complex. Lands within this unit are all in 
Federal ownership (Cape Romain NWR).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-7 follows:

[[Page 37573]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.046

    (52) Unit SC-8: Marsh Island, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-8 consists of approximately 415 ac (168 ha) of occupied 
habitat across the entirety of Marsh Island, which is an island in 
Bulls Bay, Charleston County. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with Marsh Island. Lands within this unit include are all in 
Federal ownership (Cape Romain NWR).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-8 is presented at paragraph (51)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (53) Unit SC-9: Bulls Island Beach, South Carolina.

[[Page 37574]]

    (i) Unit SC-9 consists of approximately 6,141 ac (2,485 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Bulls Island, which is a 
barrier island along the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary 
begins on the Bulls Bay shoreline of Bulls Island and extends southwest 
to the Price Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the northeastern side of Price Inlet's navigable 
channel. Lands within this unit include approximately 5,200 ac (2,104 
ha) in Federal ownership (Cape Romain NWR) and 941 ac (381 ha) in State 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-9 follows:

[[Page 37575]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.047

    (54) Unit SC-10: Capers Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-10 consists of approximately 2,534 ac (1,026 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Capers Island, which is a 
barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary 
begins on the Price Inlet shoreline of Capers Island and extends 
southwest to the Capers Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic 
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of Price's Inlet's 
navigable channel and the northeastern side of Capers Inlet's navigable 
channel. Lands within

[[Page 37576]]

this unit are entirely in State ownership (Capers Island Natural 
Heritage Preserve).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-10 is presented at paragraph (53)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (55) Unit SC-11: Dewees Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-11 consists of approximately 1,812 ac (733 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Dewees Island, which is a 
barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary 
begins on the Capers Inlet shoreline of Dewees Island and extends to 
the Dewees Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the southwestern side of Capers Inlet's navigable 
channel and the northeastern side of Dewees Inlet's navigable channel. 
Lands within this unit include approximately 265 ac (107 ha) in State 
ownership and 1,547 ac (626 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-11 follows:

[[Page 37577]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.048

    (56) Unit SC-12: Isle of Palms Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-12 consists of approximately 4,117 ac (1,666 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Isle of Palms, which is a 
barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary 
begins at the Dewees Inlet shoreline of the Isle of Palms and extends 
southwest to the Breach Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic 
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of Dewees Inlet's 
navigable channel and the northeastern side of Breach Inlet's navigable 
channel.

[[Page 37578]]

Lands within this unit include approximately 754 ac (305 ha) in State 
ownership and 3,363 ac (1,361 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-12 is presented at paragraph (55)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (57) Unit SC-13: Sullivan's Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-13 consists of approximately 1,782 ac (721 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Sullivan's Island, which is a 
barrier island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary 
begins on the Breach Inlet shoreline of Sullivan's Island and extends 
southwest to the Charleston Harbor shoreline. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of 
Breach Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 83 ac (34 ha) in Federal ownership (Ft. Moultrie, which 
is part of Ft. Sumter National Monument), 694 ac (281 ha) in State 
ownership, and 1,005 ac (407 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-13 is presented at paragraph (55)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (58) Unit SC-14: Folly Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-14 consists of approximately 1,989 ac (805 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Folly Beach, which is a barrier 
island off the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary begins on 
the Lighthouse Inlet shoreline of Folly Beach and extends southwest to 
the Folly River shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the southwestern side of Lighthouse Inlet's navigable 
channel and the Folly Beach side of the Folly River Inlet's navigable 
channel between Folly Beach and Bird Key. Lands within this unit are 
entirely in private/other land ownership within the city limits of the 
municipality of the City of Folly Beach.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-14 follows:

[[Page 37579]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.049

    (59) Unit SC-15: Bird Key-Stono, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-15 consists of approximately 294 ac (119 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Bird Key-Stono, an island in 
the mouth of the Stono Inlet in Charleston County. The unit includes 
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side of the 
Folly River Inlet. Lands within this unit are entirely in State 
ownership (managed as a State Seabird Sanctuary).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-15 is presented at paragraph (58)(ii) of this 
entry.

[[Page 37580]]

    (60) Unit SC-16: Kiawah and Seabrook Island Beaches, South 
Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-16 consists of approximately 11,250 ac (4,553 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Kiawah Island and a portion of 
Seabrook Island, which are barrier islands off the coast of Charleston 
County. The unit boundary begins on the Stono Inlet shoreline of Kiawah 
Island and extends southwest to the tip of the Seabrook Island 
shoreline in the North Edisto River. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic 
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with the western side of the Stono Inlet and 
all of Captain Sam's Inlet. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 1,399 ac (566 ha) in State ownership and 9,850 ac (3,986 
ha) in private/other ownership within the Town limits of the Town of 
Kiawah Island and the Town of Seabrook Island.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-16 follows:

[[Page 37581]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.050

    (61) Unit SC-17: Deveaux Bank, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-17 consists of approximately 1,328 ac (538 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Deveaux Bank, an island in the 
mouth of the North Edisto River in Charleston County. The unit includes 
all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the mouth of the North 
Edisto River. Lands within this unit are entirely in State ownership 
(managed as a Seabird Sanctuary).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-17 follows:

[[Page 37582]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.051

    (62) Unit SC-18: Edisto Island Beaches, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-18 consists of approximately 1,743 ac (705 ha) of 
occupied beach habitat on Edisto Island, a barrier island off the coast 
of Charleston and Colleton Counties. The unit includes all of Botany 
Bay Island, Botany Bay Plantation, Interlude Beach, and Edingsville 
Beach, and a portion of Edisto Beach State Park. The unit boundary 
begins on the North Edisto River shoreline of Botany Bay Island and 
extends southwest to the undeveloped eastern half of the beachfront 
portion of Edisto Beach State Park southwest of Jeremy Inlet. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic

[[Page 37583]]

shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with Frampton and Jeremy Inlets and the unnamed 
inlet separating Interlude Beach and Botany Bay Plantation. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 650 ac (263 ha) in State 
ownership (including Edisto Beach State Park and Botany Bay Heritage 
Preserve/Wildlife Management Area) and 1,093 ac (442 ha) in private/
other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-18 is presented at paragraph (61)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (63) Unit SC-19: Pine and Otter Island Beaches, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-19 consists of approximately 6,302 ac (2,550 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Pine and Otter Islands, both of 
which are sea islands in St. Helena Sound in Colleton County. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Fish Creek Inlet. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 6,296 ac (2,548 ha) in State 
ownership (including the Ashepoo-Combahee-Edisto Basin Preserve/
Wildlife Management Area and the St. Helena Sound Heritage Preserve/
Wildlife Management Area) and 6 ac (2 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-19 follows:

[[Page 37584]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.052

    (64) Unit SC-20: Harbor and Hunting Island Beaches, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-20 consists of approximately 4,066 ac (1,645 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Harbor and Hunting Islands, both of which are 
barrier islands off the coast of Beaufort County. The unit boundary 
begins on the Harbor River shoreline of Harbor Island and extends 
southwest to the Fripp Inlet shoreline of Hunting Island. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Johnson Creek Inlet. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 3,246 ac (1,313 ha) in

[[Page 37585]]

State ownership (including Hunting Island State Park) and 820 ac (331 
ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-20 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.053
    
    (65) Unit SC-21: Fripp Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-21 consists of approximately 734 ac (297 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Fripp Island, a barrier island off the coast of 
Beaufort County. The unit boundary begins on the Fripp Inlet shoreline 
of Fripp Inlet and extends southwest to the Skull Creek Inlet 
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of 
the dunes or where densely vegetated

