Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Critical Habitat for the Pacific Coast Population of the Western Snowy Plover

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DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 17 [Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2010-0070; MO 92210-0-0009] RIN 1018-AX10 Endangered and Threatened Wildlife and Plants; Revised Critical Habitat for the Pacific Coast Population of the Western Snowy Plover AGENCY:

Fish and Wildlife Service, Interior.

ACTION:

Proposed rule.

SUMMARY:

We, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service), propose to revise the designated critical habitat for the Pacific Coast population of the Western Snowy Plover (Pacific Coast WSP) ( Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus ) under the Endangered Species Act of 1973, as amended (Act). The areas identified in this proposed rule constitute a revision of the areas designated as critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP, published in the Federal Register on September 29, 2005. In the final rule, we designated a total of 12,145 acres (ac) (4,915 hectares (ha)) of critical habitat range-wide in 32 units in Washington, Oregon, and California. We are now proposing to revise the existing critical habitat to a total of 68 units totaling approximately 28,261 ac (11,436 ha). The area breakdown by State is as follows: Washington: 6,265 ac (2,497 ha) in 4 units; Oregon: 5,219 ac (2,112 ha) in 13 units; and California: 16,777 ac (6,789 ha) in 51 units.

DATES:

We will consider comments from all interested parties until May 23, 2011. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section by May 6, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by one of the following methods:

(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2010-0070.

interested parties until May 23, 2011. We must receive requests for public hearings, in writing, at the address shown in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section by May 6, 2011.

ADDRESSES:

You may submit comments by one of the following methods:

(1) Federal eRulemaking Portal: http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments to Docket No. FWS-R8-ES-2010-0070.

(2) U.S. mail or hand-delivery: Public Comments Processing, Attn: FWS-R8-ES-2010-0070; Division of Policy and Directives Management; U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222, Arlington, VA 22203.

We will not accept e-mail or faxes. We will post all comments on http://www.regulations.gov. This generally means that we will post any personal information you provide us ( see Public Comments section below for more information).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Jim Watkins, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office, 1655 Heindon Road, Arcata, CA 95521; telephone (707) 822-7201; facsimile (707) 822-8411. If you use a telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD), call the Federal Information Relay Service (FIRS) at (800) 877-8339.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Public Comments

We intend that any final action resulting from this proposed revised critical habitat rule will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we request comments or information from governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or other interested parties concerning this proposed revised rule. We particularly seek comments concerning:

ction resulting from this proposed revised critical habitat rule will be based on the best scientific and commercial data available and be as accurate and as effective as possible. Therefore, we request comments or information from governmental agencies, the scientific community, industry, or other interested parties concerning this proposed revised rule. We particularly seek comments concerning:

(1) The reasons why we should or should not revise the designation of “critical habitat” under section 4 of the Act (16 U.S.C. 1531 et seq. ), including whether there are threats to the species from human activity, the degree of which can be expected to increase due to the designation, and whether that increase in threat outweighs the benefit of designation such that the designation of critical habitat is not prudent.

(2) Specific information on:

(a) Areas that provide habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP that we did not discuss in this proposed revised critical habitat rule,

(b) Areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing that contain elements of the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species which may require special management considerations or protection and that we should include in the designation, and reason(s) why ( see Physical and Biological Features section).

(3) Specific information on our proposed designation of back-dune systems and other habitats in an attempt to offset the anticipated effects of sea-level rise caused by a warming trend associated with climate change ( see Critical Habitat Units section).

(4) Specific information on the Pacific Coast WSP, habitat conditions, and the presence of physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species at any of the critical habitat units proposed in this revised rule ( see Critical Habitat Units section and previous rules (64 FR 68508, December 7, 1999; 70 FR 56970, September 29, 2005)).

( see Critical Habitat Units section).

(5) Comments or information that may assist us in identifying or clarifying the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species.

(6) How the proposed revised critical habitat boundaries could be refined to more closely circumscribe the areas identified as containing the features essential to the species' conservation.

(7) How we mapped the water's edge and whether any alternative methods could be used to better determine the critical habitat boundaries.

(8) Any probable economic, national-security, or other impacts of designating particular areas as critical habitat, and, in particular, any impacts on small entities ( e.g., small businesses or small governments), and the benefits of including or excluding areas that exhibit these impacts.

(9) Whether any specific areas being proposed as revised critical habitat should be excluded under section 4(b)(2) of the Act, and whether the benefits of potentially excluding any particular area outweigh the benefits of including that area under section 4(b)(2) of the Act ( see Exclusions section for further discussion).

(10) Any information regarding the areas exempted from this proposed revised rule ( see Exemptions section for exempted units and further discussion).

(11) Information on any quantifiable economic costs or benefits of the proposed revised designation of critical habitat.

(12) Information on Tribal lands within the proposed revised designation.

see Exclusions section for further discussion).

(10) Any information regarding the areas exempted from this proposed revised rule ( see Exemptions section for exempted units and further discussion).

(11) Information on any quantifiable economic costs or benefits of the proposed revised designation of critical habitat.

(12) Information on Tribal lands within the proposed revised designation.

(13) Whether we could improve or modify our approach to designating critical habitat in any way to provide for greater public participation and understanding, or to better accommodate public concerns and comments.

Our final determination concerning critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP will take into consideration all written comments we receive during the comment period, including comments we have requested from peer reviewers, comments we receive during a public hearing should we receive a request for one, and any additional information we receive during the 60-day comment period. Our final determination will also consider all written comments and any additional information we receive during the comment period for the draft economic analysis. All comments will be included in the public record for this rulemaking. On the basis of peer reviewer and public comments, we may, during the development of our final determination, find that areas included

You may submit your comments and materials concerning this proposed revised rule by one of the methods listed in the ADDRESSES section. Please include sufficient information with your comment to allow us to verify any scientific or commercial data you submit. We will not accept comments sent by e-mail or fax or to an address not listed in the ADDRESSES section.

