Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Designation of Critical Habitat for Rufa Red Knot, 22530-22693 [2023-06619]

Agencies

• Fish and Wildlife Service
• DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

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



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Vol. 88

Thursday,

No. 71

April 13, 2023

Part II





Department of the Interior





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Fish and Wildlife Service





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50 CFR Part 17





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

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

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Fish and Wildlife Service

50 CFR Part 17

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


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

AGENCY: Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

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

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SUMMARY: We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), announce the 
reopening of the comment period on our July 15, 2021, proposed rule 
(hereinafter the ``2021 proposed rule'') to designate critical habitat 
for the rufa red knot (Calidris canutus rufa) under the Endangered 
Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). In this document, we present 
revisions to the critical habitat designation we proposed for the 
species in the 2021 proposed rule. As a result of the critical habitat 
revisions, we now propose to designate a total of approximately 683,405 
acres (276,564 hectares) as critical habitat for the rufa red knot 
across 127 units (18 of which are further subdivided into 46 subunits) 
in Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, 
Louisiana, and Texas. This amounts to an overall increase of 32,615 
acres (13,199 hectares) in our proposed critical habitat designation 
for the species. This revision includes seven new units in 
Massachusetts, New York, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and 
Georgia; revised units in Massachusetts, New Jersey, South Carolina, 
Georgia, and Texas; and corrections to reported acreages/hectares for 
four other units and the total acreage in the 2021 proposed rule. We 
are reopening the comment period to allow all interested parties the 
opportunity to comment on the 2021 proposed rule, as well as the 
revisions described in this document. Comments previously submitted 
need not be resubmitted, as they will be fully considered in 
preparation of the final rule. If the determination is finalized, the 
final rule will include responses to the comments previously received 
from the 2021 proposed rule and any comments received as part of this 
document's reopening of comments.

DATES: The comment period for the 2021 proposed rule is reopened. So 
that we can fully consider your comments in our final determination, 
submit them on or before May 30, 2023. Comments submitted 
electronically using the Federal eRulemaking Portal (see ADDRESSES, 
below) must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date.

ADDRESSES: 
    Document availability: You may obtain copies of the 2021 proposed 
rule and associated documents on the internet at https://www.regulations.gov under Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032.
    Written comments: You may submit written comments by one of the 
following methods:
    (1) Electronically: Go to the Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. In the Search box, enter the docket number or RIN 
for this rulemaking (presented above in the document headings). For 
best results, do not copy and paste either number; instead, type the 
docket number or RIN into the Search box using hyphens. Then, click on 
the Search button. On the resulting page, in the panel on the left side 
of the screen, under the Document Type heading, check the Proposed Rule 
box to locate this document. You may submit a comment by clicking on 
``Comment.''
    (2) By hard copy: Submit by U.S. mail to: Public Comments 
Processing, Attn: FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 
MS: PRB/3W, 5275 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA 22041-3803.
    We request that you send comments only by the methods described 
above. We will post all comments on https://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. Individuals in the United States who are deaf, deafblind, 
hard of hearing, or have a speech disability may dial 711 (TTY, TDD, or 
TeleBraille) to access telecommunications relay services. Individuals 
outside the United States should use the relay services offered within 
their country to make international calls to the point-of-contact in 
the United States.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Public Comments

    We will accept written comments, information, and additional data 
during this reopened comment period on our July 15, 2021, proposed rule 
to designate critical habitat for the rufa red knot (86 FR 37410) 
(hereinafter the ``2021 proposed rule''), the revisions to the proposed 
critical habitat designation that are described in this document, and 
our revised draft economic assessment (DEA) of the proposed critical 
habitat designation. We will consider information and recommendations 
from all interested parties. We are interested in comments concerning:
    (1) The reasons why we should or should not designate habitat as 
``critical habitat'' under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et 
seq.), including information to inform the following factors that the 
regulations identify as reasons why designation of critical habitat may 
be not prudent:
    (a) The species is threatened by taking or other human activity and 
identification of critical habitat can be expected to increase the 
degree of such threat to the species;
    (b) The present or threatened destruction, modification, or 
curtailment of a species' habitat or range is not a threat to the 
species, or threats to the species' habitat stem solely from causes 
that cannot be addressed through management actions resulting from 
consultations under section 7(a)(2) of the Act;
    (c) Areas within the jurisdiction of the United States provide no 
more than negligible conservation value, if any, for a species 
occurring primarily outside the jurisdiction of the United States; or
    (d) No areas meet the definition of critical habitat.
    (2) Specific information on:
    (a) The amount and distribution of rufa red knot habitat;
    (b) What areas, that were occupied at the time of listing 
(specifically referring to January 12, 2015, which is the effective 
date for the December 11, 2014, final listing rule (79 FR 73705)) and 
that contain the physical or biological features essential to the 
conservation of the species, should be included in the designation and 
why;
    (c) Special management considerations or protection that may be 
needed in critical habitat areas we are proposing, including managing 
for the potential effects of climate change; and
    (d) What areas not occupied at the time of listing are essential 
for the conservation of the species. We particularly seek comments 
regarding:
    (i) Whether occupied areas are adequate for the conservation of the 
species; and

[[Page 22531]]

    (ii) Specific information regarding whether or not unoccupied areas 
would, with reasonable certainty, contribute to the conservation of the 
species and contain at least one physical or biological feature 
essential to the conservation of the species.
    (3) Information on land ownership and land use designations and 
current or planned activities in the subject areas and their possible 
impacts on the proposed critical habitat.
    (4) Information on the projected and reasonably likely impacts of 
climate change on the rufa red knot's proposed critical habitat.
    (5) Any probable economic, national security, or other relevant 
impacts of designating any area that may be included in the final 
designation, and the benefits of including or excluding specific areas.
    (6) Information on the extent to which the description of probable 
economic impacts in the draft economic analysis is a reasonable 
estimate of the likely economic impacts.
    (7) Whether any specific areas we are proposing for critical 
habitat designation should be considered for exclusion under section 
4(b)(2) of the Act, and whether the benefits of potentially excluding 
any specific area outweigh the benefits of including that area under 
section 4(b)(2) of the Act, in particular those based on a conservation 
program or plan, and why. These may include Federal, Tribal, State, 
county, local, or private lands with permitted conservation plans 
covering the species in the area such as habitat conservation plans, 
safe harbor agreements, or conservation easements, or non-permitted 
conservation agreements and partnerships that would be encouraged by 
designation of, or exclusion from, critical habitat. Detailed 
information regarding these plans, agreements, easements, and 
partnerships is also requested, including:
    (a) The location and size of lands covered by the plan, agreement, 
easement, or partnership;
    (b) The duration of the plan, agreement, easement, or partnership;
    (c) Who holds or manages the land;
    (d) What management activities are conducted;
    (e) What land uses are allowable; and
    (f) If management activities are beneficial to the rufa red knot 
and its habitat.
    (8) Ongoing or proposed conservation efforts that could result in 
direct or indirect ecological benefits to the associated habitat for 
the rufa red knot; as such, those efforts would lend to the recovery of 
the species and therefore areas covered may be considered for exclusion 
from the final critical habitat designation.
    (9) Whether we could improve our data or modify our approach to 
designating critical habitat in any way to provide for greater public 
participation and understanding, or to better accommodate public 
concerns and comments or to better effectuate the purposes of the Act.
    If you submitted comments or information on the 2021 proposed rule 
or DEA during the comment period that was open from July 15, 2021, to 
September 13, 2021, please do not resubmit them. Any such comments are 
already part of the public record of this rulemaking proceeding, and we 
will fully consider them in the preparation of our final determination. 
Once the determination is finalized, the final rule will take into 
consideration all written comments and any additional information we 
receive during both comment periods. The final decision may differ from 
this revised proposed rule, based on our review of all information we 
receive during this rulemaking proceeding.
    You may submit your comments and materials by one of the methods 
listed in ADDRESSES. We request that you send comments only by the 
methods described in ADDRESSES.
    If you submit a comment via https://www.regulations.gov, your 
entire comment--including any personal identifying information--will be 
posted on the website. We will post all hardcopy comments on https://www.regulations.gov as well. If you submit a hardcopy comment that 
includes personal identifying information, you may request at the top 
of your document that we withhold this information from public review. 
However, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so.
    Comments and materials we receive, as well as supporting 
documentation we used in preparing the proposed rule and DEA, will be 
available for public inspection on https://www.regulations.gov at 
Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, or by appointment, during normal 
business hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, New Jersey 
Ecological Services Field Office (see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT). 
You may obtain copies of the proposed rule and the DEA on the internet 
at https://www.regulations.gov at Docket No. FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032, or by 
mail from the New Jersey Ecological Services Field Office.

Background

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

New Information and Revisions to Proposed Critical Habitat

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

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R5-ES-2021-0032, Supplementary Document FWS-R5-ES-2021-0032-0004). This 
information has resulted in changes to six units described in the 2021 
proposed rule's critical habitat designation, and the addition of seven 
units based on areas that we found to meet the definition of critical 
habitat. No new areas are being proposed beyond the coastal States and 
counties already included in the 2021 proposed rule's critical habitat 
designation. The revised and new units are described in this document.
    In this document, we propose certain revisions to the critical 
habitat designation we proposed for the rufa red knot in the 2021 
proposed rule. Because of these revisions, the numbering for some of 
the critical habitat units has changed from the 2021 proposed rule, 
although the names and descriptions remain the same for these units/
subunits (with the exception of one unit in Georgia (GA-7) with a name 
change). All revisions to unit numbers are described below and listed 
in table 1.
    Specifically, there are no changes within the States of Alabama, 
Louisiana, and Mississippi. We corrected acreages, hectares, or both 
for Unit DE-4 in Delaware, VA-14 in Virginia, GA-9 in Georgia, and FL-1 
in Florida that were incorrectly reported in the 2021 proposed rule; no 
other changes were made to these or other units in Delaware, Virginia, 
and Florida. We propose the following unit revisions or unit additions 
in the States of Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Virginia, North 
Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Texas; all revisions or 
additions are areas occupied by the rufa red knot at the time of 
listing. Our regulations at 50 CFR 424.02 define the geographical area 
occupied by the species as an area that may generally be delineated 
around species' occurrences, as determined by the Secretary (i.e., 
range). Such areas may include those areas used throughout all or part 
of the species' life cycle, even if not used on a regular basis (e.g., 
migratory corridors, seasonal habitats, and habitats used periodically, 
but not solely, by vagrant individuals). Revisions are summarized here 
and full descriptions and acreage changes follow in the ``Revised 
Proposed Critical Habitat Designation'' section, below:
    (1) Massachusetts: We are revising unit numbers because we are 
adding one unit based on our review of comments received during the 
previous open comment period. Specifically, this addition is based on 
our reanalysis and consideration of observation data (Harrington et al. 
2010, entire; Faherty 2021a, pers. comm.; Faherty 2021b, pers. comm.), 
and consideration of flock count observations between 2010 and 2019 
from bandedbirds.org (BandedBirds 2021, entire). The new Unit MA-1 
(Nauset Marsh) occurs in the towns of Orleans and Eastham in Barnstable 
County, to include the area of Salt Bay Pond, Nauset Bay, Nauset Spit, 
and Coast Guard Beach. We are also revising Unit MA-2 (Pleasant Bay; 
formerly Unit MA-1) based on our review of the same bandedbirds.org 
flock count observations. This revised unit begins at the northeastern 
end of Little Pleasant Bay and continues south along Nauset Beach South 
and North Beach to North Beach Island, terminating at the natural 
channel between North Beach Island and South Beach Island (Chatham).
    (2) New York: We are revising unit numbers because we are adding 
one unit based on our reanalysis of information in our files (i.e., 
past surveys by Virginia Tech conducted on Fire Island for the Service 
between 2016 and 2018). In other words, during our reevaluation of the 
best available information, we determined an error when applying the 
methodology and this unit should have been included previously. The new 
Unit NY-2 (Old Inlet) occurs in Suffolk County, surrounded by the 
waters of Bellport Bay and the Atlantic Ocean. Also, we corrected the 
county name on the map for NY-1 to Suffolk County.
    (3) New Jersey: We are revising the boundary of Unit NJ-1 to 
reflect the development and growth of a new island east of Little Beach 
Island. Little Beach Island is within the Edwin B. Forsythe National 
Wildlife Refuge (NWR). The new island, located approximately 1,250 feet 
(ft) (381 meters (m)) offshore of Little Beach, is State-owned land. 
Prior to emerging as a full island in 2020, a smaller exposed shoal was 
present in this area in 2017, and was known to support rufa red knots 
during fall migration by 2019. Based on the high quality of this 
habitat, the high level of use by rufa red knots, and its protection 
from disturbance, we made a minor adjustment to the boundary of this 
unit to include the entire island at its current size and 
configuration. Due to the highly dynamic and shifting nature of this 
new island, the expanded boundary also includes areas of open waters 
surrounding the island in which shoaling was indicated in recent years. 
These minor adjustments to the boundary of this unit were made by 
referencing recent base maps that show the current extent of the 
island.
    (4) Virginia: We are revising some unit numbers because we are 
adding two units based on rufa red knot occupancy and habitat use 
information received by The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and also 
recommended by the State of Virginia (Virginia Department of Wildlife 
Resources 2021, p. 1; TNC 2021, p. 2; Wilke 2021, pers. comm.). The new 
Unit VA-12 (Ship Shoal Island) occurs in Northampton County, including 
both Ship Shoal Island and the area known as Godwin Island. The new 
unit VA-15 (Fisherman Island) occurs in Northampton County at the mouth 
of the Chesapeake Bay and just south of the tip of the Eastern Shore 
peninsula, surrounded by the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic 
Ocean. As noted above, we also corrected the acreage/hectares that were 
incorrectly reported for Unit VA-14 (Smith Island; formerly VA-13) in 
the 2021 proposed rule.
    (5) North Carolina: We are revising some unit numbers because we 
are adding one unit based on rufa red knot occupancy and habitat use 
information received from Audubon North Carolina (Audubon North 
Carolina 2021, p. 2; Addison 2021, pers. comm.). The new Unit NC-6 
(Lea-Hutaff Island) occurs in Pender and New Hanover Counties, 
stretching from the west side of New Topsail Inlet channel west across 
the Rich Inlet channel to the northeast end of Figure Eight Island.
    (6) South Carolina: We are revising some unit numbers because we 
are adding one unit based on our review of comments received from the 
South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) (SCDNR 2021, p. 
3). The new Unit SC-22 (Bay Point Beach) occurs east of Hilton Head 
Island on the eastern side of Port Royal Sound in Beaufort County. We 
are also revising and renaming Unit SC-21 (Fripp Island, Pritchards 
Island, and Little Capers Island Beaches) and revising Unit SC-25 
(Turtle Island and Tomkins Island Beaches; formerly Unit SC-24, Turtle 
Island Beach) based on our review of comments received from the SCDNR 
(SCDNR 2021, p. 3). Units SC-21 and SC-25 include both a change to the 
unit name and the unit boundary. The revised Unit SC-21 begins at the 
Fripp Inlet shoreline of Fripp Island, continues along the Atlantic 
coast shoreline of Fripp Island, and now extends along the Atlantic 
coast shoreline of Pritchards Island and Little Capers Island. The 
revised Unit SC-25 begins at the Calibogue Sound shoreline of Turtle 
Island and now includes all of Tompkins Island in Calibogue Sound east 
of Turtle Island, although the adjusted boundary actually resulted in 
an overall decrease of 27 ac (11 ha) in unit size compared to the 2021 
proposed rule.