[[Page 37586]]

habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic 
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with Fripp Inlet. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 305 ac (124 ha) in State ownership and 429 ac 
(174 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-21 is presented at paragraph (64)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (66) Unit SC-22: Hilton Head Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-22 consists of approximately 1,682 ac (681 ha) of 
occupied habitat on the heel of Hilton Head Island, a barrier island 
off the coast, in Beaufort County. The unit boundary begins on the Port 
Royal Sound shoreline beginning at Oyster Shell Lane, continues 
southeast then turns southwest along the Atlantic Ocean shoreline, and 
continues to the undeveloped portion of Singleton Beach southwest of 
the Folly Beach. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 
rufa red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
Fish Haul Creek and unnamed inlets within the unit boundary. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 1,015 ac (411 ha) in State 
ownership and 667 ac (270 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-22 follows:

[[Page 37587]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.054

    (67) Unit SC-23: Daufuskie Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-23 consists of approximately 6,370 ac (2,578 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Daufuskie Island, a sea island 
in Calibogue Sound, in Beaufort County. The unit boundary begins on the 
Calibogue Sound shoreline of Daufuskie Island and extends southwest to 
the Mungen Creek shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the unit boundary. All lands within this unit 
are in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-23 follows:

[[Page 37588]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.055

    (68) Unit SC-24: Turtle Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-24 consists of approximately 1,798 ac (728 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Turtle Island, a sea island in 
Calibogue Sound, in Jasper County. The unit boundary begins on the New 
River shoreline of Turtle Island and extends southwest to the Wright 
River shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
the unnamed inlet in the center of the island shoreline. Lands within 
this unit are

[[Page 37589]]

entirely in State ownership (Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-24 is presented at paragraph (67)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (69) Unit SC-25: Jones Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-25 consists of approximately 3,025 ac (1,224 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Jones Island, a sea island 
along the Savannah River and Calibogue Sound, in Jasper County. The 
unit boundary begins on the Wright River shoreline of Jones Island to 
the Savannah River shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with Wright River Inlet. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 785 ac (318 ha) in Federal ownership (Tybee Island NWR) 
and 2,240 ac (907 ha; 74 percent) in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-24 is presented at paragraph (67)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (70) Unit GA-1: Tybee Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-1 consists of approximately 2,046 ac (828 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Tybee Island (north, mid and south beaches), a 
barrier island off the coast in Chatham County. The northern boundary 
of the unit begins at the Savannah River shoreline of Tybee Island and 
extends south to Tybee Creek Inlet, which separates Tybee Island from 
Little Tybee Island, and includes all emergent land from MLLW to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy 
intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
the eastern side of Tybee Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 6 ac (2 ha) in State ownership, 1,721 ac 
(697 ha) in private/other ownership, and 319 ac (129 ha) that are 
uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-1 follows:

[[Page 37590]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.056

    (71) Unit GA-2: Little Tybee Island Complex, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-2 consists of approximately 8,265 ac (3,345 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Little Tybee Island complex, a 
series of barrier islands off the coast of Chatham County. The unit 
boundary begins on the western side of Tybee Creek Inlet and extends 
southwest to Wassaw Sound and includes Little Tybee Island, Williamson 
Island, and all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or 
where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins 
(i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that 
are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the western side 
of Tybee Inlet's navigable channel, Little Tybee Slough, and Little 
Tybee Creek.

[[Page 37591]]

All lands within this unit are in State ownership (Little Tybee Island 
State Heritage Preserve).
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-2 is presented at paragraph (70)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (72) Unit GA-3: Wassaw Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-3 consists of approximately 4,296 ac (1,738 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Wassaw Island, a barrier island off the coast in 
Chatham County. The unit boundary begins on the southwestern side of 
Wassaw Sound off the northern tip of Wassaw Island and extends 
southwest to Ossabaw Sound shoreline. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW (which includes the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy 
intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) 
to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by 
the red knot, begins. This unit also includes the ephemeral, emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the southwestern side of Wassaw Sound off the northern 
tip of Wassaw Island. Lands within this unit include approximately 
3,001 ac (1,215 ha) in Federal ownership (Wassaw Island NWR), 274 ac 
(111 ha) in private/other ownership, and 1,020 ac (412 ha) that are 
uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-3 follows:

[[Page 37592]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.057

    (73) Unit GA-4: Raccoon Key, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-4 consists of approximately 1,599 ac (647 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Raccoon Key, an island in 
Ossabaw Sound in Chatham County. The unit includes all emergent land 
from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat 
(not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline 
and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within Ossabaw Sound associated 
with Raccoon Key. All lands within this unit are in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-4 is presented at paragraph (72)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (74) Unit GA-5: Ossabaw Island Beach, Georgia.

[[Page 37593]]

    (i) Unit GA-5 consists of approximately 32,357 ac (13,095 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Ossabaw Island, a barrier island off the coast in 
Chatham County. The unit boundary begins at the Ogeechee River 
shoreline of Ossabaw Island and extends southwest to the St. 
Catherine's Sound shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with Ossabaw Sound off the northeastern tip of the island 
and St. Catherine's Sound off the southwestern tip of the island. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 28,621 ac (11,591 ha) in State 
ownership and 3,736 ac (1,503 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-5 follows:

[[Page 37594]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.058

    (75) Unit GA-6: St. Catherine's Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-6 consists of approximately 15,962 ac (6,460 ha) of 
occupied habitat on St. Catherine's Island, a barrier island off the 
coast in Liberty County. The unit boundary begins at the St. 
Catherine's Sound shoreline of St. Catherine's Island and extends 
southwest to the Sapelo Sound shoreline. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic 
shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the 
ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-
tidal deltas associated with St. Catherine's Sound entrance off the 
northern tip of the island, McQueen Inlet, and Sapelo Sound entrance 
off the

[[Page 37595]]

southern tip of the island. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 2,106 ac (853 ha) in State ownership, 11,810 ac (4,783 
ha) in private/other ownership, and 2,046 ac (824 ha) that are 
uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-6 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.059
    

[[Page 37596]]


    (76) Unit GA-7: Blackbeard Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-7 consists of approximately 6,321 ac (2,558 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Blackbeard Island, a barrier island off the coast 
in McIntosh County. The unit boundary begins at the Sapelo Sound 
shoreline of Blackbeard Island and extends southwest to the Cabretta 
Inlet shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
the Sapelo Sound entrance off the northern tip of the island and the 
northeastern side of Cabretta Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 4,954 ac (2,006 ha) in Federal 
ownership (Blackbeard Island NWR), 80 ac (32 ha) in State ownership, 
and 1,287 ac (519 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-7 follows:

[[Page 37597]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.060

    (77) Unit GA-8: Sapelo Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-8 consists of approximately 2,482 ac (845 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Sapelo Island, a barrier island off the coast in 
McIntosh County. The unit boundary begins at the Cabretta Inlet 
shoreline of Sapelo Island and extends southwest to the Doboy Sound 
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of 
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) 
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal 
zone that are

[[Page 37598]]

covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat 
also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the 
flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the southwestern side 
of Cabretta Inlet's navigable channel. The lands within this unit are 
State-owned and comprise the Sapelo Island Wildlife Management Area and 
Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR).
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-8 is presented at paragraph (76)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (78) Unit GA-9: Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island, and 
Little Egg Island Bar, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-9 consists of approximately 5,308 ac (2,148 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Wolf, Egg, and Little Egg Islands, and Little Egg 
Island Bar, which are islands at the mouth of the Altamaha River in 
McIntosh County. The unit boundary begins at the South River shoreline 
of Wolf Island and extends south to the southern side of Altamaha 
Sound. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the 
dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) 
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal 
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the 
entrance to Altamaha Sound and Beacon Creek. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 2,975 ac (1,204 ha) in Federal ownership (Wolf 
Island NWR, which is also a designated wilderness area), 240 ac (97 ha) 
in State ownership, and 2,093 ac (847 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-9 follows:

[[Page 37599]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.061

    (79) Unit GA-10: Little St. Simon's Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-10 consists of approximately 9,053 ac (3,664 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Little St. Simon's Island off the coast of Glynn 
County. The unit boundary begins at the Altamaha Sound shoreline of 
Little St. Simon's Island and extends south to the Hampton River 
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of 
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) 
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal 
zone