We will post your entire comment—including your personal identifying information—on http://www.regulations.gov. If your written comments provide personal identifying information, you may request at the top of your document that we withhold this information from public review

l data you submit. We will not accept comments sent by e-mail or fax or to an address not listed in the ADDRESSES section.

Comments and materials we receive, as well as a list of supporting documentation we used in preparing this proposed revised rule, will be available for public inspection on http://www.regulations.gov, or by appointment, during normal business hours, at the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office ( see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ).

You may obtain copies of this proposed revised rule by mail from the Arcata Fish and Wildlife Office ( see FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT ) or by visiting the Federal eRulemaking Portal at http://www.regulations.gov.

Background

It is our intent to discuss only those topics directly relevant to the designation of critical habitat in this proposed revised rule. For more information on the Pacific Coast WSP, refer to the final rule listing the species as threatened that was published in the Federal Register on March 5, 1993 (58 FR 12864). See also the discussion of habitat in the sections below.

Species Description

The western snowy plover, one of two subspecies of snowy plover recognized by the American Ornithologists' Union to nest in North America, is a small shorebird with pale brown to gray upperparts, gray to black legs and bill, and dark patches on the forehead, behind the eyes, and on either side of the upper breast (Page et al. 1995, p. 2). The species was first described in 1758 by Linnaeus (American Ornithologists' Union 1957)

of two subspecies of snowy plover recognized by the American Ornithologists' Union to nest in North America, is a small shorebird with pale brown to gray upperparts, gray to black legs and bill, and dark patches on the forehead, behind the eyes, and on either side of the upper breast (Page et al. 1995, p. 2). The species was first described in 1758 by Linnaeus (American Ornithologists' Union 1957). The Pacific Coast distinct population segment of the western snowy plover (Pacific Coast WSP) is defined as those individuals nesting adjacent to tidal waters within 50 miles (mi) (80 kilometers (km)) of the Pacific Ocean, including all nesting birds on the mainland coast, peninsulas, offshore islands, adjacent bays, estuaries and coastal rivers. For a more complete discussion of the ecology and life history of this population, please see the final rule for listing the Pacific Coast WSP as a threatened species, which was published in the Federal Register on March 5, 1993 (58 FR 12864), or the Service's April 21, 2006, 12-month finding on a petition to delist the Pacific Coast WSP (71 FR 20607).

Life History

Pacific Coast WSPs typically forage for small invertebrates in wet or dry beach sand, tide-cast kelp ( Macrocystis sp.), low foredune vegetation (vegetation along the coastal dune or ridge that is parallel to the shoreline), and near water seeps in salt pans. Prey species include mole crabs ( Emerita analoga ), crabs ( Pachygrapsus crassipes ), polychaete worms (Neridae, Lumbrineris zonata, etc. ), amphipods ( Corophium spp., etc. ), sand hoppers (Orchestoidea), flies (Ephydridae, Dolichopodidae), and beetles (Carabidae, etc. ). Accordingly, beach-cleaning activities that remove kelp and rake sand can harm plover foraging success (Page et al. 1995, p. 15; Dugan 2003, p. 138; Dugan & Hubbard 2009, p. 72)

crabs ( Pachygrapsus crassipes ), polychaete worms (Neridae, Lumbrineris zonata, etc. ), amphipods ( Corophium spp., etc. ), sand hoppers (Orchestoidea), flies (Ephydridae, Dolichopodidae), and beetles (Carabidae, etc. ). Accordingly, beach-cleaning activities that remove kelp and rake sand can harm plover foraging success (Page et al. 1995, p. 15; Dugan 2003, p. 138; Dugan & Hubbard 2009, p. 72).

Generally, the breeding season for Pacific Coast WSP extends from early March to late September, with birds at more southerly locations nesting earlier in the season than birds located farther north (Page et al. 1995, p. 10). Courtship behavior and pair bonding can occur in February, and in the southern portion of the range, a few nests have been initiated as early as late-January. Males establish nesting territories from which they advertise for mates using calls and behavioral displays. Territory sizes can vary from about 0.25 to 2.5 ac (0.1 to 1.0 ha) at interior sites (Page et al. 1995, p. 7). A study of coastal plovers found a maximum territory size of 1.2 ac (0.5 ha) in coastal salt pan habitat, but speculated in the absence of observational data that beach territories may have been larger (Warriner et al. 1986, p. 21). After pair formation, both sexes defend the nesting territory from other plovers. The purpose of such defense is apparently unrelated to protection of food resources within the territory, since both sexes frequently forage in nonterritorial areas up to 5 mi (8 km) from the nest when not incubating, and since the chicks and attending adults typically leave the nesting territory shortly after hatching (Page et al. 1995, p. 10).

e the chicks and attending adults typically leave the nesting territory shortly after hatching (Page et al. 1995, p. 10).

Clutches normally consist of three eggs laid in a shallow depression scraped in the sand by the male. Such “nests” are typically located in open flat areas, often near some conspicuous feature such as a piece of driftwood (Page and Stenzel 1981, p. 2; Page et al. 1995, p. 10). They are usually located within 328 feet (ft) (100 meters (m)) of the shore, but may be farther where shore access remains unblocked by dense vegetation (Page and Stenzel 1981, p. 2; Page et al. 1995, p. 7). Pacific Coast WSPs also tend to nest in relatively higher densities near fresh water or brackish wetlands such as river mouths, estuaries, and tidal marshes (Page and Stenzel 1981, p. 2). They use these areas both as foraging sites, and in the case of freshwater sources, for drinking water (Page and Stenzel 1981, p. 2; Page et al. 1995, p. 10). They may also be capable of functioning for long-periods without freshwater by subsisting on water obtained from insect prey (Purdue 1976, p. 352; Page et al. 1995, p. 5).