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

Physical or Biological Features Essential to the Conservation of the 
Species

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

Revised Proposed Critical Habitat Designation

    In total, we now propose to designate approximately 683,405 ac 
(276,564 ha) in 127 units (18 of which are further subdivided into 46 
subunits) as critical habitat for rufa red knot in Massachusetts, New 
York, New Jersey, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, 
Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas. The 
proposed critical habitat areas described below constitute our best 
assessment, at this time, of areas that meet the definition of critical 
habitat, and all units were occupied at the time of listing and are 
considered currently occupied by the species. Table 1, below, shows the 
proposed unit or subunit names, land ownership, and approximate 
acreage. Where appropriate, table 1 also notes the previous number for 
units for which the numbering has changed.
    As noted in the 2021 proposed rule, the land ownership values in 
many (but not all) proposed critical habitat units also include a 
category called ``uncategorized lands.'' For the purposes of this 
analysis and proposed critical habitat designation, this category 
refers to open water. Although open water is not rufa red knot habitat 
per se, it is an integral part of the habitat mosaic that these birds 
require. Rufa red knots use

[[Page 22534]]

the edges of certain coastal ponds, marsh blowouts, salt pannes, and 
sand or mud flats that may be classified by some States as open water 
if they are submerged during high tides. Additionally, open waters at 
inlets are regularly reshaped by natural coastal processes that create 
and maintain dynamic and ephemeral rufa red knot habitat features, such 
as shoals and spits.
    The areas we propose as critical habitat for the rufa red knot are 
organized by State, north to south; thus, some units were renumbered 
when new units were included in between other units that were presented 
in the 2021 proposed rule's critical habitat designation. This document 
presents brief descriptions of the revised and new units, including the 
reasons why they meet the definition of critical habitat for the rufa 
red knot. Also, many of the proposed units presented in the 2021 
proposed rule (including some of the revised and new units presented in 
this document) overlap in part or whole with existing critical habitat 
designated for one or more other federally threatened species (i.e., 
the piping plover (Charadrius melodus), the loggerhead sea turtle 
(Caretta caretta), the Gulf sturgeon (Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi), 
and the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus)), and one federally 
endangered species (i.e., the aboriginal prickly-apple (Harrisia 
aboriginum)). Table 2, below, shows the acreage of overlap between the 
rufa red knot proposed critical habitat designation and the existing 
critical habitat designated for these other federally listed species, 
including notation of changes based on this revised proposed rule.
    Additional considerations for the previously proposed units and the 
revised or new units presented in this document include:
    (1) Most of the units contain highly dynamic barrier beaches and 
intertidal seashore areas that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide. This area has the potential to vary year-to-year. In other 
words, the precise location of the physical or biological features may 
shift daily as a result of tides, but also may shift over time somewhat 
because of the intrinsically dynamic nature of shorelines and due to 
sea level rise. In general, the physical or biological features we 
describe are the intertidal areas and sandy beaches up to the vegetated 
or developed areas that do not contain the physical or biological 
features.
    (2) The availability of different habitats based on the tide cycle 
may also cause rufa red knots to vary foraging or roosting locations 
throughout a day and/or forage at night.

                     Table 1--Revised Proposed Critical Habitat Units for the Rufa Red Knot
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
   Critical habitat unit or     Land ownership                      Approx.         Proposed      Previous unit
    subunit name  (State)          by type       Approx. acres     hectares         changes         numbering
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                  Massachusetts
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA-1 Nauset Marsh............  Federal........           1,340             543  New Unit.......  New Unit.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..             136              55
                               Uncategorized..             744             301
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,219             899
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA-2 Pleasant Bay............  Federal........             126              51  No Change......  Formerly MA-1.
                               State..........               0               0  No Change......
                               Private/Other..           2,005             812  +409 ac (166
                                                                                 ha).
                               Uncategorized..           2,827           1,144  +193 ac (78 ha)
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           4,959           2,007  +602 ac (244
                                                                                 ha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MA-3 Monomoy and South Beach   Federal........           4,047           1,638  No Change......  Formerly MA-2.
 Islands.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..           1,045             423
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           5,093           2,061
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    New York
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY-1 Moriches Inlet..........  Federal........              78              32  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........              63              25
                               Private/Other..             163              66
                               Uncategorized..             697             282
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,001             405
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY-2 Old Inlet...............  Federal........           1,481             599  New Unit.......  New Unit.
                               State..........             232              94
                               Private/Other..              67              27
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,781             721
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NY-3 Jones Inlet.............  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  Formerly NY-2.
                               State..........             710             287
                               Private/Other..           1,111             450

[[Page 22535]]

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

[[Page 22536]]

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

[[Page 22537]]

 
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             540             218
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-2B Wallops Island South...  Federal........              31              13  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........              31              13
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-3 Assawoman Island........  Federal........             633             256  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             633             256
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-4 Metompkin Island........  Federal........              64              26  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........              56              22
                               Private/Other..           1,239             502
                               Uncategorized..             110              44
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,468             594
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-5 Cedar Island............  Federal........             203              82  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........              77              31
                               Private/Other..             920             372
                               Uncategorized..           1,074             434
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,274             920
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-6 Parramore Island........  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..           5,631           2,280
                               Uncategorized..           1,171             473
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           6,802           2,753
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-7 Chimney Pole Marsh......  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........           1,224             496
                               Private/Other..             285             116
                               Uncategorized..             495             200
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,004             811
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-8 Hog Island..............  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........              16               7
                               Private/Other..           2,966           1,201
                               Uncategorized..             253             101
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           3,235           1,309
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-9 Cobb Island.............  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........              16               7
                               Private/Other..           1,778             720
                               Uncategorized..             547             221
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,342             948
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-10 Little Cobb Island.....  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..              82              33
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........              82              33
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-11 Wreck Island...........  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........           1,270             514
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22538]]

 
                                Total.........           1,270             514
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-12 Ship Shoal Island......  Federal........               0               0  New Unit.......  New Unit.
                               State..........             426             172
                               Private/Other..           1,941             785
                               Uncategorized..              60              24
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,426             982
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-13 Myrtle Island..........  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  Formerly VA-12.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..           1,028             417
                               Uncategorized..             388             156
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,416             573
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-14 Smith Island...........  Federal........               0               0  No Change to     Formerly VA-13.
                                                                                 Unit But
                                                                                 Corrected
                                                                                 Acreage.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..           3,258           1,319
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           3,258           1,319
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
VA-15 Fisherman Island.......  Federal........           2,413             977  New Unit.......  New Unit.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,413             977
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 North Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-1A Hatteras Island and      Federal........           4,940           1,999  No Change......  No Change.
 Shoals.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..             814             329
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           5,754           2,329
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-1B Ocracoke Island........  Federal........           1,427             577  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........           3,612           1,462
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..             575             233
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           5,613           2,271
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-2A North Core Banks.......  Federal........           6,534           2,644  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..           1,654             669
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           8,187           3,313
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-2B South Core Banks.......  Federal........           3,094           1,252  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           3,094           1,252
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-3 Shackleford Island......  Federal........           4,972           2,012  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           4,972           2,012
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-4 Emerald Isle-Atlantic     Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Beach.
                               State..........           1,908             772
                               Private/Other..             122              50
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22539]]

 
                                Total.........           2,030             822
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-5 New Topsail Inlet-        Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Topsail Beach.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..           1,612             652
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,612             652
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-6 Lea-Hutaff Island.......  Federal........               0               0  New Unit.......  New Unit.
                               State..........              72              29
                               Private/Other..             427             173
                               Uncategorized..             586             237
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,085             439
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-7 Cape Fear-Fort Fisher...  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  Formerly NC-6.
                               State..........           1,713             693
                               Private/Other..             274             111
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,986             804
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-8 Ocean Isle Beach........  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  Formerly NC-7.
                               State..........             182              73
                               Private/Other..             116              47
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             298             120
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NC-9 Sunset Beach-Bird Island  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  Formerly NC-8.
                               State..........             345             139
                               Private/Other..              39              16
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             384             155
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                 South Carolina
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-1 Garden City Beach.......  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             267             108
                               Private/Other..             349             141
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             616             249
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-2 Huntington Beach State    Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Park-Litchfield Beach.
                               State..........              80              32
                               Private/Other..           1,554             629
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,634             661
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-3 Sand and South Island     Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Beaches.
                               State..........           7,843           3,174
                               Private/Other..             129              52
                               Uncategorized..             283             115
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           8,256           3,341
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-4 Murphy Island Beach.....  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........           8,312           3,364
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           8,312           3,364
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-5 North Cape Island Beach.  Federal........             775             313  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             495             200

[[Page 22540]]

 
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,270             514
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-6 South Cape and            Federal........           1,552             628  No Change......  No Change.
 Lighthouse Island Beaches.
                               State..........             485             196
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,037             824
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-7 Raccoon Key Complex and   Federal........           5,324           2,154  No Change......  No Change.
 White Banks Beaches.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           5,324           2,154
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-8 Marsh Island............  Federal........             415             168  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             415             168
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-9 Bulls Island Beach......  Federal........           5,200           2,104  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             941             381
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           6,141           2,485
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-10 Capers Island Beach....  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........           2,534           1,026
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,534           1,026
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-11 Dewees Island Beach....  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             265             107
                               Private/Other..           1,547             626
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,812             733
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-12 Isle of Palms Beach....  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             754             305
                               Private/Other..           3,363           1,361
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           4,117           1,666
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-13 Sullivan's Island Beach  Federal........              83              34  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             694             281
                               Private/Other..           1,005             407
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,782             721
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-14 Folly Beach............  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..           1,989             805
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,989             805
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-15 Bird Key Stono.........  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             294             119

