The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) authorizes the Secretary of the Interior to add a parcel of real property to the (CBRS), if-
(1) the owner of the parcel requests, in writing, that the Secretary add the parcel to the System; and
(2) the parcel is an undeveloped coastal barrier.
The term "coastal barrier" means-
“(A) a depositional geologic feature (such as a bay barrier, tombolo, barrier spit, bluff, or barrier island) that-
(i) is subject to wave, tidal, and wind energies; and
(ii) protects landward aquatic habitats from direct wave attack; and
(B) all associated aquatic habitats including the adjacent wetlands, marshes, estuaries, inlets, and nearshore waters.”
The term "undeveloped coastal barrier" means “a coastal barrier the features and associated habitats of which contain few manmade structures and these structures, and man's activities on such features and within such habitats, do not significantly impede geomorphic and ecological processes.”
Process
Step 1 – Review the information on our website regarding CBRA, including the law’s prohibitions on federal expenditures and financial assistance and the exceptions to these prohibitions.
Step 2 – Owner of the parcel submits a request to cbra@fws.gov to determine whether the property qualities as an undeveloped coastal barrier and initiate the voluntary addition process.
Step 3 – Owner of the parcel submits a request in writing to the Secretary of the Interior at Department of the Interior, 1849 C Street, N.W., Washington DC 20240. A copy of this request should also be submitted to cbra@fws.gov.
Step 4 – U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) publishes a notice of the proposed addition in the Federal Register (16 U.S.C. 3503(f)(3)).
Step 5 – Service prepares a revised map reflecting the addition. The revised map becomes effective upon publication of a second notice in the Federal Register. A public comment period is not required.