Both sexes incubate the eggs; typically females during daylight hours, and males during night. The male may relieve the female for a period during the day. Females often desert the chicks approximately 1 week after hatching (Warriner et al. 1986, p. 27; Page et al. 1995, p. 10). The last brood of the season may be raised by both the male and female. Leaving the brood for the male to raise allows females to nest up to three times in a season, particularly in more southern areas where nesting seasons are longer in duration. Males typically stay with the chicks until they fledge (take their first flight) about 30 days after hatching. Newly hatched chicks are capable of running and foraging almost immediately; from this point, parental behavior consists of defending chicks from other plovers, brooding them in cold weather, leading them to suitable feeding areas, and warning of approaching predators

longer in duration. Males typically stay with the chicks until they fledge (take their first flight) about 30 days after hatching. Newly hatched chicks are capable of running and foraging almost immediately; from this point, parental behavior consists of defending chicks from other plovers, brooding them in cold weather, leading them to suitable feeding areas, and warning of approaching predators. Adults may also employ distraction displays to lead predators away from their young (Page et al. 1995, p. 9).

After their first chicks fledge, males may attempt to raise a new brood with a new partner. Both sexes will also readily attempt to renest if they lose an entire clutch of eggs or brood of chicks, assuming enough time remains in the nesting season (Page et al. 1995, p. 12). Clutches and broods may be lost to predators, tides and storms, and human recreational activities. Examples of the latter include both repeated flushings of incubating adult plovers and direct et al. 2003, p. 303).

Habitat, Geographic Range, and Status

The Pacific Coast WSP breeds primarily on coastal beaches from southern Washington to southern Baja California, Mexico. Sand spits, dune-backed beaches, beaches at creek and river mouths, and salt pans at lagoons and estuaries are the preferred habitats for nesting plovers (Wilson 1980, p. 4; Stenzel et al. 1981, p. 14). Additional Pacific Coast WSP nesting habitats include bluff-backed beaches, dredged material disposal sites, salt ponds and their adjacent levees, and river bars (Wilson 1980, p. 4; Page and Stenzel 1981, p. 14; Powell et al. 1996, p. 16; Tuttle et al. 1997, p. 174). This habitat is variable because of unconsolidated soils, high winds, storms, wave action, and colonization by plants.

nzel 1981, p. 14; Powell et al. 1996, p. 16; Tuttle et al. 1997, p. 174). This habitat is variable because of unconsolidated soils, high winds, storms, wave action, and colonization by plants.

Small changes in the adult survival rate can have relatively large effects on population stability (Nur et al. 1999, p. 14), so the maintenance of quality overwintering habitat is important to conservation. In western North America, both coastal and inland-nesting western snowy plovers winter along the coast (Page et al. 1995, p. 4). Some coastal plovers migrate up or down the coast to wintering locations, while others remain at their nesting beaches. Coastal individuals may also migrate some years and not others (Warriner et al. 1986, p. 18; Page et al. 1995, p. 2). Beaches used for nesting are also often used for wintering, but birds will also winter at several beaches where nesting does not occur (Service 2007, p. 19). Pacific Coast WSPs also visit or nest at other non-beach habitats such as human-made salt ponds, and estuarine sand and mud flats (Page et al. 1986, p. 4). Sites that have historically supported nesting, but which currently support only wintering plovers, have the potential to attract new nesters with appropriate management. This has been successfully carried out at Coal Oil Point and Hollywood Beach in southern California (Lafferty 2001). These management successes are important to conservation, since the loss of numerous historical nesting sites was a major consideration in the plover's original listing. See the final listing rule (58 FR 12864, March 5, 1993) and the Special Management Considerations or Protection section below for additional discussion of the current threats to the species in areas included in this proposed revised critical habitat designation.

Previous Federal Actions

The Pacific Coast WSP was listed as a threatened species on March 5, 1993 (58 FR 12864)

's original listing. See the final listing rule (58 FR 12864, March 5, 1993) and the Special Management Considerations or Protection section below for additional discussion of the current threats to the species in areas included in this proposed revised critical habitat designation.

Previous Federal Actions

The Pacific Coast WSP was listed as a threatened species on March 5, 1993 (58 FR 12864). A 5-year status review of the population under section 4(c)(2) of the Act was completed June 8, 2006, based on the analysis conducted for the section 4(b)(3)(B) status review for the 12-month finding on a petition to delist the Pacific Coast WSP (71 FR 20607, April 21, 2006). Because the Pacific Coast WSP was listed prior to our 1996 policy published in the Federal Register on February 7, 1996 (61 FR 4721) regarding recognition of distinct population segments, in our 12-month finding, we reviewed and confirmed our determination that the Pacific Coast WSP constituted a valid distinct population segment. For a complete discussion of previous Federal actions regarding the Pacific Coast WSP, please see the September 29, 2005, final rule to designate critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP (70 FR 56969).

We are revising our 2005 critical habitat designation as a result of legal action initiated by the Center for Biological Diversity on October 2, 2008, and the subsequent settlement of that action ( Center for Biological Diversity v. Kempthorne, et al., No. C-08-4594 PJH). The complaint raised several challenges to the 2005 critical habitat designation. Under the settlement agreement that resolved this action, the Service agreed to conduct a rulemaking to consider potential revisions to the designated critical habitat for Pacific Coast WSP, to submit for publication to the Federal Register a proposed regulation setting forth any proposed revisions to critical habitat by December 1, 2010, and to submit a final determination on any proposed revisions to the Federal Register by June 5, 2012

ed this action, the Service agreed to conduct a rulemaking to consider potential revisions to the designated critical habitat for Pacific Coast WSP, to submit for publication to the Federal Register a proposed regulation setting forth any proposed revisions to critical habitat by December 1, 2010, and to submit a final determination on any proposed revisions to the Federal Register by June 5, 2012. By order dated November 30, 2010, the district court approved a modification to the settlement agreement that extends the deadline to March 1, 2011, for submission of the proposed revised critical habitat designation to the Federal Register . The deadline for submission of a final revised critical habitat designation to the Federal Register is June 5, 2012.