[[Page 22541]]

 
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             294             119
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-16 Kiawah and Seabrook      Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Island Beaches.
                               State..........           1,399             566
                               Private/Other..           9,850           3,986
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........          11,250           4,553
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-17 Deveaux Bank...........  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........           1,328             538
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,328             538
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-18 Edisto Island Beaches..  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             650             263
                               Private/Other..           1,093             442
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,743             705
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-19 Pine and Otter Island    Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Beaches.
                               State..........           6,296           2,548
                               Private/Other..               6               2
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           6,302           2,550
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-20 Harbor and Hunting       Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Island Beaches.
                               State..........           3,246           1,313
                               Private/Other..             820             331
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           4,066           1,645
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-21 Fripp, Pritchards, and   Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Little Capers Islands'
 Beaches.
                               State..........           4,055           1,641  +3,750 ac
                                                                                 (1,517 ha).
                               Private/Other..           6,123           2,478  +5,694 ac
                                                                                 (2,304 ha).
                               Uncategorized..               0               0  No Change......
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........          10,178           4,119  +9,444 ac
                                                                                 (3,822 ha).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-22 Bay Point Island Beach.  Federal........               0               0  New Unit.......  New Unit.
                               State..........             553             224
                               Private/Other..           1,145             464
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,698             687
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-23 Hilton Head Island       Federal........               0               0  No Change......  Formerly SC-22.
 Beach.
                               State..........           1,015             411
                               Private/Other..             667             270
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,682             681
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SC-24 Daufuskie Island Beach.  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  Formerly SC-23.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..           6,370           2,578
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           6,370           2,578
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22542]]

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

[[Page 22543]]

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

[[Page 22544]]

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

[[Page 22545]]

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

[[Page 22546]]

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

[[Page 22547]]

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

[[Page 22548]]

 
FL-24B St. Vincent National    Federal........             742             300  No Change......  No Change.
 Wildlife Refuge.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             742             300
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-24C Flagg Island Shoals...  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             517             209
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             517             209
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-25A Cape San Blas to        Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Indian Pass.
                               State..........             133              54
                               Private/Other..             486             197
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             620             251
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
FL-25B St. Joseph Bay-Eastern  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Shore.
                               State..........             761             308
                               Private/Other..              66              27
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             827             335
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                     Alabama
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
AL-1 Dauphin Island..........  Federal........             484             196  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             848             343
                               Private/Other..           3,834           1,552
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           5,167           2,091
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                   Mississippi
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MS-1 Ship Island.............  Federal........           2,452             993  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,452             993
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MS-2 Cat Island..............  Federal........             686             278  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........           1,305             528
                               Private/Other..             129              52
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,121             858
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                    Louisiana
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA-1 Chandeleur Islands......  Federal........           7,632           3,088  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........               0               0
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           7,632           3,088
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA-2 Barataria Barrier         Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Islands and Headlands.
                               State..........             126              51
                               Private/Other..           7,669           3,104
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           7,795           3,155
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22549]]

 
LA-3 Terrebonne Barrier        Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Islands.
                               State..........           2,900           1,173
                               Private/Other..           2,172             879
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           5,072           2,052
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LA-4 Southwest Louisiana       Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Beaches.
                               State..........           1,497             606
                               Private/Other..           4,633           1,875
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           6,130           2,481
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                      Texas
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-1 Rollover Pass to Bolivar  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Flats.
                               State..........             482             195  +214 ac (87 ha)
                               Private/Other..             996             403  No Change......
                               Uncategorized..               0               0  No Change......
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,478             598  +214 ac (87 ha)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-2 West Galveston Island...  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             307             124
                               Private/Other..             282             114
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             590             239
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-3 Cedar Lake to Colorado    Federal........               0               0  No Change to     No Change.
 River.                                                                          Unit But
                                                                                 Corrected
                                                                                 Hectares.
                               State..........           1,075             435
                               Private/Other..             128              52
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,204             487
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-4 Mustang Island..........  Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........             395             160
                               Private/Other..             253             102
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             648             262
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-5 Mollie Beattie Coastal    Federal........               0               0  No Change......  No Change.
 Habitat.
                               State..........             505             205
                               Private/Other..             218              88
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........             723             293
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-6 North Padre Island......  Federal........           2,487           1,007  No Change......  No Change.
                               State..........              68              27
                               Private/Other..             262             106
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           2,817           1,140
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-7 Upper Laguna Madre/       Federal........             273             111  No Change......  No Change.
 Nighthawk Bay.
                               State..........             816             330
                               Private/Other..              68              28
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------
                                Total.........           1,157             469
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
TX-8 Dagger Hill-Yarborough    Federal........           9,731           3,938  No Change to     No Change.
 Pass-Nine Mile Hole.                                                            Unit But
                                                                                 Corrected
                                                                                 Hectares.
                               State..........          23,042           9,325
                               Private/Other..               0               0
                               Uncategorized..               0               0
                                               -----------------------------------------------------------------

[[Page 22550]]

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


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

    The revised proposed critical habitat designation is defined by the 
map or maps, as modified by any accompanying regulatory text, presented 
at the end of this document under Proposed Regulation Promulgation. The 
rule portion of this document depicts all the proposed critical habitat 
units, including those originally proposed July 15, 2021, and unchanged 
via this document. Because we are adding proposed critical habitat 
units, the paragraph designations have changed, so we are setting forth 
the entire proposed rule in this document instead

[[Page 22551]]

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

Unit MA-1: Nauset Marsh

    Unit MA-1 consists of approximately 2,219 ac (899 ha) of highly 
dynamic barrier beaches and intertidal (i.e., seashore that is covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide) areas in the towns of Orleans 
and Eastham in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. The unit includes 
exposed intertidal flats, shoals, mudflats, and intertidal salt marsh 
pannes in Salt Pond Bay and Nauset Bay, and ephemeral tidal pools, 
primary sand dunes, and beaches associated with Nauset Spit (Orleans 
and Eastham) and Coast Guard Beach (Eastham). The southern end of the 
unit begins at Nauset Spit north of Mill Pond where the peninsula is 
bordered by bay and oceanside waters, and heads east following the 
mainland shoreline past Woods Cove (but not including the cove) to the 
shoreline of Fort Hill (Eastham). The unit then follows the shoreline 
around Salt Pond Bay to the north end of Nauset Bay where the boundary 
continues east across Coast Guard Beach to mean low low water (MLLW; 
i.e., the lowest of the low tides per day averaged over a 19-year 
period) on the ocean side. The eastern unit border continues south 
crossing the inlet between Coast Guard Beach and Nauset Spit (Eastham) 
following oceanside MLLW until the spit is no longer bordered by the 
bay and ocean, at which point the boundary heads west. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 1,340 ac (543 ha; 60 percent) in 
Federal ownership, 136 ac (55 ha; 6 percent) in private/other 
ownership, and 744 ac (301 ha; 34 percent) that are uncategorized. 
General land use within this unit is primarily recreational, including 
offshore and surf fishing, shellfish digging (both recreational and 
commercial), boating, over-sand vehicle use, sunbathing, swimming, and 
walking.
    Unit MA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. The unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound 
stopover site in the New England portion of the subspecies' range. 
Additionally, this location consistently supports large concentrations 
of migrating rufa red knots annually due to the large intertidal areas 
and beach habitat that provides multiple foraging and roosting habitat 
areas for the birds to build energy resources for migration.
    Threats identified within Unit MA-1 include disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities including 
but not limited to, pets and domestic animals, off-road vehicles 
(ORVs), powered and unpowered boats, surf kites, and surf fishing, 
predation (especially by migrating raptors and owls), possible 
modification or loss of habitat (i.e., dredging), and natural or human-
caused disasters (i.e. hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat 
and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during migration 
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), 
and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills through protective 
spill response plans and training (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). The National 
Park Service (NPS) lands within the unit (i.e., Cape Cod National 
Seashore) are managed under a comprehensive shorebird management plan 
(NPS 2018, entire).

Unit MA-2: Pleasant Bay

    Unit MA-2 consists of approximately 4,959 ac (2,007 ha) of highly 
dynamic barrier beaches and intertidal areas in the towns of Chatham 
and Orleans in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. The unit includes 
exposed intertidal flats, shoals, mudflats, and intertidal salt marsh 
pannes in Little Pleasant Bay and Pleasant Bay, and ephemeral tidal 
pools, primary sand dunes, and beaches associated with Nauset Beach 
South (Orleans), North Beach (Chatham), and North Beach Island 
(Chatham). The unit begins at the northeastern end of Little Pleasant 
Bay going east to the edge of the saltmarsh, continuing south on the 
interior of Nauset Beach South approximately 1.7 mi (2.7 km) then east 
to MLLW on the east side of Nauset Beach South, continuing south along 
Nauset Beach South and North Beach to North Beach Island at MLLW and 
terminating at the natural channel between North Beach Island and South 
Beach Island (Chatham). The western side of the unit runs offshore of 
the mainland, west of small islands in Pleasant and Little Pleasant 
Bays (Little Sipson Island, Strong Island, and Tern Island) and east of 
Hog Island and Sampson Island, incorporating intertidal lands 
associated with the islands. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 126 ac (51 ha; 3 percent) in Federal ownership, 2,005 ac 
(812 ha; 40 percent) in private/other ownership, and 2,827 ac (1,144 
ha; 57 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within this 
unit is primarily recreational, including offshore and surf fishing, 
shellfish digging (both recreational and commercial), boating, over-
sand vehicle use, sunbathing, swimming, and walking.
    Unit MA-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. The unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site in the New England portion of 
the subspecies' range. Additionally, this location consistently 
supports a few thousand migrating rufa red knots due to the large 
intertidal areas and beach habitat that provides multiple foraging and 
roosting habitat areas for the birds to build energy resources for 
migration.
    Threats identified within Unit MA-2 include disturbance of foraging 
and roosting rufa red knots by humans and human activities including 
but not limited to, pets and domestic animals, ORVs, powered and 
unpowered boats, surf kites, and surf fishing, predation (especially by 
migrating raptors and owls), possible modification or loss of habitat 
(e.g., dredging or mining of sand flats), and natural or human-caused 
disasters (i.e., oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent 
saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills through protective spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). The National Park Service (NPS) 
manages Cape Cod National Seashore under a comprehensive shorebird 
management plan (NPS 2018, entire) (Shorebird Plan). However, due to 
the small and isolated nature of NPS inholdings in this unit, these 
areas are not actively managed under the Shorebird Plan.