[[Page 37600]]

that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic 
habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within 
the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the Altamaha Sound 
off the northeastern tip of the island, Mosquito Creek, and the 
northern side of Hampton River Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 113 ac (46 ha) in State ownership, 
7,462 ac (3,022 ha) in private/other ownership (TNC-owned preserve 
lands), and 1,479 ac (596 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-10 follows:

[[Page 37601]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.062

    (80) Unit GA-11: Sea and St. Simon's Island Beaches, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-11 consists of approximately 4,033 ac (1,632 ha) of 
occupied habitat across the entirety of Sea Island and a portion of St. 
Simon's Island, both of which are barrier islands off the coast of 
Glynn County. The unit boundary begins at the Hampton River shoreline 
of Sea Island and extends southwest to the St. Simon's Sound shoreline 
of St. Simon's Island. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to 
the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by 
the red

[[Page 37602]]

knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
Gould's Inlet. Lands within this unit include approximately 4 ac (2 ha) 
in State ownership, 3,448 ac (1,395 ha) in private/other ownership, and 
581 ac (235 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-11 is presented at paragraph (79)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (81) Unit GA-12: Jekyll Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-12 consists of approximately 6,287 ac (2,544 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Jekyll Island, a barrier island off the coast of 
Glynn County. The unit boundary begins at the St. Simon's Sound 
shoreline of Jekyll Island and extends south to St. Andrew Sound 
shoreline. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of 
the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) 
begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal 
zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) 
within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the 
southern side of St. Simon's Sound off the northern tip of the island. 
Lands within this unit include approximately 5,944 ac (2,406 ha) in 
State ownership (including Jekyll Island State Park) and 343 ac (139 
ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-12 follows:

[[Page 37603]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.063

    (82) Unit GA-13: Little Cumberland and Cumberland Island Beaches, 
Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-13 consists of approximately 28,136 ac (11,386 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Little Cumberland Island and Cumberland Island, a 
barrier island complex off the coast in Camden County. The unit 
boundary begins at the St. Andrew Sound shoreline of Little Cumberland 
Island and extends west across the Cumberland River and marsh to the 
East River and continues south to the St. Mary's River shoreline of 
Cumberland Island. The unit includes

[[Page 37604]]

all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with St. Andrew Sound off the 
northern tip of Little Cumberland Island and Christmas Creek Inlet 
between Little Cumberland and Cumberland Islands. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 23,367 ac (9,464 ha) in Federal ownership 
(Cumberland Island National Seashore, which is also a designated 
wilderness area), 1,685 ac (682 ha) in State ownership, and 3,085 ac 
(1,241 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-13 follows:

[[Page 37605]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.064

    (83) Unit FL-1: Nassau Sound-Fort George Sound-Fort George Inlet 
Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-1 consists of approximately 4,324 ac (6,742 ha) of 
occupied habitat consisting of beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats 
in Nassau and Duval Counties. The unit extends from the north shore of 
Nassau Sound in Nassau County south to the north shore of the St. Johns 
River at Huguenot Memorial Park in Duval County. The landward boundary 
is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures,

[[Page 37606]]

including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. The majority of this unit is within the 
Talbot Islands State Parks Complex and Huguenot Memorial Park, which is 
a Federal and State-owned parcel leased to the City of Jacksonville. 
Lands within this unit include approximately 996 ac (404 ha) in Federal 
ownership, 522 ac (211 ha) in State ownership, 27 ac (11 ha) in 
private/other ownership, and 2,779 ac (6,116 ha) that are 
uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-1 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.065
    

[[Page 37607]]


    (84) Unit FL-2: Ponce Inlet Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-2 consists of approximately 19,683 ac (7,965 ha) of 
occupied habitat consisting of beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats 
in Volusia and Brevard Counties. The unit extends from approximately 
Ocean Edge Drive in Ormond Beach south to the south end of Merritt 
Island NWR along the Atlantic Ocean. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 16,660 ac (6,742 ha) in Federal ownership (Merritt Island 
NWR), 3,005 ac (1,216 ha) in State ownership (Smyrna Dunes State Park), 
and 18 ac (7 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-2 follows:

[[Page 37608]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.066

    (85) Unit FL-3: Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge 
Impoundments, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-3 consists of approximately 6,947 ac (2,811 ha) of 
occupied and managed impoundment and intertidal mudflats in Brevard 
County. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic 
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide. This unit consists of Federal lands (Merritt Island NWR).

[[Page 37609]]

    (ii) Map of Unit FL-3 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.067
    
    (86) Unit FL-4: Cape Romano and Marco Island, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-4 consists of two subunits comprising 26,629 ac (10,776 
ha) of occupied habitat in Collier County. This unit consists of 
Federal (Ten Thousand

[[Page 37610]]

Islands NWR), State, and private landowners.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-4 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.068
    

[[Page 37611]]


    (iii) Subunit FL-4A (Cape Romano Complex) consists of approximately 
26,213 ac (10,608 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal sandflats 
habitat in Collier County, in the wetland complex south of Marco Island 
and the community of Goodland. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, 
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide. Lands within this subunit include approximately 13,138 ac 
(5,321 ha) in Federal ownership (Ten Thousand Islands NWR), 12,605 ac 
(5,105 ha) in State ownership (Rookery Bay NERR), and 470 ac (182 ha) 
that are uncategorized.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-4A is presented at paragraph (86)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-4B (Marco Island) consists of approximately 416 ac 
(168 ha) of occupied habitat beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats in 
Collier County. The subunit extends from the south side of the inlet 
north of Marco Island south along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 4 mi 
(6.5 km). The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic 
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide. Lands within this subunit include approximately 408 ac (165 ha) 
in State ownership (Rookery Bay NERR) and 8 ac (3 ha) in private/other 
ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-4B is presented at paragraph (86)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (87) Unit FL-5: Marco Bay Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-5 consists of approximately 3,589 ac (1,453 ha) of 
occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Collier 
County, from the north side of the inlet north of Marco Island north 
along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3.7 mi (6 km) and inclusive of 
the wetland complex inland to the east side of Rookery Bay. The 
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense 
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 3,531 ac (1,429 ha) in State ownership (Rookery 
Bay NERR) and 58 ac (24 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-5 is presented at paragraph (86)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (88) Unit FL-6: Cocohatchee Inlet Complex and Barefoot Beach, 
Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-6 consists of two subunits comprising 48 ac (20 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Collier County. This unit consists of Delnor-
Wiggins Pass State Park and private landowners.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-6 follows:

[[Page 37612]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.069

    (iii) Subunit FL-6A (Cocohatchee Inlet Complex) consists of 
approximately 9 ac (4 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal 
sandflats habitat in Collier County, from the south side of the 
Cocohatchee Inlet south along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3,281 ft 
(1 km). The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
subunit are entirely under State ownership (Delnor-Wiggins Pass State 
Park).