This proposal relies upon the best scientific and commercial data available to us, including the biological and habitat information described in the previous final rules, the Recovery Plan for the Pacific Coast WSP (Service 2007) which was released September 24, 2007 (72 FR 54279), and recognized principles of conservation biology. Similar to the previous critical habitat designations for the Pacific Coast WSP, this proposal includes units that were occupied at the time of listing that have habitat features essential to the conservation of the species. This proposal differs from the previous designations in that it includes units that may not have been occupied at the time of listing, but that have areas considered to be essential for the conservation of the species, such as those that contain degraded habitat requiring restoration. Restored habitat is essential to the species' conservation in order to offset anticipated loss of current habitat resulting from effects of sea-level rise associated with climate change.

Critical Habitat

Background

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

ed to be essential for the conservation of the species, such as those that contain degraded habitat requiring restoration. Restored habitat is essential to the species' conservation in order to offset anticipated loss of current habitat resulting from effects of sea-level rise associated with climate change.

Critical Habitat

Background

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

(1) The specific areas within the geographical area occupied by a species, at the time it is listed in accordance with the Act, on which are found those physical or biological features:

(a) Essential to the conservation of the species and

(b) Which may require special management considerations or protection; and

(2) Specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by a species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species.

Conservation, as defined under section 3 of the Act, means to use and the use of all methods and procedures that are necessary to bring any endangered or threatened species to the point at which the measures provided under the Act are no longer necessary. Such methods and procedures include, but are not limited to, all activities associated with scientific resources management such as research, census, law enforcement, habitat acquisition and maintenance, propagation, live trapping, transplantation, and in the extraordinary case where population pressures within a given ecosystem cannot otherwise be relieved, may include regulated taking.

Critical habitat receives protection under section 7 of the Act through the requirement that Federal agencies ensure, in consultation with the Service, that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. The designation of critical habitat does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or other conservation area

nder section 7 of the Act through the requirement that Federal agencies ensure, in consultation with the Service, that any action they authorize, fund, or carry out is not likely to result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. The designation of critical habitat does not affect land ownership or establish a refuge, wilderness, reserve, preserve, or other conservation area. Such designation does not allow the government or public to access private lands. Such

For inclusion in a critical habitat designation, the habitat within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it was listed must contain physical and biological features which are essential to the conservation of the species and which may require special management considerations or protection. Critical habitat designations identify, to the extent known using the best scientific and commercial data available, those physical and biological features that are essential to the conservation of the species (such as space, food, cover, and protected habitat), focusing on the principal biological or physical constituent elements (primary constituent elements) within an area that are essential to the conservation of the species (such as roost sites, nesting grounds, seasonal wetlands, water quality, tide, soil type). Primary constituent elements are the elements of physical and biological features that, when laid out in the appropriate quantity and spatial arrangement to provide for a species' life-history processes, are essential to the conservation of the species.

Under the Act, we can designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. We designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical area occupied by a species only when a designation limited to its range would be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species

esignate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time it is listed, upon a determination that such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. We designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical area occupied by a species only when a designation limited to its range would be inadequate to ensure the conservation of the species. When the best available scientific data do not demonstrate that the conservation needs of the species require such additional areas, we will not designate critical habitat in areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species. An area currently occupied by the species but that was not occupied at the time of listing may, however, be essential to the conservation of the species and may be included in the critical habitat designation.

Section 4 of the Act requires that we designate critical habitat on the basis of the best scientific and commercial data available. Further, our Policy on Information Standards under the Endangered Species Act (published in the Federal Register on July 1, 1994 (59 FR 34271), the Information Quality Act (section 515 of the Treasury and General Government Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2001 (Pub. L. 106-554; H.R. 5658), and our associated Information Quality Guidelines provide criteria, establish procedures, and provide guidance to ensure that our decisions are based on the best scientific data available. They require our biologists, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of the best scientific data available, to use primary and original sources of information as the basis for recommendations to designate critical habitat.

When we determine which areas should be designated as critical habitat, our primary source of information is generally the information developed during the listing process for the species

, to the extent consistent with the Act and with the use of the best scientific data available, to use primary and original sources of information as the basis for recommendations to designate critical habitat.

When we determine which areas should be designated as critical habitat, our primary source of information is generally the information developed during the listing process for the species. Additional information sources may include the recovery plan for the species, articles in peer-reviewed journals, conservation plans developed by States and counties, scientific status surveys and studies, biological assessments, or other unpublished materials and expert opinion or personal knowledge.

Habitat is often dynamic, and species may move from one area to another over time. Furthermore, we recognize that designation of critical habitat may not include all habitat areas that we may eventually determine are necessary for the recovery of the species. For these reasons, a critical habitat designation does not signal that habitat outside the designated area is unimportant or may not promote the recovery of the species.

Areas that are important to the conservation of the species, both inside and outside the critical habitat designation, will continue to be subject to: (1) Conservation actions implemented under section 7(a)(1) of the Act, (2) regulatory protections afforded by the requirement in section 7(a)(2) of the Act for Federal agencies to insure their actions are not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any endangered or threatened species, and (3) the prohibitions of section 9 of the Act if actions occurring in these areas may affect the species. Federally funded or permitted projects affecting listed species outside their designated critical habitat areas may still result in jeopardy findings in some cases. These protections and conservation tools will continue to contribute to recovery of this species

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

Methods

As required by section 4(b) of the Act, we used the best scientific and commercial data available in determining areas that contain the features essential to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP. We reviewed the approach to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP provided in the December 7, 1999, final critical habitat designation for the Pacific Coast WSP (64 FR 68507); the September 29, 2005, final revised critical habitat designation (70 FR 56969); the Recovery Plan (Service 2007); information from Federal, State, and local government agencies; and information from academia and private organizations that collected scientific data on the species. Other information used for this proposed revised critical habitat includes: Published and unpublished papers, reports, academic theses, species and habitat surveys; Geographic Information System (GIS) data (such as species occurrence data, habitat data, land use, topography, digital aerial photography, and ownership maps); correspondence to the Service from recognized experts; site visits by Service biologists; and other information as available. Mapping for this proposed revised critical habitat designation was completed using ESRI ArcMap 9.3.1 (ESRI, Inc. 2009)

raphic Information System (GIS) data (such as species occurrence data, habitat data, land use, topography, digital aerial photography, and ownership maps); correspondence to the Service from recognized experts; site visits by Service biologists; and other information as available. Mapping for this proposed revised critical habitat designation was completed using ESRI ArcMap 9.3.1 (ESRI, Inc. 2009). Specifically, the most recent National Agriculture Imagery Program images (2009 NAIP Imagery) were used to delineate unit boundaries.