[[Page 22552]]

Unit NY-2: Old Inlet

    Unit NY-2 (Old Inlet) consists of 1,781 ac (721 ha) of highly 
dynamic beach, sand flats, bay islands, back bay shoreline, intertidal 
areas, and surface water within the town of Brookhaven, Suffolk County, 
New York. The unit is irregularly shaped and bounded to the south by 
the Atlantic Ocean, to the west by the Fire Island National Seashore's 
Federal Otis G. Pike Wilderness Area, and to the east by the 
continuation of the Federal wilderness area. Its northern boundary lies 
approximately in the lower third of Bellport Bay. Additionally, 
portions of the northern and southern areas of the unit are not 
contiguous, as they are separated by a vegetated dune and washover 
areas. Lands within this unit include approximately 1,481 ac (599 ha; 
83 percent) in Federal ownership; 232 ac (94 ha; 13 percent) in State 
ownership; and 67 ac (27 ha; 4 percent) in private/other ownership 
(including the town of Brookhaven). General land use within this unit 
is recreational activities (e.g., fishing, bird watching, boating, open 
space use). Coastal engineering structures are absent, but beach 
nourishment programs are implemented along the ocean beach to the east 
by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Smith Point County Park (via 
coordination and agreements with the State of New York and Suffolk 
County).
    Unit NY-2 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the fall migration period, serving as an important southbound 
stopover site. The area has a relatively undeveloped character that 
provides protection from intensive human uses. Episodic storm events 
have also contributed to habitat creation, and, in turn, optimal rufa 
red knot habitat conditions. The bay islands and associated wetlands 
are managed for wildlife, which provides some limits to the amount of 
disturbance that rufa red knots or their habitat may experience from 
recreation and other human activities (e.g., commercial shell fishing, 
dredging, and shoreline dock/pier projects).
    Threats identified within Unit NY-2 include: (1) Sea level rise; 
(2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., beach nourishment that could 
remove habitat, preclude the formation of habitat such as exposed 
shoals, and impact adjacent shoreline habitats by altering currents and 
sediment transport/deposition patterns); (3) predation in nonbreeding 
areas; and (4) human disturbance (e.g., recreational fishing and 
driving, and motorized boat traffic or aircraft that create noise 
disturbance). Special management considerations or protection measures 
to reduce or alleviate the threats may include reducing disturbance 
(e.g., humans, pets, vehicles, and watercraft), conducting predator 
control, and implementing conservation measures that help reduce 
modification or loss of habitat from soft beach stabilization efforts 
(e.g., time-of-year restrictions for beach nourishment and dredging 
activities, establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during 
certain times of year to address erosion) (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection in the 2021 proposed rule).
    The town of Brookhaven lands (both marine and estuarine habitats 
within this unit) are managed in cooperation with the New York State 
Wildlife Action Plan (New York State Department of Environmental 
Conservation 2015, entire). Additionally, the designated South Shore 
Estuary Reserve implements a Comprehensive Management Plan (South Shore 
Estuary Reserve Council 2001, entire), which encompasses Units NY-1, 
NY-2, and NY-3, and serves as a guidance document for municipalities 
and private/public sectors to conserve or protect habitats and waters 
within the Reserve. Unit NY-2 is within the boundaries of the Fire 
Island National Seashore's Federal Otis G. Pike Wilderness Area. The 
NPS prepared the ``Fire Island National Seashore Wilderness Breach 
Management Plan/Environmental Impact Statement'' to provide a thorough 
evaluation to determine the potential benefits and consequences of 
management strategies prior to making a decision on how to manage the 
wilderness breach (NPS 2017, entire).

Unit NJ-1: Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets

    Unit NJ-1 consists of 9,952 ac (4,027 ha) of beach, dune, shoals, 
open water, and tidal marsh associated with two inlets (i.e., small 
arms of the ocean) in Ocean and Atlantic Counties, New Jersey, 
extending from the northern boundary of the Holgate Unit of Edwin B. 
Forsythe (Forsythe) NWR, west to the ``Seven Islands'' portion of Great 
Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, and south nearly to 15th Street 
North in Brigantine City. To the north, the unit encompasses the 
Holgate Unit of the Forsythe NWR and includes several areas within the 
Great Bay Boulevard Wildlife Management Area, owned by the State of New 
Jersey (e.g., Seven Islands and other islands on either side of Great 
Bay Boulevard south of Big Sheepshead Creek). The unit also includes 
portions of Little Beach Island within the Forsythe NWR, and portions 
of the North Brigantine Natural Area owned by the State of New Jersey. 
This unit includes extensive areas of shoals and sand or mud flats 
(such as the new island east of Little Beach Island that is within the 
Edwin B. Forsythe NWR), which are generally owned by the State. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 1,560 ac (632 ha; 16 percent) in 
Federal ownership, 3,187 ac (1,291 ha; 32 percent) in State ownership, 
10 ac (4 ha; less than 1 percent) in private/other ownership, and 5,194 
ac (2,101 ha; 52 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use 
within this unit is almost entirely undeveloped and managed for 
wildlife and other natural resource values, as well as recreation.
    Unit NJ-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site. This unit has an undeveloped 
character that provides protection from intensive human uses. The lack 
of hard structures and other coastal engineering practices in this unit 
allows optimal rufa red knot habitat conditions to be created and 
maintained by natural coastal processes, which is a condition that is 
rare in the mid-Atlantic. The Little Egg Inlet is the only unmodified 
inlet in New Jersey and one of only two unmodified inlets between 
Montauk, New York, and Chincoteague, Virginia, a shoreline distance of 
nearly 350 mi (563 km) (Rice 2016, pp. 24-25). Nearly all the lands in 
the unit are managed for wildlife, which limits disturbance of rufa red 
knots from recreation and other human activities.
    Threats identified within Unit NJ-1 include: (1) Sea level rise 
that may accelerate faster than landforms can migrate through natural 
coastal processes; (2) coastal engineering activities (e.g., ongoing 
updrift beach nourishment; proposed enlargement of a terminal groin 
immediately adjacent to the unit's northern limit; ongoing and proposed 
dredging that could remove habitat (e.g., exposed shoals), preclude 
habitat formation, and/or impact adjacent shoreline habitats by 
altering sediment transport/deposition patterns); (3) aquaculture 
leases; (4) predation in nonbreeding areas; and (5) human disturbance 
(e.g., recreational fishing and driving in the fall, motorized boat

[[Page 22553]]

traffic and aircraft year round). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
managing sources of disturbance (e.g., humans, pets, vehicles, and 
watercraft), managing predator populations, and implementing 
conservation measures to abate habitat impacts from coastal engineering 
projects and from sea level rise (see Special Management Considerations 
or Protection in the July 15, 2021, proposed rule). Federal lands in 
this unit are managed under the Edwin B. Forsythe NWR Comprehensive 
Conservation Plan (Service 2004a, entire). State lands within the North 
Brigantine Natural Area are covered by a Beach Management Plan (Service 
and New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection 2019, entire).

Unit VA-12: Ship Shoal Island

    This unit consists of a total of 2,426 ac (982 ha) in Northampton 
County, Virginia, including both Ship Shoal Island and the area known 
as Godwin Island. The north boundary is Red Drum Drain and New Inlet, 
the south boundary is Ship Shoal Inlet, the west boundary is South Bay, 
and the east boundary is the Atlantic Ocean. The boundary for the 
island and marsh complex extends outward past the MLLW line and 
includes the areas that are slightly inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 
cm) of water. The unit is composed of 426 ac (172 ha; 18 percent) in 
State ownership, 1,941 ac (785 ha; 80 percent) in private/other 
ownership, and the remaining 60 ac (24 ha; 2 percent) is uncategorized. 
The island is composed of extensive mud flats, low marsh, sandy 
beaches, overwash areas, and tidal channels. General land use within 
this unit is scientific research (e.g., surveys and monitoring for 
nesting shorebirds); this area is closed to visitor use at all times 
for scientific research and safety reasons (TNC 2017, p. 1).
    Unit VA-12 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit is essential to the conservation of the species 
because it is used by rufa red knots in conjunction with other proposed 
critical habitat units with large concentrations of rufa red knots 
observed during the spring migration season and provides high-quality 
habitat that is protected from disturbance. Additionally, rufa red 
knots are known to move from island to island daily within the barrier 
island chain; the whole chain of islands serves as important foraging 
and roosting habitat for the rufa red knot. Therefore, inclusion of 
unit VA-12 accurately captures how rufa red knots are using the 
available habitat along Virginia's Eastern Shore.
    The threats identified within Unit VA-12 include: (1) Natural 
(e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) disasters, and 
(2) erosional processes and accelerated loss of shoreline habitat in 
response to climate change and sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing scientific research activity access to 
rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent upland roosting habitat 
during migration, and establishing temporary sanctuaries and management 
during certain times of year to address erosion (see Special Management 
Considerations or Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). The island is 
owned and managed by TNC as part of the Virginia Coast Reserve, 
management of which is identified in a Conservation Action Plan that 
outlines priorities and strategies for conservation activities (Wilke 
2020, pers. comm.).

Unit VA-15: Fisherman Island

    This unit consists of a total of 2,413 ac (977 ha) in Northampton 
County, Virginia. The unit is an oval-shaped island located at the 
mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and is just south of the tip of the Eastern 
Shore peninsula. The island is surrounded by the waters of the 
Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. It is bisected by U.S. Route 13 and 
the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel complex. The interior boundary is 
along the dune line where the habitat changes from sandy beach with 
little vegetation to densely vegetated dunes or marshland, as well as 
densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward of the 
beach and primary dune. The unit extends seaward past the MLLW line and 
includes areas that are slightly inundated with less than 3 in (7.6 cm) 
of water. The unit is federally owned by the Service's Eastern Shore of 
Virginia NWR. General land use within this unit includes low-impact 
recreational day use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, photography) only 
provided through guided tours from September through February. In 
addition, scientific research (e.g., survey and monitoring of natural 
resources, such as federally listed species) may occur year-round.
    Unit VA-15 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit is essential to the conservation of the species 
because it is used by rufa red knots in conjunction with other proposed 
critical habitat units with large concentrations of rufa red knots 
observed during the spring migration season and provides high-quality 
habitat that is protected from disturbance. Additionally, rufa red 
knots are known to move from island-to-island daily within the barrier 
island chain; the whole chain of islands serves as important foraging 
and roosting habitat for the rufa red knot. Therefore, inclusion of 
unit VA-15 accurately captures how rufa red knots are using the 
available habitat along Virginia's Eastern Shore.
    Threats identified within Unit VA-15 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots by trespass recreational beach 
use, (2) natural (e.g., hurricanes) or human-caused (e.g., oil spills) 
disasters, and (3) accelerated loss of shoreline habitat from erosional 
processes in response to sea level rise. Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging habitat 
and adjacent upland roosting habitat during migration (through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), and 
establishing temporary sanctuaries and management during certain times 
of year to address erosion (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). Currently, Eastern Shore of 
Virginia and Fisherman Island NWRs address some of these threats in 
their Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2004b, entire) and 
Habitat Management Plan (Service 2018, entire).

Unit NC-6: Lea-Hutaff Island

    Unit NC-6 consists of approximately 1,085 ac (439 ha) of occupied 
habitat including all of Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender and New Hanover 
Counties consisting of shoreline habitat that stretches approximately 
4.8 mi (7.7 km) from the west side of the New Topsail Inlet channel 
west across the Rich Inlet channel to the toe of the primary dune or 
dense vegetation line on the northeast end of Figure Eight Island. This 
unit includes from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the rufa red knot) begins and where the 
physical or biological features no longer occur. This unit also 
includes the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal 
deltas associated with the west side of the New Topsail Inlet channel, 
and the emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal 
deltas on the west side of Rich Inlet channel. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 72 ac (29 ha; 7 percent) in State ownership, and 
427 ac (173 ha; 39

[[Page 22554]]

percent) in private/other ownership, and 586 ac (237 ha; 54 percent) 
that are uncategorized. State lands in this unit include parcels on the 
northeast end of Lea-Hutaff Island. General land use within this unit 
includes low-impact recreational day use (e.g., hiking, bird watching, 
photography and shell collecting). Additionally, scientific research 
(e.g., survey and monitoring of natural resources, such as federally 
listed species) may occur year-round.
    Unit NC-6 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. Approximately 852 ac (345 ha) of this unit overlap with 
designated critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover 
(66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001) and 238 ac (96 ha) overlap with the 
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 
2014).
    Threats identified within Unit NC-6 include: (1) Depredation by 
native and nonnative predators; (2) modification or loss of habitat or 
both due to erosion and sea level rise; and (3) response to natural and 
human-caused disasters (i.e., hurricanes, oil spills). Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include managing access to rufa red knot foraging 
habitat and adjacent saltmarsh and upland roosting habitat during 
migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of 
activities), conducting habitat management or restoration (e.g., living 
shorelines, raising marsh elevations, facilitated shoreline migration), 
managing predator populations, managing human activities that disturb 
foraging rufa red knots, and managing sediment sources both within the 
unit and adjacent Rich Inlet and New Topsail Inlet (see Special 
Management Considerations or Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). 
State lands within this unit are managed under the 2015 North Carolina 
Wildlife Action Plan (NCWRC 2015, entire).

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

    Unit SC-21 consists of 10,178 ac (4,119 ha) of Fripp Island, 
Pritchards Island, and Little Capers Island, barrier islands off the 
coast in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on 
the shoreline of Fripp Island on the south side of Fripp Inlet and 
extends southwest along the Atlantic Ocean shorelines of Fripp Island, 
Pritchards Island, and Little Capers Island to the eastern side of 
Trenchards Inlet where the boundary follows the southern shoreline of 
the Story River. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the 
toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
Fripp, Skull, and Trenchards Inlets as well as the unnamed inlets along 
the Little Capers Island shoreline. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 4,055 ac (1,641 ha; 40 percent) in State ownership and 
6,123 ac (2,478 ha; 60 percent) in private/other ownership. General 
land use within this unit includes residential development, tourism, 
and outdoor recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, birdwatching, boating, 
and fishing).
    Unit SC-21 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site. The majority of this unit, with the exception of Fripp 
Island, has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that 
provides protection from intensive human uses. Approximately 660 ac 
(267 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 10, 2001), and 97 
ac (39 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for 
the federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 
2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-21 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off-leash dogs, walking/running/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). Private/other lands within this 
unit are managed under the 1992 Comprehensive Beach Management Plan of 
Beaufort County (Beaufort County Planning Board 1992, entire) and the 
2020 Fripp Island Beach Management Plan (Beaufort County 2020, entire).