[[Page 37613]]

    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-6A is presented at paragraph (88)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-6B (Barefoot Beach) consists of approximately 39 ac 
(16 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in 
Collier County, from the north side of the Cocohatchee Inlet north 
along the Gulf of Mexico approximately 3.1 mi (5 km). The landward 
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or 
hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that 
is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
subunit include approximately 18 ac (7 ha) in State ownership and 21 ac 
(9 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-6B is presented at paragraph (88)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (89) Unit FL-7: Lovers Key and Estero Island, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-7 consists of two subunits comprising 175 ac (70 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Lee County. This unit consists of portions of 
Lovers Key State Park and Estero Island.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-7 follows:

[[Page 37614]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.070

    (iii) Subunit FL-7A (Lovers Key) consists of approximately 4 ac (1 
ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Lee 
County, at the north point of Lovers Key. The landward boundary is the 
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
subunit are entirely State owned (Lovers Key State Park).
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-7A is presented at paragraph (89)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-7B (Estero Island) consists of approximately 171 ac 
(69 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in 
Lee County, from Key West Court on Fort Myers Beach south along the 
Gulf of Mexico to the southern point of the island. The landward 
boundary is the line

[[Page 37615]]

indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
in State ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-7B is presented at paragraph (89)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (90) Unit FL-8: Bunche Beach, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-8 consists of approximately 334 ac (135 ha) of occupied 
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Lee County, in San 
Carlos Bay south of the Sanibel Causeway in Fort Myers. The landward 
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or 
hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that 
is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 23 ac (9 ha) in Federal ownership (Matlacha 
Pass NWR), 264 ac (107 ha) in State ownership (Bunche Beach Preserve), 
and 47 ac (19 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-8 follows:

[[Page 37616]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.071

    (91) Unit FL-9: Sanibel Island Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-9 consists of two subunits comprising 3,759 ac (1,521 
ha) of occupied habitat in Lee County. This unit consists of Federal 
lands that are part of the J.N. ``Ding'' Darling NWR and Sanibel 
Island.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-9 follows:

[[Page 37617]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.072

    (iii) Subunit FL-9A (J.N. ``Ding'' Darling National Wildlife 
Refuge) consists of approximately 3,451 ac (1,397 ha) of occupied 
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat, as well as managed 
impoundments in Lee County on Sanibel Island. The landward boundary is 
the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
subunit are entirely in Federal ownership (J.N. ``Ding'' Darling NWR).

[[Page 37618]]

    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-9A is presented at paragraph (91)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-9B (Sanibel Island) consists of approximately 307 ac 
(124 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in 
Lee County on Sanibel Island. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
in State ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-9B is presented at paragraph (91)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (92) Unit FL-10: Don Pedro Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-10 consists of two subunits comprising 158 ac (64 ha) 
of occupied habitat in Charlotte County. This unit consists of State 
lands, a portion of which are part of the Don Pedro Island State Park 
and Stump Pass Beach State Park.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-10 follows:

[[Page 37619]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.073

    (iii) Subunit FL-10A (Don Pedro) consists of approximately 147 ac 
(60 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in 
Charlotte County on Don Pedro Island. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
in State ownership, a portion of which includes Don Pedro Island State 
Park.

[[Page 37620]]

    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-10A is presented at paragraph (92)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-10B (Stump Pass Beach State Park) consists of 
approximately 11 ac (4 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal 
sandflats habitat in Charlotte County at the southern point of Manasota 
Key. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
subunit are entirely in State ownership (Stump Pass Beach State Park).
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-10B is presented at paragraph (92)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (93) Unit FL-11: Siesta Key, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-11 consists of approximately 53 ac (21 ha) of occupied 
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Sarasota County on 
Siesta Key, from Avenida Messina (road) south to Avenida del Mare. The 
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense 
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit 
are entirely in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-11 follows:

[[Page 37621]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.074

    (94) Unit FL-12: Lido-Longboat Keys Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-12 consists of two subunits comprising 450 ac (182 ha) 
of occupied habitat in Sarasota County. This unit consists of State 
lands.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-12 follows:

[[Page 37622]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.075

    (iii) Subunit FL-12A (Lido Key) consists of approximately 81 ac (33 
ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in 
Sarasota County on Lido Key. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, 
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State ownership.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-12A is presented at paragraph (94)(ii) of 
this entry.

[[Page 37623]]

    (v) Subunit FL-12B (Longboat Key) consists of approximately 369 ac 
(149 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in 
Sarasota County on Longboat Key. The landward boundary is the line 
indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
in State ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-12B is presented at paragraph (94)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (95) Unit FL-13: North Anna Maria Island, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-13 consists of approximately 945 ac (383 ha) of 
occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Manatee 
County, from the north point of Anna Maria Island south to Cortez Road 
West. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 56 ac (23 ha) in Federal ownership (Passage Key 
NWR) and 889 ac (360 ha) in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-13 follows:

[[Page 37624]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.076

    (96) Unit FL-14: Egmont Key, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-14 consists of approximately 15 ac (6 ha) of occupied 
beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in Manatee County, on the south 
end of Egmont Key at the mouth of Tampa Bay. The landward boundary is 
the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including 
emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit are entirely under 
Federal ownership (Egmont Key NWR).

[[Page 37625]]

    (ii) Map of Unit FL-14 is presented at paragraph (95)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (97) Unit FL-15: Fort De Soto Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-15 consists of three subunits comprising 856 ac (346 
ha) of occupied habitat in Pinellas County. This unit consists of State 
lands and private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-15 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.077
    

[[Page 37626]]


    (iii) Subunit FL-15A (Fort De Soto County Park) consists of 
approximately 427 ac (173 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal 
sandflats habitat in Pinellas County, from North Beach south along the 
Gulf of Mexico to the Fort De Soto Fishing Pier at the mouth of Tampa 
Bay. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation or hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic 
shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in county ownership (which 
is captured under the private/other category) within Fort De Soto 
County Park.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-15A is presented at paragraph (97)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-15B (Shell Key Preserve) consists of approximately 
322 ac (130 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats 
habitat in Pinellas County on Shell Key. The landward boundary is the 
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, including emergent, 
dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely in State/county 
ownership (Shell Key Preserve).
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-15B is presented at paragraph (97)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (vii) Subunit FL-15C (Saint Petersburg Beach) consists of 
approximately 107 ac (43 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and intertidal 
sandflats habitat in Pinellas County on Saint Petersburg Beach from 
46th Avenue south to 1st Avenue inclusive of the inlet. The landward 
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
in State ownership.
    (viii) Map of Subunit FL-15C is presented at paragraph (97)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (98) Unit FL-16: Indian Shores/Redington Beach, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-16 consists of approximately 196 ac (79 ha) of occupied 
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Pinellas County, from 
the Indian Shores Florida Coastal Range Monument R-086 at the north end 
of the unit to the Redington Beach Long Pier at the south end of the 
unit. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit 
are entirely in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-16 follows:

[[Page 37627]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.078

    (99) Unit FL-17: Belleair Beach, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-17 consists of approximately 123 ac (50 ha) of occupied 
beach, inlet, and intertidal sandflats habitat in Pinellas County, on 
Belleair Beach from the north point (Sand Key) south to 19th Street. 
The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense 
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this unit 
are entirely in State ownership.

[[Page 37628]]

    (ii) Map of Unit FL-17 is presented at paragraph (98)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (100) Unit FL-18: Saint Joseph Sound Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-18 consists of three subunits comprising 888 ac (360 
ha) of occupied habitat in Pinellas County. This unit consists of 
State-owned lands.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-18 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.079
    

[[Page 37629]]


    (iii) Subunit FL-18A (Caladesi Island) consists of approximately 
259 ac (105 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in 
Pinellas County. This subunit includes shoreline from the southern 
boundary of Caladesi Island State Park to Dunedin Pass. The landward 
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, 
including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands in this subunit are entirely in 
State ownership (Caladesi Island State Park).
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-18A is presented at paragraph (100)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-18B (Honeymoon Island) consists of approximately 294 
ac (119 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in 
Pinellas County. This subunit includes the Gulf of Mexico shoreline in 
Honeymoon Island State Park from Dunedin Pass to Hurricane Pass. The 
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense 
vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands in this subunit 
are entirely in State ownership (Honeymoon Island State Park).
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-18B is presented at paragraph (100)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (vii) Subunit FL-18C (Three Rooker Bar) consists of approximately 
335 ac (136 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat on 
Three Rooker Island in Pinellas County. Three Rooker Island includes 
shoreline from Hurricane Pass to the northern tip of Three Rooker 
Island. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of 
dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands in this subunit 
are entirely State ownership (Three Rooker Bar Wildlife Management 
Area).
    (viii) Map of Subunit FL-18C is presented at paragraph (100)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (101) Unit FL-19: Anclote Key, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-19 consists of approximately 1,547 ac (626 ha) of 
occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in Pasco County on 
Anclote Key. The landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning 
of dense vegetation, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that 
is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
unit are entirely in State ownership (Anclote Key Preserve State Park).
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-19 follows:

[[Page 37630]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.080

    (102) Unit FL-20: Cedar Keys Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-20 consists of approximately 35,626 ac (14,417 ha) of 
occupied beach and intertidal sandflats habitat in Levy County on Cedar 
Key, including the complex of sandbars and flats seaward. The landward 
boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation or 
hardened structures, including emergent, dynamic shoreline to MLLW that 
is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 2,498 ac (1,012 ha) in Federal ownership 
(Cedar

[[Page 37631]]

Keys NWR), 7,792 ac (3,153 ha) in State ownership (Waccasassa Preserve 
State Park), 5,928 ac (2,293 ha) in private/other ownership, and 19,407 
ac (7,959 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-20 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.081
    
    (103) Unit FL-21: St. Marks National Wildlife Refuge, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-21 consists of approximately 2,074 ac (839 ha) of 
occupied beach, inlets, shoals, intertidal mud, mud flats, and 
impoundments habitat in Wakulla County. The unit extends from the 
eastern boundary of

[[Page 37632]]

Big Cove inlet west to the inlet west of Lighthouse Pool and includes 
areas to the north up to 1.25 mi (2 km) into East River Pool. This unit 
includes from the base of the berm road to the lowest water level and 
areas up to 4 in (10 cm) of water depth within Lighthouse Pool, Picnic 
Pond, Tower Pond, Headquarters Pond, Mounds Pools 1 and 2, Stoney Bayou 
Pool 1, and within the open water and emergent marsh portion of East 
River Pool and all shoals and shoreline habitats within Sand Cove and 
Minnie Cove. Areas to the east of Lighthouse Road between Lighthouse 
Pool and Picnic Pond, and areas to the east of Picnic and Tower Ponds 
that have the physical or biological features, are also included. This 
unit includes lands from MLLW to the landward limit of the physical or 
biological features and any ephemeral pools, or natural brackish ponds 
and any emergent sand shoals in Apalachee Bay appearing near shore 
within 3 mi (4.8 km) of the critical habitat boundary found along the 
southernmost portion of Lighthouse Road and Lighthouse Levee Trail that 
parallels Apalachee Bay. Lands within this unit are entirely in Federal 
ownership (St. Marks NWR).
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-21 follows:

[[Page 37633]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.082

    (104) Unit FL-22: Eastern Franklin County Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-22 consists of three subunits comprising 1,429 ac (578 
ha) of occupied habitat in Wakulla and Franklin Counties. This unit 
consists of beaches within the areas of Apalachee Bay, Dickson Bay, 
Ochlockonee Bay, and Alligator Point.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-22 follows:

[[Page 37634]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.083

    (iii) Subunit FL-22A (Mashes Sands) consists of approximately 262 
ac (106 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, shoals, and intertidal sandflats 
at Mashes Sands Park beach, and the inlet and shoals of Apalachee Bay, 
Dickson Bay, and Ochlockonee Bay in Wakulla County, from near 
Ochlockonee Point in Ochlockonee Bay north towards Dickson Bay. This 
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense

[[Page 37635]]

vegetation or hardened structures. This area includes any ephemeral 
pools, lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or near-
shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit are all in State 
ownership but leased and managed by Wakulla County.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-22A is presented at paragraph (104)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-22B (Bald Point State Park) consists of 
approximately 445 ac (180 ha) of occupied beaches and shoals habitat in 
Franklin County, from a dirt road 0.35 mi (0.56 km) north of Marlin 
Street to the north near Bald Point, and including shoals within 
Ochlockonee Bay approximately 0.9 mi (1.4 km) north of Bald Point. This 
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense 
vegetation or hardened structures. It includes any ephemeral pools, 
lagoons, or natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or near-shore 
emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit include approximately 
439 ac (178 ha) in State ownership (Bald Point State Park) and 6 ac (2 
ha) in private/other ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-22B is presented at paragraph (104)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (vii) Subunit FL-22C (Alligator Point) consists of approximately 
722 ac (292 ha) of occupied beaches at Alligator Point and John S. 
Phipps Preserve, and shoals in Franklin County, from 0.07 mi (0.11 km) 
east of Florida Coastal Range Monument 210 west to the shoals 
associated with the northwestern end of the point. This subunit 
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the 
landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or 
hardened structures. It includes any ephemeral pools, lagoons, or 
natural brackish ponds and any adjacent or near-shore emergent sand 
shoals. Lands within this subunit are entirely in private/other 
ownership (John S. Phipps Preserve, managed by the TNC).
    (viii) Map of Subunit FL-22C is presented at paragraph (104)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (105) Unit FL-23: Central Franklin County Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-23 consists of seven subunits comprising 4,175 ac 
(1,689 ha) of occupied habitat in Franklin County. This unit consists 
of beaches and barrier island areas of St. George Sound shoreline, the 
Carrabelle River outlet, Boggy Jordan Bayou outlet, Dog Island, and St. 
George Island.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-23 follows:

[[Page 37636]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.084

BILLING CODE 4333-15-C
    (iii) Subunit FL-23A (Turkey Point Shoal) consists of approximately 
531 ac (215 ha) of occupied habitat, including emergent, isolated shoal 
habitat within the Gulf of Mexico and St. George Sound, Franklin 
County. This subunit includes emergent shoals approximately 1 mi (1.5 
km) south of Turkey Point. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., 
highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the physical 
or biological features, including any ephemeral pools, lagoons, and 
emergent sand shoals adjacent to the island or reef. All lands within 
this subunit are in State ownership.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-23A is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of 
this entry.

[[Page 37637]]

    (v) Subunit FL-23B (Lanark Reef) consists of approximately 865 ac 
(350 ha) of occupied beach and intertidal shoreline habitat of Lanark 
Reef in St. George Island Sound off the coast of Franklin County. This 
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide) to the landward limit of the physical or biological features, 
including any ephemeral pools, lagoons, and emergent sand shoals within 
3 mi (4.8 km) of the island or reef. Lands within this subunit include 
805 ac (326 ha) in State ownership and 61 ac (25 ha) in private/other 
ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-23B is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (vii) Subunit FL-23C (East Dog Island) consists of approximately 
771 ac (312 ha) of occupied beach shoreline and shoals on East Dog 
Island off the coast of Franklin County. The subunit is from midway 
between Florida Coastal Range Monuments 168 and 169 east to the tip of 
the island and extending around the tip to include St. George Sound 
shoreline and shoals approximately horizontal to Florida Coastal Range 
Monument 190. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly 
dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the 
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures, and also includes 
ephemeral pools, lagoons, natural brackish ponds, and any adjacent or 
near-shore emergent sand shoals. Lands within this subunit are entirely 
private/other ownership (including the Jeff Lewis Wilderness Preserve, 
which is owned/managed by the TNC).
    (viii) Map of Subunit FL-23C is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (ix) Subunit FL-23D (West Dog Island) consists of approximately 751 
ac (304 ha) of occupied habitat on West Dog Island in Franklin County. 
This subunit includes the entirety of this island from the eastern 
boundary at the Gulf of Mexico shoreline midway between Florida Coastal 
Range Monuments 168 and 169 and west 3.1 mi (5 km) to East Pass. This 
subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense 
vegetation or hardened structures, as well as ephemeral and emergent 
sand shoals appearing in the near shore. Lands within this subunit are 
entirely in private/other ownership, including the Jeff Lewis 
Wilderness Preserve that is owned/managed by the TNC.
    (x) Map of Subunit FL-23D is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (xi) Subunit FL-23E (McKissack Beach, Carrabelle) consists of 
approximately 117 ac (47 ha) of occupied habitat along McKissack Beach 
and Marsh in Carrabelle and associated shoals in Franklin County, from 
0.18 mi (0.30 km) east of the intersection of U.S. Highway 98 and Cape 
Street east to the cove that forms the outlet of Boggy Jordan Bayou. 
This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense 
vegetation or hardened structures, as well as any ephemeral and 
emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore. Lands within this 
subunit include 114 ac (46 ha) in State ownership (the Florida Trustees 
of the Internal Improvement Fund, although the City of Carrabelle 
retains a lease on McKissack Beach and Marsh), and 3 ac (1 ha) in 
private/other ownership.
    (xii) Map of Subunit FL-23E is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (xiii) Subunit FL-23F (East St. George Island State Park) consists 
of approximately 978 ac (396 ha) of occupied habitat within Dr. Julian 
G. Bruce St. George Island State Park Beach in Franklin County, from 
Florida Coastal Range Monument 105 to the eastern tip of the island at 
East Pass. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic 
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the landward boundary indicated by the 
beginning of dense vegetation or hardened structures. All lands within 
this subunit are in State ownership (East St. George Island State 
Park).
    (xiv) Map of Subunit FL-23F is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (xv) Subunit FL-23G (St. George Island State Park and Bayshore 
Shoals) consists of approximately 162 ac (65 ha) of occupied habitat on 
Goose Island and associated shoals in Franklin County. This subunit 
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the 
landward limit of the physical and biological features, including 
ephemeral pools, lagoons, and any emergent sand shoals adjacent to the 
island. All lands within this subunit are in State ownership (St. 
George Island State Park).
    (xvi) Map of Subunit FL-23G is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (106) Unit FL-24: St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 
Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-24 consists of three subunits comprising 2,212 ac (895 
ha) of occupied habitat in Franklin and Gulf Counties. This unit 
consists of beaches of Apalachicola Bay, St. Vincent Sound, Indian 
Pass, St. Vincent Island, and Flagg Island.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-24 follows:
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P