The water's edge comprises the westernmost boundary of each proposed unit. Although the images were taken at different tide levels, we believe these images represent the best mapping information as beach and river habitats change seasonally, and from year to year. In part, the dynamic nature of beach and river habitats is one reason for the differences in the size of past designated critical habitat units and those units being proposed for designation in this revised rule. Additionally, the unit boundaries were extended eastward in anticipation of sea-level rise expected as a result of climate change. We used widely accepted models to help predict the amount of sea-level rise that is likely to et al. 2006; Overpeck et al. 2006; Pfeffer et al. 2008; Fletcher 2009; Grinsted et al. 2009; Mitrovica et al. 2009; Vermeer and S. Rahmstorf 2009). Biologists used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) data to help determine the extent of potential habitat loss at the water's edge resulting from future sea-level rise. As a consequence, they then extended the eastern unit boundary where appropriate to compensate for this future habitat degradation and loss.

Pacific Coast WSPs are expected to adjust their use of nesting habitat as sea level rises, provided that ample habitat is available at higher elevations

determine the extent of potential habitat loss at the water's edge resulting from future sea-level rise. As a consequence, they then extended the eastern unit boundary where appropriate to compensate for this future habitat degradation and loss.

Pacific Coast WSPs are expected to adjust their use of nesting habitat as sea level rises, provided that ample habitat is available at higher elevations. Pacific Coast WSPs have evolved to modify their use of areas due to these areas being dynamic changing habitats and are, therefore, expected to use the inland areas which we propose be restored to constitute habitat.

Maps in this revised rule use shoreline data derived from U.S. Geological Survey 7.5 minute series digital raster graphics (DRGs). Although the DRGs may not represent the exact location of the dynamic shoreline environment, they are considered to be the best vector mapping product for that purpose in common use, and are easily referenced. As a result, the depicted shoreline on the maps may not correspond directly to the proposed critical habitat unit boundaries, which were digitized using 2009 NAIP imagery. Reference information is available at: http://topomaps.usgs.gov/drg/drg_overview.html, 7.5-minute DRG series, U.S. Geological Survey.

Physical and Biological Features

In accordance with section 3(5)(A)(i) and 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act and regulations at 50 CFR 424.12, in determining which areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing to designate as critical habitat, we consider the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species and which may require special management considerations or protection. These include, but are not limited to:

(1) Space for individual and population growth and for normal behavior;

(2) Food, water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or physiological requirements;

(3) Cover or shelter;

(4) Sites for breeding, reproduction, and rearing (or development) of offspring; and

the species and which may require special management considerations or protection. These include, but are not limited to:

(1) Space for individual and population growth and for normal behavior;

(2) Food, water, air, light, minerals, or other nutritional or physiological requirements;

(3) Cover or shelter;

(4) Sites for breeding, reproduction, and rearing (or development) of offspring; and

(5) Habitats that are protected from disturbance or are representative of the historical, geographical, and ecological distributions of a species.

We derive the specific physical and biological features required for the Pacific Coast WSP from studies of this species' habitat, ecology, and life history as described below, in the Background section in this proposed revised rule, in the final listing rule published in the Federal Register on March 5, 1993 (58 FR 12864), in the designation of critical habitat published in the Federal Register on September 29, 2005 (70 FR 56969), and in the 12-month finding on a petition to delist the Pacific Coast WSP (71 FR 20607; April 21, 2006). On the basis of the biological needs of the population, and on the relationship of those needs to the population's habitat, as indicated by the best scientific data available and summarized below, we have determined that the Pacific Coast WSP requires the following physical and biological features:

Habitats That Are Representative of the Historical Geographical and Ecological Distribution of the Species

The Pacific Coast WSP typically utilizes flat, open areas with sandy or saline substrates; vegetation and driftwood are usually sparse or absent (Stenzel et al. 1981, p. 18), such as sandy beaches, dune systems, salt flats, mud flats, and dredge spoil sites. They also regularly nest on gravel bars along the Eel River in northern California. Salt ponds in San Francisco Bay, and elsewhere, have become important habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP

open areas with sandy or saline substrates; vegetation and driftwood are usually sparse or absent (Stenzel et al. 1981, p. 18), such as sandy beaches, dune systems, salt flats, mud flats, and dredge spoil sites. They also regularly nest on gravel bars along the Eel River in northern California. Salt ponds in San Francisco Bay, and elsewhere, have become important habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP. These areas provide space for individual and population growth and for normal behavior and may provide micro-topographic relief offering refuge from high winds and cold weather and sites for nesting.