Unit SC-22: Bay Point Island Beach

    Unit SC-22 consists of 1,698 ac (687 ha) of Bay Point Island, a 
barrier island off the coast in Beaufort County, South Carolina. The 
unit boundary begins on the Trenchards Inlet shoreline at the entrance 
to Morse Island Creek and follows the Atlantic Ocean shoreline to the 
eastern shoreline of Port Royal Round to the western entrance to Morse 
Island Creek. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe 
of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the rufa 
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent shoals 
(sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with 
Morse Creek and Trenchards Inlet within the unit boundary. Lands within 
this unit include approximately 553 ac (224 ha; 33 percent) in State 
ownership and 1,145 ac (464 ha; 67 percent) in private/other ownership. 
General land use within this unit includes outdoor recreational use 
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, birdwatching, and fishing).
    Unit SC-22 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This 
unit has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that 
provides protection from intensive human uses. Approximately 595 ac 
(241 ha) of this unit overlap with designated critical habitat for the 
federally threatened loggerhead sea turtle (79 FR 39756, July 10, 
2014).
    Threats identified within Unit SC-22 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off-leash dogs, walking too close to flocks of red knots,

[[Page 22555]]

powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled 
recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance 
associated with response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., 
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating red knots (e.g., 
managing recreational access to key rufa red knot foraging and roosting 
habitat during migration through restrictions on timing, locations, and 
types of activities) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection in the July 15, 2021, proposed rule). Private/other lands 
within this unit are managed under the 1992 Comprehensive Beach 
Management Plan of Beaufort County (Beaufort County Planning Board 
1992, entire).

Unit SC-25: Turtle Island and Tomkins Island Beaches

    Unit SC-25 consists of 1,771 ac (717 ha) on Turtle Island (a sea 
island) and Tompkins Island (a human-made island) in Calibogue Sound in 
Jasper County, South Carolina. The unit boundary begins on the southern 
shoreline of the New River and extends southwest along the Calibogue 
Sound shoreline to the Wright River shoreline of Turtle Island. The 
unit boundary also includes the entire Calibogue Sound shoreline of 
Tompkins Island located east of Turtle Island. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly 
dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at 
high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with the unnamed inlet in the 
center of the Turtle Island shoreline. Lands within this unit are 
entirely in State ownership as SCDNR's Turtle Island Wildlife 
Management Area and a SCDNR seabird sanctuary. General land use within 
this unit includes wildlife management and outdoor recreational use 
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, birdwatching, and fishing).
    Unit SC-25 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This 
unit also has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that 
provides protection from intensive human uses.
    Threats identified within Unit SC-25 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off-leash dogs, walking/running through or too close to flocks of red 
knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating 
red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and managing the collection 
of spawning horseshoe crabs for biomedical use (e.g., limiting location 
and timing of collection) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). State lands and waters within 
this unit are managed under the SCDNR's State Wildlife Action Plan 
(SCDNR 2015, entire).

Unit GA-1: Cockspur Island and Daymark Island Beaches

    Unit GA-1 consists of 802 ac (325 ha) of Cockspur and Daymark 
Islands in the mouth of the Savannah River in Chatham County, Georgia. 
The unit boundary includes the entire Savannah River and South Channel 
of the Savannah River shorelines of Cockspur and Daymark Islands and 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the rufa red knot) begins (i.e., 
the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy intertidal zone that is covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). Lands within this unit include 
approximately 708 ac (287 ha; 88 percent) in Federal ownership as part 
of the U.S. Coast Guard's Station Tybee and NPS's Fort Pulaski National 
Monument, and 94 ac (38 ha; 12 percent) in State ownership. General 
land use within this unit includes a U.S. Coast Guard installation, 
national monument visitation and recreational day uses (e.g., boating, 
fishing, birdwatching).
    Unit GA-1 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning.
    Threats identified within Unit GA-1 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
off-leash dogs, running/walking/biking through or too close to flocks 
of red knots, powered boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative 
predators; (3) modification or loss of habitat or both due to 
uncontrolled recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) 
disturbance associated with the response to natural and human-caused 
disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management 
considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate the 
threats may include managing recreational access to key rufa red knot 
foraging and roosting habitat during migration (through restrictions on 
timing, locations, and types of activities) and limiting shoreline 
stabilization project construction windows (e.g., outside of rufa red 
knot migration windows) (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). Federal lands are managed under 
the Fort Pulaski National Monument Final General Management Plan (NPS 
2013, entire) and the U.S. Coast Guard's Environmental Planning 
Implementation Procedures (U.S. Coast Guard 2020, entire).

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

    Unit GA-5 consists of 4,571 ac (1,850 ha) of the Little Ogeechee 
River shoreline along Green Island, Little Wassaw Island, and Pine 
Island and all of Raccoon Key in Ossabaw Sound in Chatham County, 
Georgia. The unit boundary begins at the Green Island shoreline of the 
Little Ogeechee River and continues east along the shorelines of Little 
Wassaw Island and Pine Island to the Odingsell River entrance behind 
Wassaw Island. The boundary continues north along the Pine Island and 
Little Wassaw Island shoreline of the Odingsell River and follows the 
Little Wassaw Island shoreline along Adams Creek through marshlands 
south of Skidaway Island to Delegal Creek behind Green Island. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to where densely vegetated habitat 
(not used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline 
and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and 
uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the

[[Page 22556]]

ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the Ossabaw entrance. 
Lands within this unit include approximately 3,136 ac (1,267 ha; 69 
percent) in Federal ownership and 1,435 ac (581 ha; 31 percent) in 
State ownership. General land use within this unit includes wildlife 
management as part of the Service's Wassaw Island NWR and outdoor 
recreational use (e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, and 
birdwatching).
    Unit GA-5 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring migration period, serving as an important northbound 
stopover site, particularly when horseshoe crabs are spawning. This 
unit also has remote boat-only access and an undeveloped character that 
provides protection from intensive human uses.
    Threats identified within Unit GA-5 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
running/walking through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered 
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to uncontrolled 
recreational access, erosion, and sea level rise; and (4) disturbance 
associated with the response to natural and human-caused disasters 
(e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
minimizing disturbance to wintering and migrating red knots (e.g., 
managing access to red knot foraging and roosting habitat during 
migration, such as through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities) (see Special Management Considerations or Protection in 
the 2021 proposed rule). State lands within this unit are managed under 
the GDNR State Wildlife Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire), and Federal 
lands are managed under the 2011 Savannah Coastal NWR Complex 
Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2011, entire).

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

    Unit GA-10 consists of 11,901 ac (4,816 ha) of Queens Island, Wolf 
Island, Egg Island, Little Egg Island, and Little Egg Island Bar at the 
Altamaha Sound in McIntosh County, Georgia. The unit boundary begins at 
the Black River shoreline of Queens Island and extends south along the 
Wolf Island shoreline, which includes Wolf Island Bar, to the eastern 
and southern shorelines of Little Egg Island Bar Natural Area southwest 
to Egg Island in the Altamaha Sound. The boundary continues northwest 
along the Altamaha River shoreline of Egg Island and north along the 
Little Mud River shoreline of Wolf Island and Rockdedundy River 
shoreline of Queens Island. The unit includes all emergent land from 
MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not 
used by the red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and 
the sandy intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and uncovered 
at low tide). This dynamic habitat also includes the ephemeral emergent 
shoals (sand bars) within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the entrance to Altamaha Sound and Beacon Creek. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 5,527 ac (2,237 ha; 46 percent) 
in Federal ownership, 261 ac (106 ha; 2 percent) in State ownership, 
1,865 ac (755 ha; 16 percent) in private/other ownership, and 4,248 ac 
(1,719 ha; 36 percent) that are uncategorized. General land use within 
this unit includes wildlife management and outdoor recreational use 
(e.g., beachgoing, boating, fishing, and birdwatching). Federal land 
use includes management of both Wolf and Egg Islands as part of Wolf 
Island NWR. Additionally, Wolf Island is a Class I designated 
wilderness area.
    Unit GA-10 is occupied by the species and contains one or more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site, particularly when horseshoe 
crabs are spawning. Additionally, this unit contains a high 
concentration of rufa red knots during the winter period, providing 
important wintering habitat on the Southeastern U.S. portion of the 
subspecies' range for foraging and roosting during a time of the year 
when rufa red knots are seeking to build energy sources for migration. 
This location serves as one of five units in Georgia that supports high 
concentrations of rufa red knots throughout the entire nonbreeding 
season, and is also important due to its low-level development, remote 
boat-only access, and protection from intensive human uses. 
Approximately 1,401 ac (567 ha) of this unit overlap with designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit GA-10 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting red knots by humans and human activities (e.g., 
walking/running through or too close to flocks of red knots, powered 
boats); (2) depredation by native and nonnative predators; (3) 
modification or loss of habitat or both due to erosion and sea level 
rise; and (4) disturbance associated with response to natural and 
human-caused disasters (e.g., hurricanes, oil spills). Special 
management considerations or protection measures to reduce or alleviate 
the threats may include minimizing disturbance to wintering and 
migrating red knots (e.g., managing recreational access to key rufa red 
knot foraging and roosting habitat during migration through 
restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities) (see 
Special Management Considerations or Protection in the 2021 proposed 
rule). Federal lands in this unit are managed under the 2011 Savannah 
Coastal NWR Complex Comprehensive Conservation Plan (Service 2011, 
entire), and State lands are managed under the GDNR State Wildlife 
Action Plan (GDNR 2015, entire).

Unit TX-1: Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats

    Unit TX-1 consists of 1,478 ac (598 ha) in Galveston County, Texas. 
This unit begins bayside of Rollover Pass and extends southwest along 
the beach front ending at the north jetty on the Bolivar Peninsula. It 
includes 17 mi (27 km) of Gulf shoreline. The landward boundary is the 
line indicating the beginning of dense vegetation, and the gulf-side 
boundary is the MLLW, including emergent lands and intertidal area 
characterized as highly dynamic beach/seashore that is covered at high 
tide and uncovered at low tide. The bayside of Rollover Pass and west 
end of the unit includes lands known as wind tidal flats that are 
infrequently inundated. Specific habitat types within this unit 
include: estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that are 
subtidal, seagrass flats that are nearly flat areas with rooted 
vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal 
mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) 
rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy 
shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly or regularly, depending upon 
the location, inundated by tides; and marine sandy coastline (beach) 
irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, depending upon the 
location (Federal Geographic Data Committee (FGDC) 2013, pp. 11-13, 
37). Lands within this unit include approximately 482 ac (195 ha; 33 
percent) in State ownership and 996 ac

[[Page 22557]]

(403 ha; 67 percent) in private/other ownership. General land use 
within this unit includes multiple human uses for recreation including 
both pedestrian and vehicle activity, and ongoing beach maintenance/
nourishment activities. The west end of the unit is a well-known 
birding site (Bolivar Flats) that is protected by the Houston Audubon 
Society.
    Unit TX-1 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the winter period, providing an important wintering habitat 
location on the northern Gulf coast U.S. portion of the rufa red knot 
northern wintering range, especially for an area that also experiences 
a low level of disturbance during this time period. The intertidal zone 
and relatively undisturbed beach habitat provide multiple foraging and 
roosting habitat areas during the time of year when rufa red knots are 
seeking to build energy resources for migration. The west end portion 
of the unit overlaps with 1,015 ac (411 ha) of designated critical 
habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 36038, July 
10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-1 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, domestic 
animals, and vehicle disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, sport-utility 
vehicles (SUVs), motorcycles, etc.); (2) modification or loss of 
habitat due to residential and commercial development, beach 
maintenance and nourishment activities, and sea level rise; (3) 
predation (residential and migratory raptors); and (4) human-caused 
disasters and response to natural and human-caused disasters (e.g., 
hurricanes, oil spills). Special management considerations or 
protection measures to reduce or alleviate the threats may include 
conducting public outreach and education, managing access to rufa red 
knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat during migration 
(through restrictions on timing, locations, and types of activities), 
managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea level rise, and 
addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas drilling 
activities through facility placement, as well as spill response plans 
and training (see Special Management Considerations or Protection in 
the 2021 proposed rule). The Texas General Land Office State lands are 
managed under The Open Beaches Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 
61, and The Dune Protection Act, Texas Natural Resource Code Chapter 
63. The Audubon lands are managed under the Bolivar Flats Bird 
Sanctuary Management Plan (Houston Audubon 2017, entire).

