Coastal Barrier Resource System Boundary Modifications

Congress established the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System
Learn more about the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System, which was established under the Coastal Barrier Resources Act in 1982.

Learn more about John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) with passage of the Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) in 1982. The CBRS, which has been modified and expanded by Congress through several subsequent laws, consists of the relatively undeveloped coastal barriers coastal barriers
Learn more about coastal barrier landforms.

Learn more about coastal barriers and other areas located on the coasts of the United States that are identified and depicted on a series of maps maintained by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service). When technical mapping errors are found, Congress works with the Service to comprehensively revise the CBRS boundaries and enact technical correction legislation to adopt revised maps.  See our table of historical changes for the CBRS for additional information.

Authority for Boundary Changes 

Only Congress has the authority to make significant changes to the CBRS maps through legislation. However, the following three exceptions allow the Service to make administrative changes to the maps: (1) CBRA’s 5-year review requirement that solely considers changes that have occurred to the CBRS due to natural forces such as erosion and accretion, (2) voluntary additions to the CBRS by property owners, and (3) additions of excess federal property to the CBRS (16 U.S.C. 3503(d)-(f)).

While the Service has only limited authority to make boundary changes administratively, Pub. L. 109-226 directs us to prepare digital maps and make recommendations for expansion of the CBRS. The Service makes recommendations for changes to the CBRS through a process known as comprehensive map revision. The recommended changes must be adopted by Congress to become effective.

Map Revision Process

In cases where legitimate mapping errors are found, the Service supports changes to the maps and works with Congress to revise them. The “comprehensive map revision” process includes:

1. research into the intent of the original boundaries and the development status on the ground at the time the areas were originally included within the System
2. development of draft revised boundaries (based on statutory criteria and objective mapping protocols)
3. public review of the proposed boundaries
4. preparation of final recommended maps that take into consideration information provided during the public comment period
5. transmittal of final recommended maps to Congress
6. Congressional enactment of legislation to make the revised maps effective

This process ensures that the revised maps are prepared through a transparent process that allows communities and other interested parties an opportunity to provide input. When the Service finds a technical mapping error in one part of a map, we also review adjacent areas on the map to ensure that the entire map is accurate. 

Requesting a Boundary Modification 

Any property owner or other interested party who believes a technical mapping error led to the inclusion of land in the CBRS may submit a request for consideration that the land be removed from the CBRS. Additionally, interested parties may request that the Service evaluate additions to the CBRS. Most additions to and removals from the CBRS require review by the Service and adoption of revised maps by Congress to become effective. However, the Service may administratively make additions to the CBRS if the owner of a parcel requests, in writing, that the Secretary of the Interior add the parcel to the System. The parcel must be an undeveloped coastal barrier in order to qualify for voluntary addition to the CBRS (16 U.S.C. 3503(d)).

How to submit a request 

If you believe an area was inappropriately included within the CBRS, you may submit a request for a boundary change to the Service at cbra@fws.gov. We recommend that such requests be supported by documentation (preferably in the form of official records). Such documentation may include the following:

• information from the local government with the dates of construction for the structure structure
  Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.
  
  Learn more about structure (s) in question
• information from local utility companies and/or the local government with the date(s) that the infrastructure (sewer, water, electricity, and road(s) with a reinforced roadbed) was on the ground for the area in question

Please review our additional boundary modification FAQs before submitting such a request.

CBRS Boundary Modifications FAQs

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