Space for Individual and Population Growth and for Normal Behavior

Pacific Coast WSPs require space for foraging and establishment of nesting territories. These areas vary widely in size depending on habitat type, habitat availability, life-history stage and activity. As stated in the Background section above, males establish nesting territories that vary from about 0.25 to 2.5 ac (0.1 to 1.0 ha) at interior sites (Page et al. 1995, p.10) and 1.2 ac (0.5 ha) in coastal salt pan habitat, with beach territories perhaps larger (Warriner et al. 1986, p. 18). The birds forage in nonterritorial areas up to 5 mi (8 km) from the nesting sites when not incubating. Critical habitat must, therefore, extend beyond nesting territories to include space for foraging during the nesting season, and space for overwintering, and to provide for connectivity with other portions of the Pacific Coast WSPs range. Pacific Coast WSPs may overwinter at locations where there is no current breeding, but which are historical breeding locations ( e.g., Dillon Beach, CA-9). Designating wintering areas as critical habitat provides essential areas for overwinter survival, provides protections for historical nesting areas, and allows connectivity between sites

vity with other portions of the Pacific Coast WSPs range. Pacific Coast WSPs may overwinter at locations where there is no current breeding, but which are historical breeding locations ( e.g., Dillon Beach, CA-9). Designating wintering areas as critical habitat provides essential areas for overwinter survival, provides protections for historical nesting areas, and allows connectivity between sites. Sandy beaches, dune systems immediately inland of an active beach face, salt flats, mud flats, seasonally exposed gravel bars, salt ponds and adjoining levees, and dredge spoil sites are areas that provide space for individual and population growth and for normal behavior.

Food, Water, Air, Light, Minerals, or Other Nutritional or Physiological Requirements

Pacific Coast WSPs typically forage in open areas by locating prey visually and then running to seize it with their beaks (Page et al. 1995, p. 12). They may also probe in the sand for burrowing invertebrates, or charge flying insects that are resting on the ground, snapping at them as they flush. Accordingly they need open areas in which to forage, to facilitate both prey location and capture. Deposits of tide-cast wrack such as kelp or driftwood tend to attract certain invertebrates, and so provide important foraging sites for plovers (Page et al. 1995, p. 12). Pacific Coast WSPs forage both above and below high tide, but not while those areas are underwater. Foraging areas will, therefore, typically be limited by water on their shoreward side, and by dense vegetation or development on their landward sides. These areas that are subject to inundation but not currently under water support essential small invertebrate food sources such as crabs, worms, flies, beetles, spiders, sand hoppers, clams, and ostracods.

Pacific Coast WSPs use sites of freshwater for drinking where available, but some historical nesting sites, particularly in southern California, have no obvious nearby freshwater sources

ides. These areas that are subject to inundation but not currently under water support essential small invertebrate food sources such as crabs, worms, flies, beetles, spiders, sand hoppers, clams, and ostracods.

Pacific Coast WSPs use sites of freshwater for drinking where available, but some historical nesting sites, particularly in southern California, have no obvious nearby freshwater sources. Adults and chicks in those areas must be assumed to obtain their necessary water from the food they eat. Accordingly we have not included freshwater sites among the essential features of habitat for the population.

Cover or Shelter

Pacific Coast WSPs and their eggs are well camouflaged against light-colored, sandy, or pebbly backgrounds (Page et al. 1995, p. 12). Open areas with these substrates actually constitute shelter for purposes of nesting and foraging. Such areas provide little cover to predators, and allow plovers to fully utilize their et al. 1995, p. 8).

Sandy beaches, dune systems immediately inland of an active beach face, salt flats, mud flats, seasonally exposed gravel bars, salt ponds and adjoining levees, and dredge spoil sites are areas that may provide micro-topographic relief offering refuge from high winds and cold weather and sites for nesting. Surf- or water-deposited organic debris such as seaweed or driftwood located on open substrates supports and attracts small invertebrates that plovers eat, provides cover or shelter from predators and weather, and assists in avoidance of detection (crypsis) for nests, chicks, and incubating adults.

No studies have quantified the amount of vegetation cover that would make an area unsuitable for nesting or foraging, but coastal nesting and foraging locations typically have relatively well-defined boundaries between open sandy substrate favorable to Pacific Coast WSPs and unfavorably dense vegetation inland. These bounds show up well in aerial and satellite photographs, which we used to map essential habitat features

ied the amount of vegetation cover that would make an area unsuitable for nesting or foraging, but coastal nesting and foraging locations typically have relatively well-defined boundaries between open sandy substrate favorable to Pacific Coast WSPs and unfavorably dense vegetation inland. These bounds show up well in aerial and satellite photographs, which we used to map essential habitat features.

Undisturbed Areas

Disturbance of nesting or brooding plovers by humans and domestic animals is a major factor affecting nesting success. Pacific Coast WSPs leave their nests when humans or pets approach too closely. Dogs may also deliberately chase plovers and may trample nests, while vehicles may directly crush adults, chicks, or nests, separate chicks from brooding adults, and interfere with foraging and mating activities (Warriner et al. 1986, p. 25; Service 1993, p. 12871; Ruhlen et al. 2003, p. 303). Repeated flushing of incubating plovers exposes the eggs to the weather and depletes energy reserves needed by the adult, which may result in reductions in nesting success. Surveys at Vandenberg Air Force Base, California, from 1994 to 1997, found the rate of nest loss on southern beaches at the Base to be consistently higher than on northern beaches where recreational use was much lower (Persons and Applegate 1997, p. 8). Ruhlen et al. (2003, p. 303) found that increased human activities on Point Reyes beaches resulted in a lower chick survival rate.

Recent efforts in various areas along the Pacific Coast that have been implemented to isolate nesting plovers from recreational beach users through the use of docents, symbolic fencing (post and signage or single rope fencing), and public outreach, have correlated with higher nesting success in those areas (Page et al. 2003, p. 3). The level of acceptable disturbance varies by site and is partially dependent upon the level of human use when Pacific Coast WSPs initiate courtship and nesting

nesting plovers from recreational beach users through the use of docents, symbolic fencing (post and signage or single rope fencing), and public outreach, have correlated with higher nesting success in those areas (Page et al. 2003, p. 3). The level of acceptable disturbance varies by site and is partially dependent upon the level of human use when Pacific Coast WSPs initiate courtship and nesting. Pacific Coast WSPs have had reproductive success in both highly disturbed areas ( e.g., Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area), and areas that for the most part have been off-limits to direct human-related activities ( e.g., Vandenberg Air Force Base). Predators at some sites can provide a significant level of disturbance, as well as loss of eggs, chicks, and adults.