Unit TX-11: South Bay-Boca Chica

    Unit TX-11 consists of 15,400 ac (6,236 ha) in Cameron County, 
Texas. The Boca Chica gulf shoreline portion of this unit begins south 
of the Brownsville Ship Channel and extends approximately 6.5 mi (10 
km) to the south. Within the South Bay, the northern boundary is south 
of Brownsville Ship Channel dredge spoil placement areas, and the 
southern boundary is north of the Rio Grande River. The eastern 
boundary is the bayside of the Boca Chica Beach (Gulf of Mexico) up to 
where dense vegetation begins, and the western boundary is west of the 
Loma islands up to where dense vegetation begins along the wind tidal 
flats. The unit includes wind tidal flats and all seagrass beds that 
are infrequently inundated and/or exposed at low tides and the tidal 
flats within the area known as South Bay. Specific habitat types within 
this unit include: estuarine (bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that 
are subtidal and are nearly flat areas with rooted vascular plants 
(seagrass) growing below the water surface in subtidal mud or sand 
substrate; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats regularly 
inundated by tides and are nearly flat areas with a layer of algae 
growing on a moist mud or sand substrate and are otherwise devoid of 
vegetation; estuarine (bayside) algal mud or sand flats irregularly 
inundated by tides; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) 
rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; estuarine (bayside) sandy 
shore (beach/sandbar) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location; estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/
sandbar), spoils irregularly inundated by tides; and marine sandy 
coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location (FGDC 2013, pp. 11-13, 37). Lands within 
this unit include approximately 5,536 ac (2,242 ha; 36 percent) in 
Federal ownership, 4,080 ac (1,652 ha; 26 percent) in State ownership, 
and 5,784 ac (2,342 ha; 38 percent) in private/other ownership. General 
land use within this unit includes rocket and drone launches and 
associated Space X space exploration development, and multiple 
recreational/beachside activities by humans, to include both pedestrian 
and vehicle activities. This unit is also managed for migratory bird 
use by the Lower Rio Grande Valley NWR.
    Unit TX-11 is occupied by the species and contains one of more of 
the physical or biological features essential to the conservation of 
the species. This unit contains a high concentration of rufa red knots 
during the spring and fall migration periods, serving as an important 
northbound and southbound stopover site on the northern Gulf coast. 
Approximately 13,280 ac (5,374 ha)) of this unit overlap designated 
critical habitat for the federally threatened piping plover (66 FR 
36038, July 10, 2001).
    Threats identified within Unit TX-11 include: (1) Disturbance of 
foraging and roosting rufa red knots and their habitat modification as 
a result of humans, including recreational activities, vehicle 
disturbance (i.e., golf carts, cars, SUVs, motorcycles, etc.), fishing, 
waterfowl hunting, and boating; (2) disturbance and habitat 
modification/erosion resulting from wind energy development and sea 
level rise; (3) predation (residential and migratory raptors); (4) 
habitat modification resulting from space exploration development; 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 may include conducting public outreach and education, managing 
access to rufa red knot foraging habitat and adjacent roosting habitat 
during migration (through restrictions on timing, locations, and types 
of activities), managing sediment sources to offset erosion and sea 
level rise, and addressing the impacts of potential oil spills or gas 
drilling activities through facility placement, as well as spill 
response plans and training (see Special Management Considerations or 
Protection in the 2021 proposed rule). 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.

Required Determinations

    All required determinations included in the 2021 proposed rule, 
with the exception of the following, are unchanged and apply to this 
revised proposed rule.

[[Page 22558]]

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 revised 
proposed rule is significant.
    Executive Order 13563 reaffirms the principles of Executive Order 
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. Executive Order 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 
revised proposed rule in a manner consistent with these requirements.

References Cited

    A complete list of references cited in this document is available 
on the internet at https://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 document are the staff members of the 
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Species Assessment Team and 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.

Proposed Regulation Promulgation

    Accordingly, we propose to further amend part 17, subchapter B of 
chapter I, title 50 of the Code of Federal Regulations, as proposed to 
be amended at 86 FR 37410 (July 15, 2021) 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. Amend Sec.  17.95(b), the entry proposed at 86 FR 37410 for ``Knot, 
rufa red (Calidris canutus rufa)'', by revising paragraphs (5) through 
(125) and adding paragraphs (126) through (132) to read as follows:


Sec.  17.95  Critical habitat--fish and wildlife.

* * * * *
    (b) Birds.
* * * * *
BILLING CODE 4333-15-P
Rufa Red Knot (Calidris canutus rufa)
    (5) Note: Index map follows:

Figure 1 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (5)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.000

    (6) Unit MA-1: Nauset Marsh, Massachusetts.
    (i) This unit consists of approximately 2,219 ac (899 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Barnstable County consisting of exposed intertidal 
flats, shoals, mud flats, and

[[Page 22559]]

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 
1,340 ac (543 ha) in Federal ownership (including Monomoy National 
Wildlife Refuge (NWR)), 136 ac (55 ha) in private/other ownership, and 
744 ac (301 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit MA-1 (Nauset Marsh) follows:

Figure 2 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (6)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.001

    (7) Unit MA-2: Pleasant Bay, Massachusetts.
    (i) Unit MA-2 consists of approximately 4,959 ac (2,007 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Barnstable County consisting of exposed intertidal 
sand and mud flats and shoals, ephemeral tidal pools, salt marsh, 
primary sand

[[Page 22560]]

dunes, and beaches associated with North and South Monomoy Islands, 
Monomoy Island, and the South Beach Island complex. Lands within this 
unit include approximately 126 ac (51 ha) in Federal ownership 
(including Cape Cod National Seashore), 2,005 ac (812) in private/other 
ownership, and 2,827 ac (1,144 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit MA-2 is presented at paragraph (6)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (8) Unit MA-3: Monomoy and South Beach Islands, Massachusetts.
    (i) Unit MA-3 consists of approximately 5,093 ac (2,061 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Barnstable County consisting of exposed intertidal 
sand and mud flats and shoals, ephemeral tidal pools, salt marsh, 
primary sand dunes, and beaches associated with North and South Monomoy 
Islands, Monomoy Island, and the South Beach Island complex. Lands 
within this unit include approximately 4,047 ac (1,638 ha) in Federal 
ownership (including Monomoy NWR) and 1,045 ac (423) in private/other 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit MA-3 is presented at paragraph (6)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (9) 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:

Figure 3 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (9)(ii)

[[Page 22561]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.002

    (10) Unit NY-2: Old Inlet, New York.
    (i) Unit NY-2 consists of approximately 1,781 ac (721 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 town of Brookhaven. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 1,481 ac (599 ha) in Federal ownership, 232 ac 
(94 ha) in State ownership, and 67 ac (27 ha) in private/other 
ownership (including the town of Brookhaven). This unit falls within 
the Fire Island National Seashore's Federal Otis G. Pike Wilderness 
Area.
    (ii) Map of Unit NY-2 (Old Inlet) follows:

Figure 4 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (10)(ii)

[[Page 22562]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.003

    (11) Unit NY-3: Jones Inlet, New York.
    (i) Unit NY-3 consists of approximately 1,821 ac (737 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Nassau County consisting 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. 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-3 follows:

Figure 5 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (11)(ii)

[[Page 22563]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.004

    (12) Unit NY-4: Jamaica Bay, New York.
    (i) Unit NY-4 consists of approximately 5,458 ac (2,209 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Queens County consisting of ocean beach habitat 
that is 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-4 follows:

Figure 6 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (12)(ii)

[[Page 22564]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.005

    (13) Unit NJ-1: Brigantine and Little Egg Inlets, New Jersey.
    (i) Unit NJ-1 consists of approximately 9,952 ac (4,027 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 5,194 ac (2,101 ha) that 
are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit NJ-1 follows:

Figure 7 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (13)(ii)

[[Page 22565]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.006

    (14) 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 oceanfront beach in 
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:

Figure 8 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (14)(ii)

[[Page 22566]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.007

    (15) 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 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:

Figure 9 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (15)(ii)

[[Page 22567]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.008

    (16) 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:

Figure 10 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (16)(ii)

[[Page 22568]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.009

    (17) 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:

Figure 11 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (17)(ii)

[[Page 22569]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.010

    (18) 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:

Figure 12 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (18)(ii)

[[Page 22570]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.011

    (19) 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:

Figure 13 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (19)(ii)

[[Page 22571]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.012

    (20) 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:

Figure 14 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (20)(ii)

[[Page 22572]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.013

    (21) 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:

Figure 15 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (21)(ii)

[[Page 22573]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.014

    (22) 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:

Figure 16 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (22)(ii)

[[Page 22574]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.015

    (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 
mean low low-water line (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 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 (22)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) 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

[[Page 22575]]

within this subunit include approximately 1 ac (0.5 ha) in State 
ownership and approximately 2 ac (0.6 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit DE-1B is presented at paragraph (22)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (23) 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:

Figure 17 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (23)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.016

    (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

[[Page 22576]]

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 (23)(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 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 (23)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (24) 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:

Figure 18 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (24)(ii)

[[Page 22577]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.017

    (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 (24)(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 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

[[Page 22578]]

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 (24)(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 (24)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (25) Unit DE-4: Prime Hook, Delaware.
    (i) Unit DE-4 consists of approximately 503 ac (203 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 482 ac (195 
ha) in Federal ownership (Prime Hook NWR), 6 ac (2 ha) in private/other 
ownership, and 14 ac (6 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit DE-4 follows:

Figure 19 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (25)(ii)

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.018

    (26) 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 owned (Assateague Island National Seashore and 
Chincoteague NWR).
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-1 follows:

Figure 20 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (26)(ii)

[[Page 22580]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.019

    (27) 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:

Figure 21 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (27)(ii)

[[Page 22581]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.020

    (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 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 (7.6 cm) of water. All lands 
within this subunit are federally owned by NASA.
    (iv) Map of Subunit VA-2A is presented at paragraph (27)(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

[[Page 22582]]

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 (27)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (28) 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:

Figure 22 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (28)(ii)

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[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.021

    (29) Unit VA-4: Metompkin Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-4 consists of approximately 1,468 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 Intracoastal 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 (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:

Figure 23 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (29)(ii)

[[Page 22584]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.022

    (30) 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 
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:

Figure 24 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (30)(ii)

[[Page 22585]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.023

    (31) 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 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:

Figure 25 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (31)(ii)

[[Page 22586]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.024

    (32) 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:

Figure 26 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (32)(ii)

[[Page 22587]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.025

    (33) 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 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:

Figure 27 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (33)(ii)

[[Page 22588]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.026

    (34) 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 Sand 
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:

Figure 28 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (34)(ii)

[[Page 22589]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.027

    (35) 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 
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:

Figure 29 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (35)(ii)

[[Page 22590]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.028

    (36) 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 Sand 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:

Figure 30 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (36)(ii)

[[Page 22591]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.029

    (37) VA-12: Ship Shoal Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-12 consists of approximately 2,426 ac (982 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Northampton County, including both Ship Shoal 
Island and the area known as Godwin Island. The north boundary is Red 
Drum Drain and New Inlet, the south boundary is Ship Shoal Inlet, the 
west boundary is South Bay, and the east boundary is the Atlantic 
Ocean, 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 majority of lands within 
this unit are owned and managed by TNC as part of the Virginia Coast 
Reserve. Lands within this unit include 426 ac (172 ha) in State 
ownership, 1,941 ac (785 ha) in private/other ownership, and 60 ac (24 
ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-12 follows:

Figure 31 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (37)(ii)

[[Page 22592]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.030

    (38) Unit VA-13: Myrtle Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-13 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 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-13 follows:

Figure 32 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (38)(ii)

[[Page 22593]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.031

    (39) Unit VA-14: Smith Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-14 consists of approximately 3,258 ac (1,319 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-14 follows:

Figure 33 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (39)(ii)