[[Page 37638]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.085

    (iii) Subunit FL-24A (Little St. George Island State Park-West) 
consists of approximately 953 ac (386 ha) of occupied habitat on Little 
St. George Island beach and shoals in Franklin County, from West Pass 
east to Florida Coastal Range Monument 25 and including bayside beach 
from West Pass east to the point at the Marshall Dock. This subunit 
includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the 
landward boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or 
hardened structures, and includes ephemeral pools, natural brackish 
ponds, and emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore of the Gulf 
or Apalachicola Bay. All lands within

[[Page 37639]]

this subunit are in State ownership (Little St. George Island State 
Park).
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-24A is presented at paragraph (106)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-24B (St. Vincent National Wildlife Refuge) consists 
of approximately 742 ac (300 ha) of occupied beach and shoals habitat 
on the St. Vincent NWR in Franklin and Gulf Counties, from the Refuge 
boat house at the confluence of St. Vincent Sound and Indian Pass east 
to 0.60 mi (0.96 km) north of Shell Road. This subunit includes lands 
from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward 
boundary indicated by the beginning of dense vegetation or hardened 
structures, including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, and 
emergent sand shoals appearing in the near shore of the Gulf. Lands 
within this subunit are all in Federal ownership (St. Vincent NWR).
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-24B is presented at paragraph (106)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (vii) Subunit FL-24C (Flagg Island Shoals) consists of 
approximately 517 ac (209 ha) of occupied habitat that encompasses the 
entire ebb-tidal delta referred to as Flagg Island off the southernmost 
tip of St. Vincent Island (near Oyster Pond outfall) in Franklin 
County. This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic 
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the physical or 
biological features, including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, 
and emergent sand shoals. All lands within this subunit (which 
constantly change in size and shape due to the dynamic nature of the 
area) are in State ownership.
    (viii) Map of Subunit FL-24C is presented at paragraph (106)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (107) Unit FL-25: Gulf County Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-25 consists of two subunits comprising 1,520 ac (616 
ha) of occupied habitat in Gulf County. This unit consists of beaches 
of Cape San Blas, Money, and Indian Pass, and the southeastern portion 
of St. Joseph Bay.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-25 follows:

[[Page 37640]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.086

    (iii) Subunit FL-25A (Cape San Blas to Indian Pass) consists of 
approximately 620 ac (251 ha) of occupied beach habitat at Cape San 
Blas, Money Bayou, and Indian Pass beaches in Gulf County, from the 
southwestern point of Cape San Blas to 0.11 mi (0.18 km) northeast of 
the Indian Pass Beach Boat Ramp. This subunit includes lands from MLLW 
(i.e., highly dynamic beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide) to the landward limit of the 
physical or biological features, including ephemeral pools, natural 
brackish ponds, and emergent sand shoals in the near shore. Lands 
within this subunit include 133 ac (54 ha) in State ownership and 486 
ac (197 ha) in private/other ownership. Adjacent Federal lands under 
Eglin Air

[[Page 37641]]

Force Base jurisdiction are exempt under section 4(a)(3) of the Act, 
but the shoal and any emergent shoal formations that appear along the 
shoreline are considered part of this unit, starting from the MLLW 
south and up 0.5 mi (0.81 km) from Eglin Air Force Base lands on the 
southern-most side of Cape San Blas.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-25A is presented at paragraph (107)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-25B (St. Joseph Bay-Eastern Shore) consists of 
approximately 827 ac (335 ha) of occupied beaches and shoals within the 
southeastern portion of St. Joseph Bay in Gulf County, from 0.09 mi 
(0.14 km) east of the intersection of County Road 30A and Cape San Blas 
Road to the west 0.66 mi (1.1 km) and to the north 2.4 mi (3.8 km). 
This subunit includes lands from MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beach and 
intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide) to the landward limit of the physical or biological features, 
including ephemeral pools, natural brackish ponds, lagoons, and 
emergent sand shoals in the near shore. Lands within this subunit 
include 761 ac (308 ha) in State ownership (St. Joseph Bay State Buffer 
Preserve) and 66 ac (27 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-25B is presented at paragraph (107)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (108) Unit AL-1: Dauphin Island, Alabama.
    (i) Unit AL-1 consists of approximately 5,164 ac (2,091 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Dauphin Island, a barrier island south of Mobile 
Bay in Mobile County. The unit includes all of Dauphin Island from the 
historic 19th Century Fort Gaines site on the eastern side of the 
island, continuing approximately 16 mi (26 km) west to the MLLW on the 
western most tip, and all of Little Dauphin Island (which is 
uninhabited) to MLLW. Lands within this unit include approximately 484 
ac (196 ha) in Federal ownership (Bon Secour NWR), 848 ac (343 ha) in 
State ownership (Shell Mound Park or Indian Mound Park, and a newly 
acquired habitat conservation area on the west end of the island), and 
3,834 ac (1,552 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit AL-1 follows:

[[Page 37642]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.087

    (109) Unit MS-1: Ship Island, Mississippi.
    (i) Unit MS-1 consists of approximately 2,452 ac (993 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Ship Island in Harrison County. The unit consists 
of emergent lands and intertidal area to MLLW on the island and its 
adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This 
unit is all under Federal ownership (Gulf Islands National Seashore).
    (ii) Map of Unit MS-1 follows:

[[Page 37643]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.088

    (110) Unit MS-2: Cat Island, Mississippi.
    (i) Unit MS-2 consists of approximately 2,121 ac (858 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Cat Island in Harrison County. This unit consists 
of emergent lands and intertidal area to MLLW on Cat Island and its 
adjacent sand shoals (i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal 
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide). Lands 
within this unit include approximately 686 ac (278 ha) in Federal 
ownership (Gulf Islands National Seashore), 1,305 ac (528 ha) in State 
ownership, and 129 ac (52 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit MS-2 is presented at paragraph (109)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (111) Unit LA-1: Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana.