Sites for Breeding, Reproduction, and Rearing (or Development) of Offspring

Pacific Coast WSPs nest in depressions in open, relatively flat areas, near to tidal waters but far enough away to avoid being inundated by daily tides. Typical substrate is beach sand, but plovers may also lay their eggs in existing depressions in harder ground, such as salt pan, cobblestones, or dredge tailings. Where available, dune systems with numerous flat areas and easy access to the shore are particularly favored for nesting. Plover nesting areas must provide shelter from predators and human disturbance, as discussed above. Unfledged chicks forage with one or both parents, using the same foraging areas and behaviors as adults.

Primary Constituent Elements for the Pacific Coast Western Snowy Plover

nts, using the same foraging areas and behaviors as adults.

Primary Constituent Elements for the Pacific Coast Western Snowy Plover

Under the Act and its implementing regulations, we are required to identify the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP in areas occupied at the time of listing, focusing on the features' primary constituent elements. We consider primary constituent elements to be the elements of physical and biological features that, when laid out in the appropriate quantity and spatial arrangement to provide for a species' life-history processes, are essential to the conservation of the species. We are proposing to designate critical habitat in areas within the geographical areas that were occupied by the species at the time of listing, that contain the primary constituent elements in the quantity and spatial arrangement to support life-history functions essential to the conservation of the species, and that may require special management considerations or protection. We are also proposing to designate areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing because we consider these areas essential for the conservation of the species. These sites are within the range of the Pacific Coast WSP, and were used by the species prior to listing. Due to habitat degradation and loss resulting from rising sea level, human development, and encroachment, we believe it prudent to include these additional sites in our designation to allow an expanding Pacific Coast WSP population to adjust to natural occurring dynamic conditions and threats. See Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat section below for a discussion of the species' geographic range.

We are proposing critical habitat designation of areas that provide some or all of the elements of physical or biological features essential to the conservation of this species

llow an expanding Pacific Coast WSP population to adjust to natural occurring dynamic conditions and threats. See Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat section below for a discussion of the species' geographic range.

We are proposing critical habitat designation of areas that provide some or all of the elements of physical or biological features essential to the conservation of this species. The conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP is dependent upon multiple factors, including the conservation and management of areas to maintain normal ecological functions, where existing populations survive and reproduce. The areas proposed as critical habitat in this rule contain the quantity and arrangement of elements of physical and biological features we believe are essential for the conservation and recovery of the Pacific Coast WSP. The amount and distribution of areas proposed to be designated allow for the Pacific Coast WSP populations to be distributed throughout the area currently occupied and to return to areas formerly occupied within their range, to support recovery criteria outlined for each recovery unit, and, consequently, to support recovery range-wide ( see recovery criteria in Service 2007). Based on the best available information, the primary constituent elements essential to conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP are the following:

Sandy beaches, dune systems immediately inland of an active beach face, salt flats, mud flats, seasonally exposed gravel bars, artificial salt ponds

(1) Areas that are below heavily vegetated areas or developed areas and above the daily high tides,

(2) Shoreline habitat areas for feeding, with no or very sparse vegetation, that are between the annual low tide or low-water flow and annual high tide or high-water flow, subject to inundation but not constantly under water,

(3) Surf- or water-deposited organic debris located on open substrates, and

eas that are below heavily vegetated areas or developed areas and above the daily high tides,

(3) Surf- or water-deposited organic debris located on open substrates, and

(4) Minimal disturbance from the presence of humans, pets, vehicles, or human-attracted predators.

The proposed critical habitat in this revised proposed rule contains the primary constituent elements in the appropriate quantity and spatial arrangement essential to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP, and supports multiple life processes for the species. Portions of some proposed critical habitat units may be currently degraded; however, these areas could be restored with special management, thereby providing suitable habitat to offset habitat loss from anticipated sea-level rise resulting from climate change. Additional areas are proposed as critical habitat to allow a recovering Pacific Coast WSP population to occupy its former range, and allow adjustment to changing conditions ( e.g., shifting sand dunes), expected sea-level rise, and human encroachment.

Special Management Considerations or Protection

When designating critical habitat, we assess whether the physical and biological features within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing that are essential to the conservation of the species may require special management considerations or protection.

cupied by the species at the time of listing that are essential to the conservation of the species may require special management considerations or protection.

All areas included in our proposed revision of critical habitat will require some level of management to address the current and future threats to the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP. Special management considerations or protection may be required to minimize habitat destruction, degradation, and fragmentation associated with the following threats, among others: Water diversions, stabilized dunes and watercourses associated with urban development, human recreational activities, off-highway vehicle (OHV) use, beach raking, pets, nonnative vegetation, resource extraction, and fishing.

Water diversions reduce the transport of sediments which contribute to suitable nesting and foraging substrates. Stabilized dunes and watercourses associated with urban development alter the dynamic processes of beach and river systems, thereby reducing the open nature of suitable habitat needed for predator detection. Human recreational activities disturb foraging or nesting activities, or may attract and provide cover for approaching predators. The use of OHVs has been documented to crush plover nests and strike plover adults. Beach raking or grooming can remove wrack, reducing food resources and cover, and contributing to beach erosion. Pets (leashed and unleashed) can cause incubating adults to leave the nest and establish trails in the sand that can lead predators to the nest. Nonnative vegetation reduces visibility plovers need to detect predators, and occupies otherwise suitable habitat. Resource extraction can disturb incubating, brooding, or foraging plovers. Fishing can disturb Pacific Coast WSPs and can attract predators by the presence of fish offal and bait (Lafferty 2001, p. 2222; Dugan 2003, p. 134; Schlacher et al. 2007, p. 557; Service 2007, p. 33; Dugan and Hubbard 2010, p. 67)

reduces visibility plovers need to detect predators, and occupies otherwise suitable habitat. Resource extraction can disturb incubating, brooding, or foraging plovers. Fishing can disturb Pacific Coast WSPs and can attract predators by the presence of fish offal and bait (Lafferty 2001, p. 2222; Dugan 2003, p. 134; Schlacher et al. 2007, p. 557; Service 2007, p. 33; Dugan and Hubbard 2010, p. 67).