[[Page 22594]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.032

    (40) Unit VA-15: Fisherman Island, Virginia.
    (i) Unit VA-15 consists of approximately 2,413 ac (977 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Northampton County. The unit is an oval-shaped 
island located at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and just south of the 
tip of the Eastern Shore peninsula. The island is surrounded by the 
waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean. It is bisected by U.S. 
Route 13 and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel complex. The interior 
boundary is along the dune line where the habitat changes from sandy 
beach with little vegetation to densely vegetated dunes or marshland, 
as well as densely vegetated forested or herbaceous vegetation landward 
of the beach and primary dune. The unit extends seaward past the MLLW 
line and includes areas that are slightly inundated with less than 3 in 
(7.6 cm) of water. The unit is federally owned by the Service's Eastern 
Shore of Virginia NWR.
    (ii) Map of Unit VA-15 follows:

Figure 34 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (40)(ii)

[[Page 22595]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.033

    (41) 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 National Park Service (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 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 22596]]


Figure 35 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (41)(iii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.034

    (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 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

[[Page 22597]]

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:

Figure 36 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (41)(v)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.035

    (42) 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 22598]]

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 in Federal ownership (Cape Lookout 
National Seashore) and 1,654 ac (669 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (iii) Map of Subunit NC-2A follows:

Figure 37 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (42)(iii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.036


[[Page 22599]]


    (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 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:

Figure 38 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (42)(v)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.037


[[Page 22600]]


    (43) 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 and 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:

Figure 39 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (43)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.038


[[Page 22601]]


    (44) 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 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:

Figure 40 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (44)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.039


[[Page 22602]]


    (45) 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:

Figure 41 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (45)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.040


[[Page 22603]]


    (46) Unit NC-6: Lea-Hutaff Island, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-6 consists of approximately 1,085 ac (439 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Lea-Hutaff Island in Pender and New Hanover 
Counties consisting of shoreline habitat that stretches about 4.8 mi 
(7.7 km) from the west side of the New Topsail Inlet channel west 
across the Rich Inlet channel to the toe of the primary dune or dense 
vegetation line on the northeast end of Wrightsville Beach. This unit 
includes from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat, not used by the rufa red knot, begins and where the physical 
or biological features no longer occur. This unit also includes the 
emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas 
associated with the west side of the New Topsail Inlet channel, and the 
emergent sand shoals within the flood-tidal and ebb-tidal deltas on the 
west side of Rich Inlet channel. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 72 ac (29 ha) in State ownership, 427 ac (173 ha) in 
private/other ownership, and 586 ac (237 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit NC-6 follows:

Figure 42 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (46)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.041


[[Page 22604]]


    (47) Unit NC-7: Cape Fear-Fort Fisher, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-7 consists of approximately 1,986 ac (804 ha) of 
occupied 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 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-7 follows:

Figure 43 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (47)(ii)

[[Page 22605]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.042

    (48) Unit NC-8: Ocean Isle Beach, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-8 consists of approximately 298 ac (120 ha) of occupied 
coastal barrier island 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 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-8 follows:

Figure 44 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (48)(ii)

[[Page 22606]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.043

    (49) Unit NC-9: Sunset Beach-Bird Island, North Carolina.
    (i) Unit NC-9 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-9 follows:

Figure 45 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (49)(ii)

[[Page 22607]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.044

    (50) 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 toe of the dunes 
or where densely vegetated habitat, not used by the rufa 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:

Figure 46 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (50)(ii)

[[Page 22608]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.045

    (51) 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 rufa 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:

Figure 47 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (51)(ii)

[[Page 22609]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.046

    (52) 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 rufa 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) 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.

[[Page 22610]]

    (ii) Map of Unit SC-3 follows:

Figure 48 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (52)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.047

    (53) Unit SC-4: Murphy Island Beach, 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 the coast of Charleston County. The unit boundary begins on 
the South Santee River shoreline of Murphy 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 rufa 
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

[[Page 22611]]

inlets along the shoreline of Murphy Island. Lands within this unit are 
entirely in State ownership; 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:

Figure 49 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (53)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.048

    (54) 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 South 
Cape Island and Lighthouse Island. 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

[[Page 22612]]

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 South Cape Island 
and Lighthouse 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:

Figure 50 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (54)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.049

    (55) 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 unnamed 
inlet between

[[Page 22613]]

South Cape Island and Lighthouse Island 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 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 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 (54)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (56) 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 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 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:

Figure 51 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (56)(ii)

[[Page 22614]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.050

    (57) 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 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 Marsh Island. Lands within this unit are 
all in Federal ownership (Cape Romain NWR).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-8 is presented at paragraph (56)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (58) Unit SC-9: Bulls Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (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

[[Page 22615]]

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 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:

Figure 52 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (58)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.051


[[Page 22616]]


    (59) 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 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 southwestern side of 
Price Inlet's navigable channel and the northeastern side of Capers 
Inlet's navigable channel. Lands within this unit are entirely in State 
ownership (Capers Island Natural Heritage Preserve).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-10 is presented at paragraph (58)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (60) 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 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 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:

Figure 53 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (60)(ii)

[[Page 22617]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.052

    (61) 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 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 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) in State ownership and 3,363 ac (1,361 ha) in private/
other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-12 is presented at paragraph (53)(ii) of this 
entry.

[[Page 22618]]

    (62) 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 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 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 (53)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (63) 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 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 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:

Figure 54 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (63)(ii)

[[Page 22619]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.053

    (64) 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 Heritage 
Preserve, 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 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 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 (63)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (65) 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

[[Page 22620]]

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 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 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:

Figure 55 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (65)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.054


[[Page 22621]]


    (66) 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 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 
(managed as a Seabird Sanctuary).
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-17 follows:

Figure 56 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (66)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.055


[[Page 22622]]


    (67) 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 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 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 (66)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (68) 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 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 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:

Figure 57 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (68)(ii)

[[Page 22623]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.056

    (69) 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 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 Johnson Creek Inlet. 
Lands within this unit include approximately 3,246 ac (1,313 ha) in 
State ownership (including Hunting Island State Park) and 820 ac (331 
ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-20 follows:

Figure 58 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (69)(ii)

[[Page 22624]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.057

    (70) Unit SC-21: Fripp, Pritchards, and Little Capers Islands' 
Beaches, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-21 consists of approximately 10,178 ac (4,119 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Fripp Island, Pritchards Island, and Little Capers 
Island, barrier islands off the coast in Beaufort County. The unit 
boundary begins on the shoreline of Fripp Island on the south side of 
Fripp Inlet and extends southwest along the Atlantic Ocean shorelines 
of Fripp Island, Pritchards Island, and Little Capers Island to the 
eastern side of Trenchards Inlet where the boundary follows the 
southern shoreline of the Story River. The unit includes all emergent 
land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely vegetated 
habitat (not used by the 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 Fripp, Skull, and Trenchards 
Inlets as well as the unnamed inlets along the Little Capers Island 
shoreline. Lands within this unit include approximately 4,055 ac (1,641

[[Page 22625]]

ha) in State ownership and 6,123 ac (2,478 ha) in private/other 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-21 is presented at paragraph (69)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (71) Unit SC-22: Bay Point Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-22 consists of approximately 1,698 ac (687 ha) of 
occupied habitat on Bay Point Island, a barrier island off the coast in 
Beaufort County. The unit boundary begins on the Trenchards Inlet 
shoreline at the entrance to Morse Island Creek and follows the 
Atlantic Ocean shoreline to the eastern shoreline of Port Royal Round 
to the western entrance to Morse Island Creek. The unit includes all 
emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where densely 
vegetated habitat (not used by the rufa red knot) begins (i.e., the 
highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy intertidal zone that are covered 
at high tide and uncovered at low tide). This dynamic habitat also 
includes the ephemeral emergent shoals (sand bars) within the flood-
tidal and ebb-tidal deltas associated with Morse Creek and Trenchards 
Inlet within the unit boundary. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 553 ac (224 ha) in State ownership and 1,145 ac (464 ha) 
in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-22 follows:

Figure 59 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (71)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.058


[[Page 22626]]


    (72) Unit SC-23: Hilton Head Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-23 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-23 follows:

Figure 60 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (72)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.059


[[Page 22627]]


    (73) Unit SC-24: Daufuskie Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-24 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 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 unit boundary. All 
lands within this unit are in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-24 follows:

Figure 61 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (73)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.060


[[Page 22628]]


    (74) Unit SC-25: Turtle Island and Tomkins Island Beaches, South 
Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-25 consists of approximately 1,771 ac (717 ha) on 
Turtle Island (a sea island), and Tompkins Island (a human-made island) 
in Calibogue Sound in Jasper County. The unit boundary begins on the 
southern shoreline of the New River and extends southwest along the 
Calibogue Sound shoreline to the Wright River shoreline of Turtle 
Island. The unit boundary also includes the entire Calibogue Sound 
shoreline of Tompkins Island located east of Turtle Island. The unit 
includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the dunes or where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 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 unnamed inlet in 
the center of the Turtle Island shoreline. Lands within this unit are 
entirely in State ownership as the South Carolina Department of Natural 
Resources (SCDNR) Turtle Island Wildlife Management Area and an SCDNR 
seabird sanctuary.
    (ii) Map of Unit SC-25 is presented at paragraph (73)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (75) Unit SC-26: Jones Island Beach, South Carolina.
    (i) Unit SC-26 consists of approximately 3,025 ac (1,225 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 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 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-26 is presented at paragraph (73)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (76) Unit GA-1: Cockspur Island and Daymark Island Beaches, 
Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-1 consists of approximately 802 ac (325 ha) of occupied 
habitat on Cockspur and Daymark Islands in the mouth of the Savannah 
River in Chatham County. The unit boundary includes the entire Savannah 
River and South Channel of the Savannah River shorelines of Cockspur 
and Daymark Islands and includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe 
of the dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the rufa 
red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy 
intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). Lands within this unit include approximately 708 ac (287) in 
Federal ownership as part of the U.S. Coast Guard's Station Tybee and 
NPS's Fort Pulaski National Monument, and 94 ac (38) in State 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-1 follows:

Figure 62 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (76)(ii)

[[Page 22629]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.061

    (77) Unit GA-2: Tybee Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-2 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 
rufa red knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and sandy 
intertidal zone that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low 
tide). 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-2 follows:

Figure 63 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (77)(ii)

[[Page 22630]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.062

    (78) Unit GA-3: Little Tybee Island Complex, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-3 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 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 western side 
of Tybee Inlet's navigable channel, Little Tybee Slough, and Little 
Tybee Creek. All lands within this unit are in State ownership (Little 
Tybee Island State Heritage Preserve).
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-3 is presented at paragraph (77)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (79) Unit GA-4: Wassaw Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-4 consists of approximately 4,296 ac (1,738 ha) of

[[Page 22631]]

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 rufa 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-4 follows:

Figure 64 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (79)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.063


[[Page 22632]]


    (80) Unit GA-5: Little Ogeechee River Shoreline and Raccoon Key, 
Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-5 consists of approximately 4,571 ac (1,850 ha) of 
occupied habitat of the Little Ogeechee River shoreline along Green 
Island, Little Wassaw Island, and Pine Island and all of Raccoon Key in 
Ossabaw Sound in Chatham County. The unit boundary begins at the Green 
Island shoreline of the Little Ogeechee River and continues east along 
the shorelines of Little Wassaw Island and Pine Island to the Odingsell 
River entrance behind Wassaw Island. The boundary continues north along 
the Pine Island and Little Wassaw Island shoreline of the Odingsell 
River and follows the Little Wassaw Island shoreline along Adams Creek 
through marshlands south of Skidaway Island to Delegal Creek behind 
Green Island. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to where 
densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 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 
Ossabaw entrance. Lands within this unit include approximately 3,136 ac 
(1,267 ha) in Federal ownership and 1,435 ac (581 ha) in State 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-5 is presented at paragraph (79)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (81) Unit GA-6: Ossabaw Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-6 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 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 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 (11,582 
ha) in State ownership and 3,736 ac (1,512 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-6 follows:

Figure 65 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (81)(ii)

[[Page 22633]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.064

    (82) Unit GA-7: St. Catherine's Island Beach and St. Catherine's 
Island Bar, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-7 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 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 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) in State ownership, 11,810 
ac (4,779 ha) in private/other ownership, and 2,046 ac (828 ha) that 
are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-7 follows:

Figure 66 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (82)(ii)

[[Page 22634]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.065

    (83) Unit GA-8: Blackbeard Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-8 consists of approximately 6,321 ac (2,557 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 
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 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-8 follows:

Figure 67 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (83)(ii)