[[Page 37644]]

    (i) Unit LA-1 consists of approximately 7,632 ac (3,088 ha) of 
occupied habitat in St. Bernard Parish. The unit includes all emergent 
lands to MLLW on the Chandeleur Islands and their adjacent sand shoals 
(i.e., highly dynamic beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). All lands in this unit are 
federally owned (Breton NWR, and designated wilderness area created as 
a refuge and breeding ground for resident and migratory birds).
    (ii) Map of Unit LA-1 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.089
    

[[Page 37645]]


    (112) Unit LA-2: Barataria Barrier Islands and Headlands, 
Louisiana.
    (i) Unit LA-2 consists of approximately 7,795 ac (3,155 ha) of 
occupied habitat within Plaquemines, Jefferson, and Lafourche Parishes, 
including emergent lands and/or sand shoals to MLLW (i.e., highly 
dynamic beaches and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide 
and uncovered at low tide). This unit includes: Emergent lands of 
Lanaux and Shell Islands to MLLW in Plaquemines Parish; emergent sand 
shoals of Grand Bayou Pass in Plaquemines Parish; the Gulf of Mexico 
shoreline to MLLW between Grand Bayou Pass and Quatre Bayou Pass (known 
as the Chaland Headland and Chenier Ronquille); emergent sand shoals of 
Bastian Bay, Bay Joe Wise, Chaland Pass, and Bayou Cheniere Ronquille 
in Plaquemines Parish; all emergent lands of the Grand Terre Islands 
and adjacent unnamed island to MLLW between Quatre Bayou Pass and 
Barataria Pass in Plaquemines and Jefferson Parishes; the Gulf of 
Mexico shoreline of Grand Isle from the toe of the Gulf-side hurricane 
protection levee to MLLW in Jefferson Parish; the west side of the 
Caminada Pass shoreline and the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to MLLW 
beginning just north of Louisiana Highway 1 in Caminada Pass extending 
approximately 15 mi (24 km) westward to the east side of Belle Pass 
(known as the Caminada Headland, which includes the LDWF's Elmer's 
Island Wildlife Refuge) in Jefferson and Lafourche Parishes; and all 
emergent lands of the West Belle Pass peninsula to the MLLW. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 126 ac (51 ha) in State 
ownership (Grand Isle State Park) and 7,669 ac (3,104 ha) in private/
other ownership (including Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge).
    (ii) Map of Unit LA-2 follows:

[[Page 37646]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.090

    (113) Unit LA-3: Terrebonne Barrier Islands, Louisiana.
    (i) Unit LA-3 consists of approximately 5,072 ac (2,052 ha) of 
occupied habitat within Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes, including 
emergent lands and/or sand shoals to MLLW (i.e., highly dynamic beaches 
and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at 
low tide). This unit includes: Emergent lands on East Timbalier Island 
in Lafourche Parish; emergent sand shoals at Little Pass Timbalier in 
Jefferson Parish; emergent lands of Timbalier Island (also

[[Page 37647]]

known as Big or West Timbalier Island) in Terrebonne Parish; and 
emergent lands and associated sand shoals on East, Trinity, Whiskey, 
and Raccoon Islands (known as the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and 
Fisheries Isles Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuge) in Terrebonne Parish. 
Lands within this unit include approximately 2,890 ac (1,173 ha) in 
State ownership (Isles Dernieres Barrier Islands Refuge) and 2,172 ac 
(879 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit LA-3 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.091
    

[[Page 37648]]


    (114) Unit LA-4: Southwest Louisiana Beaches, Louisiana.
    (i) Unit LA-4 consists of approximately 6,130 ac (2,481 ha) of 
occupied habitat within Cameron and Vermillion Parishes. The unit 
includes land along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline to the MLLW (i.e., 
highly dynamic intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide) from the eastern Vermilion Parish line starting 
at the eastern boundary of the Audubon Society's Paul J. Rainey 
Wildlife Sanctuary, extending approximately 128 mi (206 km) westward 
and terminating at Louisiana Point, and also including its associated 
sand/mud shoals on the east side of Sabine Pass in Cameron Parish. 
Along its entire length, the unit includes the shoreline beach from the 
MLLW line landward to the edge of where dense vegetation begins. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 1,497 ac (606 ha) in State 
ownership (Rockefeller Wildlife Refuge) and 4,633 ac (1,875 ha) in 
private/other ownership (including the Paul J. Rainey Wildlife 
Sanctuary, managed by the Audubon Society).
    (ii) Map of Unit LA-4 follows:

[[Page 37649]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.092

    (115) Unit TX-1: Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-1 consists of approximately 1,264 ac (511 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Galveston County. This unit begins at the west side 
of Rollover Pass and extends southwest ending at the north jetty on the 
Bolivar Peninsula. It includes 17 mi (27 km) of Gulf shoreline. The 
landward boundary is the line indicating the beginning of dense 
vegetation, and the gulf-side boundary is the MLLW, including emergent 
lands and intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The 
west end of the unit includes lands known as wind tidal flats that are 
infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within this unit 
include: Estuarine (bayside)

[[Page 37650]]

seagrass mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are 
nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below 
the water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine 
(bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal 
fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is 
irregularly or regularly, depending upon the location, inundated by 
tides; and marine sandy coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly 
inundated by tides, depending upon the location. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 268 ac (108 ha) in State ownership and 996 ac 
(403 ha) in private/other ownership (includes the Bolivar Flats Bird 
Sanctuary).
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-1 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.093
    

[[Page 37651]]


    (116) Unit TX-2: West Galveston Island, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-2 consists of approximately 590 ac (238 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Galveston County. The unit is along the gulf with boundaries 
from the MLLW up to the vegetation line, including emergent lands and 
intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The northeastern 
boundary is the end of the Seawall Boulevard (end of the seawall), and 
the southwestern boundary is San Luis Pass. Specific habitat types 
within this unit include marine sandy coastline beach that is 
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the 
location. Lands within this unit include approximately 307 ac (124 ha) 
in State ownership and 283 ac (114 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-2 follows:

[[Page 37652]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.094

    (117) Unit TX-3: Cedar Lake to Colorado River, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-3 consists of approximately 1,203 ac (487 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Matagorda County. The unit is along the gulf with 
boundaries from the MLLW up to the vegetation line, including emergent 
lands and intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/
seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The 
northeastern boundary is the south side of Cedar Lake Cut, and the 
southwestern boundary is near the Colorado River. Specific habitat 
types within this unit include marine sandy coastline beach that is 
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the 
location. Lands within this unit include 1,075 ac (432 ha) in State

[[Page 37653]]

ownership and 128 ac (52 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-3 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.095
    
    (118) Unit TX-4: Mustang Island, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-4 consists of approximately 648 ac (262 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Nueces County. The unit is along the gulf with boundaries 
from the MLLW up to the vegetation line, including emergent lands and 
intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is 
covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. The northern boundary 
is the south jetty

[[Page 37654]]

at Port Aransas, and the southern boundary is the north jetty of 
Packery Channel. Specific habitat types within this unit include marine 
sandy coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly inundated by 
tides, depending upon the location. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 395 ac (160 ha) in State ownership and 253 ac (102 ha) in 
private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-4 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.096
    
    (119) Unit TX-5: Mollie Beattie Coastal Habitat, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-5 consists of approximately 723 ac (293 ha) of occupied 
habitat in Nueces County. This unit is located north of Packery

[[Page 37655]]

Channel and extends along the bayside west of Sylvan Beach Park west of 
Texas State Highway 361. The northern boundary is the Corpus Christi 
Pass with the southern boundary approximately 2 mi (3.2 km) south of 
Corpus Christi Pass. The eastern boundary is where the dense vegetation 
begins, and the western boundary is the MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic 
beach and intertidal seashore that is covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide). This unit includes two hurricane washover 
passes known as Newport and Corpus Christi Passes in areas where wind 
tidal flats are infrequently inundated, and bayside flats that are 
exposed during low tide regimes and wind tidal flats that are 
infrequently inundated. The unit does not include densely vegetated 
habitat within these boundaries, but it includes all seagrass beds 
exposed at low tides. Specific habitat types within this unit include: 
Estuarine (bayside) sandy shore/beach/sandbar that is irregularly or 
regularly, depending upon the location, inundated by tides; and 
estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) and spoils irregularly 
inundated by tides. Lands within this unit include approximately 505 ac 
(205 ha) in State ownership and 218 ac (88 ha) in private/other 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-5 follows:

[[Page 37656]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.097

    (120) Unit TX-6: North Padre Island, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-6 consists of approximately 2,817 ac (1,140 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Nueces, Kleberg, Kenedy, and Willacy Counties. The 
unit is along the gulf with boundaries from the MLLW up to the 
vegetation line, to include emergent lands and intertidal area 
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. The northern boundary is the south side 
of Packery Channel extending along the Gulf shoreline to Port Mansfield 
East Cut. Specific habitat types within this unit include marine sandy 
coastline beach that is irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 2,487 ac (1,007 ha) in

[[Page 37657]]

Federal ownership (Padre Island National Seashore), 68 ac (27 ha) in 
State ownership, and 262 ac (106 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-6 follows:
    [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.098
    
    (121) Unit TX-7: Upper Laguna Madre/Nighthawk Bay, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-7 consists of approximately 1,157 ac (469 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Kleberg County. The unit is along the bayside of 
Texas Park Road 22. The northeastern boundary is the northern edge of 
the Kleberg County line in Nighthawk Bay, and the southwestern boundary 
ends bayside of Bird Island Basin Road. This unit includes a series of 
small flats along the

[[Page 37658]]

bayside of Padre Island in the Upper Laguna Madre. The unit includes 
bayside flats and seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide 
regimes and wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific 
habitat types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass 
mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are nearly 
flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the 
water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside) 
sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; 
and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly 
or regularly inundated by tide, depending upon the location. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 273 ac (111 ha) in Federal 
ownership (Padre Island National Seashore), 816 ac (330 ha) in State 
ownership, and 68 ac (28 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-7 follows:

[[Page 37659]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.099

    (122) Unit TX-8: Dagger Hill/Yarborough Pass/Nine Mile Hole, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-8 consists of approximately 32,773 ac (13,270 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Kleberg and Kenedy Counties. The unit is located 
bayside along and within the Laguna Madre adjacent to the west side of 
the Padre Island National Seashore. The northern boundary of the unit 
is Dagger Hill, and the southern boundary is approximately 6 mi (9.7 
km) south of the land cut at Nine Mile Hole. The eastern boundary of 
this unit is the dense vegetation line on the bayside of the Padre 
Island National Seashore. The western boundary extends toward the Gulf 
Intracoastal Waterway to the MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and 
emergent sand shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide).

[[Page 37660]]

The southern portion of this unit extends across the Gulf Intracoastal 
Waterway dredge spoil islands. The unit includes bayside flats and all 
seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide regimes and wind tidal 
flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within 
this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that 
are subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants 
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand 
substrate; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is 
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the 
location; and estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) and 
spoils irregularly inundated by tides. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 9,731 ac (3,938 ha) in Federal ownership (Padre Island 
National Seashore) and 23,042 ac (9,332 ha) in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-8 follows:

[[Page 37661]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.100

    (123) Unit TX-9: Pintail Lake/Padre Island/La Punta Larga, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-9 consists of approximately 94,171 ac (38,110 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Kenedy, Willacy, and Cameron Counties. The northern 
boundary is Pintail Cut, extending south along the bay side of North 
Padre and South Padre Islands, with the southern boundary being Andy 
Bowie County Park. The center of the unit is approximately at Port 
Mansfield East Cut. North of the East Cut the western boundary is the 
MLLW (i.e., the highly dynamic beach and emergent sand

[[Page 37662]]

shoals that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide), and 
the eastern boundary is where dense vegetation begins. South of East 
Cut the western boundary is the MLLW, and the eastern boundary includes 
the beach side Gulf of Mexico out to the MLLW. The unit includes 
bayside flats and seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide 
regimes, and wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific 
habitat types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) algal mud 
or sand flats irregularly inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy 
shore (beach/sandbar) regularly inundated by tides; and estuarine 
(bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar); and marine sandy coastline beach 
(irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the 
location). Lands within this unit include approximately 25,881 ac 
(10,482 ha) in Federal ownership (Laguna Atascosa NWR), 34,165 ac 
(13,826 ha) in State ownership, and 34,125 ac (13,802 ha; 36 percent) 
in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-9 follows:

[[Page 37663]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.101

    (124) Unit TX-10: Peyton's Bay/Arroyo Colorado/Three Islands/
Gabrielson Island, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-10 consists of approximately 35,651 ac (14,427 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Willacy and Cameron Counties. The northern boundary 
of this unit is approximately 11 mi (18 km) north of the Arroyo 
Colorado Cutoff and encompasses Peyton's Bay (north being Chubby 
Island), and the southern boundary is approximately 9 mi (14 km) south 
of the Arroyo Colorado Cutoff encompassing Rattlesnake Bay (south edge 
near

[[Page 37664]]

Gabrielson Island). The eastern boundary is the western side of the 
Gulf Intracoastal Waterway dredge spoil islands, and the western 
boundary is where dense vegetation begins. The unit includes bayside 
flats and seagrass beds that are exposed during low tide regimes and 
wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated, and does not include 
densely vegetated habitat within these boundaries. Specific habitat 
types within this unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or 
sand flats that are subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted 
vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal 
mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats 
regularly inundated by tides and that are nearly flat areas with a 
layer of algae growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are 
otherwise devoid of vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand 
flats irregularly inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore 
(beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine 
(bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) areas that are irregularly or 
regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the location; and 
estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar), to include spoils 
irregularly inundated by tides. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 8,145 ac (3,296 ha) in Federal ownership (Laguna Atascosa 
NWR), 25,316 ac (10,245 ha) in State ownership, and 2,190 ac (886 ha) 
in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-10 follows:

[[Page 37665]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.102

    (125) Unit TX-11: South Bay/Boca Chica, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-11 consists of approximately 15,243 ac (6,173 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Cameron County. The Boca Chica gulf shoreline 
portion of this unit begins south of the Brownsville Ship Channel and 
extends approximately 6.5 mi (10 km) to the south. Within the South 
Bay, the northern boundary is south of Brownsville Ship Channel dredge 
spoil placement areas, and the southern boundary is north of the Rio 
Grande River. The eastern boundary is the

[[Page 37666]]

bayside of the Boca Chica Beach (Gulf of Mexico) up to where dense 
vegetation begins, and the western boundary is west of the Loma islands 
up to where dense vegetation begins along the wind tidal flats. The 
unit includes wind tidal flats and all seagrass beds that are 
infrequently inundated and/or exposed as low tides, and the tidal flats 
within the area known as South Bay. Specific habitat types within this 
unit include: Estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that are 
subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants 
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand 
substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats regularly 
inundated by tides and that are nearly flat areas with a layer of algae 
growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are otherwise devoid of 
vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly 
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) 
rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy 
shore (beach/sandbar) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/
sandbar) spoils irregularly inundated by tides; and marine sandy 
coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 5,536 ac (2,242 ha) in Federal ownership (Lower Rio 
Grande Valley NWR), 3,923 ac (1,589 ha) in State ownership, and 5,784 
ac (2,342 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-11 follows:

[[Page 37667]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP15JY21.103

* * * * *

Signing Authority

    The Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approved this 
document and authorized the undersigned to sign and submit the document 
to the Office of the Federal Register for publication electronically as 
an official document of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Martha 
Williams, Principal Deputy Director, Exercising the Delegated Authority 
of the Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, approved this

[[Page 37668]]

document on June 30, 2021, for publication.

Madonna Baucum,
Regulations and Policy Chief, Division of Policy, Economics, Risk 
Management, and Analytics, Joint Administrative Operations, U.S. Fish 
and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2021-14406 Filed 7-14-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-C