[[Page 22635]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.066

    (84) Unit GA-9: Sapelo Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-9 consists of approximately 2,481 ac (1,004 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 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 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-9 is presented at paragraph (83)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (85) Unit GA-10: Queens Island, Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg 
Island, and Little Egg Island Bar, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-10 consists of approximately 11,901 ac (4,816 ha) of

[[Page 22636]]

occupied habitat on Queens Island, Wolf Island, Egg Island, Little Egg 
Island, and Little Egg Island Bar at the Altamaha Sound in McIntosh 
County. The unit boundary begins at the Black River shoreline of Queens 
Island and extends south along the Wolf Island shoreline, which 
includes Wolf Island Bar, to the eastern and southern shorelines of 
Little Egg Island Bar Natural Area southwest to Egg Island in the 
Altamaha Sound. The boundary continues northwest along the Altamaha 
River shoreline of Egg Island and north along the Little Mud River 
shoreline of Wolf Island and Rockdedundy River shoreline of Queens 
Island. The unit includes all emergent land from MLLW to the toe of the 
dunes or where densely vegetated habitat (not used by the 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 entrance to Altamaha Sound and Beacon Creek. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 5,527 ac (2,237 ha) in Federal ownership (Wolf 
Island NWR, which is also a designated wilderness area), 261 ac (106 
ha) in State ownership, 1,865 ac (755 ha) in private/other ownership, 
and 4,248 ac (1,719 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-10 follows:

Figure 68 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (85)(ii)

[[Page 22637]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.067

    (86) Unit GA-11: Little St. Simon's Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-11 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 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 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-11 follows:


[[Page 22638]]


Figure 69 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (86)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.068

    (87) Unit GA-12: Sea and St. Simon's Island Beaches, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-12 consists of approximately 4,033 ac (1,631 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 knot) begins (i.e., the highly dynamic shoreline and the sandy 
intertidal zone that are covered at high tide and

[[Page 22639]]

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-12 is presented at paragraph (86)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (88) Unit GA-13: Jekyll Island Beach, Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-13 consists of approximately 6,287 ac (2,545 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 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 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-13 follows:

Figure 70 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (88)(ii)

[[Page 22640]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.069

    (89) Unit GA-14: Little Cumberland and Cumberland Island Beaches, 
Georgia.
    (i) Unit GA-14 consists of approximately 28,137 ac (11,387 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 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 
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 (9,456 ha) in 
Federal ownership (Cumberland Island National Seashore, which is also a 
designated wilderness area), 1,685 ac (682 ha) in State

[[Page 22641]]

ownership, and 3,085 ac (1,248 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit GA-14 follows:

Figure 71 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (89)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.070

    (90) Unit FL-1: Nassau Sound-Fort George Sound-Fort George Inlet 
Complex, Florida.
    (i) Unit FL-1 consists of approximately 4,324 ac (1,750 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 22642]]

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 (1,125 ha) that are 
uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-1 follows:

Figure 72 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (90)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.071

    (91) 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

[[Page 22643]]

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:

Figure 73 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (91)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.072

    (92) 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

[[Page 22644]]

to MLLW that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. This 
unit consists of Federal lands (Merritt Island NWR).
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-3 follows:

Figure 74 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (92)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.073

    (93) 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 Islands NWR), State, and private landowners.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-4 follows:

Figure 75 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (93)(ii)

[[Page 22645]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.074

    (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 
(5,317 ha) in Federal ownership (Ten Thousand Islands NWR), 12,605 ac 
(5,101 ha) in State ownership (Rookery Bay NERR), and 470 ac (190 ha) 
that are uncategorized.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-4A is presented at paragraph (93)(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

[[Page 22646]]

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 (93)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (94) 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 (93)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (95) 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:

Figure 76 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (95)(ii)

[[Page 22647]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.075

    (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).
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-6A is presented at paragraph (95)(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

[[Page 22648]]

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 (95)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (96) 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:

Figure 77 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (96)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.076

    (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

[[Page 22649]]

this subunit are entirely State owned (Lovers Key State Park).
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-7A is presented at paragraph (96)(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 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 (96)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (97) 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:

Figure 78 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (97)(ii)

[[Page 22650]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.077

    (98) 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:

Figure 79 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (98)(ii)

[[Page 22651]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.078

    (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).
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-9A is presented at paragraph (98)(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 (98)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (99) Unit FL-10: Don Pedro Complex, Florida.

[[Page 22652]]

    (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:

Figure 80 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (99)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.079

    (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.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-10A is presented at paragraph (99)(ii) of 
this entry.

[[Page 22653]]

    (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 (99)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (100) 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:

Figure 81 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (100)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.080


[[Page 22654]]


    (101) 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:
Figure 82 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (101)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.081

    (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 (101)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-12B (Longboat Key) consists of approximately 369 ac 
(149 ha) of occupied beach, inlet, and

[[Page 22655]]

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 (101)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (102) 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:

Figure 83 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (102)(ii)

[[Page 22656]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.082

    (103) 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).
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-14 is presented at paragraph (102)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (104) 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:

Figure 84 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (104)(ii)

[[Page 22657]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.083

    (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 (104)(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).

[[Page 22658]]

    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-15B is presented at paragraph (104)(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 (104)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (105) 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:

Figure 85 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (105)(ii)

[[Page 22659]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.084

    (106) 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.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-17 is presented at paragraph (105)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (107) 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:

Figure 86 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (107)(ii)

[[Page 22660]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.085

    (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 (107)(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 (107)(ii) of 
this entry.

[[Page 22661]]

    (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 in State ownership (Three Rooker Bar Wildlife Management 
Area).
    (viii) Map of Subunit FL-18C is presented at paragraph (107)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (108) 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:

Figure 87 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (108)(ii)

[[Page 22662]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.086

    (109) 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 (1,011 ha) in Federal ownership 
(Cedar Keys NWR), 7,792 ac (3,153 ha) in State ownership (Waccasassa 
Preserve State Park), 5,928 ac (2,399 ha) in private/other ownership, 
and 19,407 ac (7,854 ha) that are uncategorized.
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-20 follows:

Figure 88 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (109)(ii)

[[Page 22663]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.087

    (110) 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 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

[[Page 22664]]

parallels Apalachee Bay. Lands within this unit are entirely in Federal 
ownership (St. Marks NWR).
    (ii) Map of Unit FL-21 follows:

Figure 89 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (110)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.088

    (111) 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:
Figure 90 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (111)(ii)

[[Page 22665]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.089

    (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 
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 (111)(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

[[Page 22666]]

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 (111)(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 (111)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (112) 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:

Figure 91 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (112)(ii)

[[Page 22667]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.090

    (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 (112)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (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 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

[[Page 22668]]

ownership and 61 ac (25 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (vi) Map of Subunit FL-23B is presented at paragraph (112)(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 (112)(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 (112)(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 (112)(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 (112)(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 (112)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (113) 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:

Figure 92 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (113)(ii)

[[Page 22669]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.091

    (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 this subunit are in State 
ownership (Little St. George Island State Park).
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-24A is presented at paragraph (113)(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

[[Page 22670]]

(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 (113)(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 (113)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (114) 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:

Figure 93 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (114)(ii)

[[Page 22671]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.092

    (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 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 southernmost side of Cape San Blas.
    (iv) Map of Subunit FL-25A is presented at paragraph (114)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (v) Subunit FL-25B (St. Joseph Bay-Eastern Shore) consists of 
approximately 827 ac (335 ha) of

[[Page 22672]]

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 (114)(ii) of 
this entry.
    (115) Unit AL-1: Dauphin Island, Alabama.
    (i) Unit AL-1 consists of approximately 5,167 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 
westernmost 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:

Figure 94 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (115)(ii)

[[Page 22673]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.093

    (116) 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:

Figure 95 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (116)(ii)

[[Page 22674]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.094

    (117) 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 (116)(ii) of this 
entry.
    (118) Unit LA-1: Chandeleur Islands, Louisiana.
    (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:

[[Page 22675]]

Figure 96 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (118)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.095

    (119) 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

[[Page 22676]]

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 Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries' 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 Elmer's Island Wildlife Refuge) and 7,669 ac (3,104 
ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit LA-2 follows:

Figure 97 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (119)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.096


[[Page 22677]]


    (120) 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 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 2,900 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:

Figure 98 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (120)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.097


[[Page 22678]]


    (121) 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:

Figure 99 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (121)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.098


[[Page 22679]]


    (122) Unit TX-1: Rollover Pass to Bolivar Flats, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-1 consists of approximately 1,478 ac (598 ha) of 
occupied habitat in Galveston County. This unit begins bayside of 
Rollover Pass and extends southwest along the beachfront 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 gulfside boundary is the MLLW, including 
emergent lands and intertidal area characterized as highly dynamic 
beach/seashore that is covered at high tide and uncovered at low tide. 
The bayside of Rollover Pass and west end of the unit includes lands 
known as wind tidal flats that are infrequently inundated. Specific 
habitat types within this unit include: estuarine (bayside) seagrass 
mud or sand flats that are subtidal, seagrass flats that are nearly 
flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the 
water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside) 
sandy shore (beach/sandbar) rarely exposed due to tidal fluctuation; 
estuarine (bayside) sandy shore (beach/sandbar) that is irregularly or 
regularly, depending upon the location, inundated by tides; and marine 
sandy coastline (beach) irregularly or regularly inundated by tides, 
depending upon the location. Lands within this unit include 
approximately 482 ac (195 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:

Figure 100 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (122)(ii)

[[Page 22680]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.099

    (123) Unit TX-2: West Galveston Island, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-2 consists of approximately 590 ac (239 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 282 ac (114 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-2 follows:

Figure 101 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (123)(ii)

[[Page 22681]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.100

    (124) Unit TX-3: Cedar Lake to Colorado River, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-3 consists of approximately 1,204 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 (435 ha) in State 
ownership and 128 ac (52 ha) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-3 follows:

Figure 102 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (124)(ii)

[[Page 22682]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.101

    (125) 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 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:

Figure 103 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (125)(ii)

[[Page 22683]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.102

    (126) 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 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, bayside flats are exposed 
during low tide regimes, and wind tidal flats 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

[[Page 22684]]

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:

Figure 104 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (126)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.103

    (127) 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

[[Page 22685]]

inundated by tides, depending upon the location. Lands within this unit 
include approximately 2,487 ac (1,007 ha) in 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:

Figure 105 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (127)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.104

    (128) 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 22686]]

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:

Figure 106 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (128)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.105


[[Page 22687]]


    (129) Unit TX-8: Dagger Hill-Yarborough Pass-Nine Mile Hole, Texas.
    (i) Unit TX-8 consists of approximately 32,773 ac (13,263 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). 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 (9,325 ha) in State ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-8 follows:

Figure 107 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (129)(ii)

[[Page 22688]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.106

    (130) 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 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

[[Page 22689]]

(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 (10,474 ha) in Federal ownership (Laguna 
Atascosa NWR), 34,165 ac (13,826 ha) in State ownership, and 34,125 ac 
(13,810 ha; 36 percent) in private/other ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-9 follows:

Figure 108 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (130)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.107

    (131) Unit TX-10: Peyton's Bay-Arroyo Colorado-Three Island-
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

[[Page 22690]]

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 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:

Figure 109 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (131)(ii)

[[Page 22691]]

[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.108

    (132) Unit TX-11: South Bay-Boca Chica.
    (i) Unit TX-11 consists of approximately 15,400 ac (6,236 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 bayside of the Boca Chica 
Beach (Gulf of Mexico) up to where dense vegetation begins, and the 
western boundary is west of the Loma islands up to where dense 
vegetation begins along the wind tidal flats. The unit includes wind 
tidal flats and all seagrass beds that are infrequently inundated and/
or exposed at low tides, and the tidal flats within the area known as 
South Bay. Specific habitat types within this unit include: estuarine 
(bayside) seagrass mud or sand flats that are subtidal and are nearly 
flat areas with rooted vascular plants (seagrass) growing below the 
water surface in subtidal mud or sand substrate; estuarine (bayside) 
algal mud or sand flats regularly inundated by

[[Page 22692]]

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), 4,080 ac (1,652 
ha) in State ownership, and 5,784 ac (2,342 ha) in private/other 
ownership.
    (ii) Map of Unit TX-11 follows:

Figure 110 to Rufa Red Knot paragraph (132)(ii)
[GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TP13AP23.109


[[Page 22693]]


* * * * *

Martha Williams,
Director, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
[FR Doc. 2023-06619 Filed 4-12-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4333-15-C