For discussion of the threats to the Pacific Coast WSP and its habitat, please see the Summary of Comments and Recommendations and Summary of Factors Affecting the Species sections of the 12-Month Finding on the Petition to Delist the Pacific Coast WPS (71 FR 20607, April 21, 2006), the final listing rule (58 FR 12864, March 5, 1993) and the Public Comments and Critical Habitat Unit Descriptions sections of the final critical habitat rule (70 FR 56970, September 29, 2005). Please also see Critical Habitat Units section below for a discussion of the threats in each of the proposed revised critical habitat units.

Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat

As required by section 4(b)(1)(A) of the Act, we use the best scientific and commercial data available to designate critical habitat. We review available information pertaining to the habitat requirements of the species. In accordance with the Act and its implementing regulation at 50 CFR 424.12(e), we consider whether designating additional areas—outside those currently occupied as well as those occupied at the time of listing—are necessary to ensure the conservation of the species. We are proposing to designate critical habitat in areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing in 1993. We also are proposing to designate specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing because such areas are essential for the conservation of the species

isting—are necessary to ensure the conservation of the species. We are proposing to designate critical habitat in areas within the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing in 1993. We also are proposing to designate specific areas outside the geographical area occupied by the species at the time of listing because such areas are essential for the conservation of the species. We have determined that limiting the designation of critical habitat to those areas that were considered occupied at the time of listing is no longer sufficient to conserve the species because:

(1) There has been considerable loss and degradation of habitat throughout the species range since the time of listing;

(2) We anticipate a further loss of habitat in the future due to sea-level rise resulting from climate change, and;

(3) The species needs habitat areas that are arranged spatially in a way that will maintain connectivity and allow dispersal within and between units.

The amount and distribution of critical habitat being proposed for designation will allow populations of Pacific Coast WSP to:

(1) Maintain their existing distribution;

(2) Increase their distribution into previously occupied areas (needed to offset habitat loss and fragmentation);

(3) Move between areas depending on resource and habitat availability (response to changing nature of coastal beach habitat) and support genetic interchange;

(4) Increase the size of each population to a level where the threats of genetic, demographic, and normal environmental uncertainties are diminished; and

n into previously occupied areas (needed to offset habitat loss and fragmentation);

(3) Move between areas depending on resource and habitat availability (response to changing nature of coastal beach habitat) and support genetic interchange;

(4) Increase the size of each population to a level where the threats of genetic, demographic, and normal environmental uncertainties are diminished; and

(5) Maintain their ability to withstand local or unit level environmental fluctuations or catastrophes.

All areas proposed for critical habitat designation are within the historical range of the species. We have identified areas to include in this proposed designation by applying Criteria 1 through 6 below. In an effort to update our 2005 final designation of critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP, we used the best available information on occupancy and habitat conditions of areas that were analyzed in 2005 and considered other areas throughout the species historical range to determine whether to add areas to or remove areas from this proposal to revise critical habitat.

We used the following criteria to select appropriate units for this proposed revised rule:

(1) Areas throughout the range of the Pacific Coast WSP located to allow the species to move and expand: The dynamic nature of beach, dune, and similar habitats necessitates that Pacific Coast WSPs move to adjust for changes in habitat availability, food sources, and et al. 2009; p. 5). Designating units in sufficient amount and in spatially appropriate areas throughout the range of the Pacific Coast WSP allows for seasonal migration, year-to-year movements, and expansion of the Pacific Coast WSP to its historical boundaries. We consider this necessary to conserve the species because it assists in counterbalancing catastrophes, such as extreme climatic events, oil spills, or disease that might depress regional survival or productivity

appropriate areas throughout the range of the Pacific Coast WSP allows for seasonal migration, year-to-year movements, and expansion of the Pacific Coast WSP to its historical boundaries. We consider this necessary to conserve the species because it assists in counterbalancing catastrophes, such as extreme climatic events, oil spills, or disease that might depress regional survival or productivity. Having units across the species' range helps in maintaining a robust, well distributed population and enhances survival and productivity of the Pacific Coast WSP as a whole, facilitates interchange of genetic material between units, and promotes recolonization of any sites that experience declines or local extirpations due to low productivity or temporary habitat loss. By way of example, Recovery Unit 2 in northern California (Service 2007; p. 129) currently relies on the immigration of breeding adults from other units to maintain its population as reproductive success remains low (Colwell et al. 2009; p. 4). Maintaining good habitat distribution is essential to maintaining a healthy range-wide population, reducing the potential for a gap in the Pacific Coast WSP's range to develop. Within this designation, we focused on areas within the six recovery units identified in the Recovery Plan (Service 2007, Appendix A).

(2) Breeding areas: Areas identified in the Recovery Plan (Service 2007) known to support breeding Pacific Coast WSP were selected. Selected sites include historical breeding areas and areas currently being used by breeding plovers. These areas are essential to the conservation of the species because they contain the physical and biological features necessary for Pacific Coast WSPs to breed and produce offspring and ensure that population increases are distributed throughout the Pacific Coast WSP's range

ast WSP were selected. Selected sites include historical breeding areas and areas currently being used by breeding plovers. These areas are essential to the conservation of the species because they contain the physical and biological features necessary for Pacific Coast WSPs to breed and produce offspring and ensure that population increases are distributed throughout the Pacific Coast WSP's range. By selecting breeding areas across the Pacific Coast WSP's range, we can assist in conserving the species' genetic and demographic robustness and important life-history stages for long-term sustainability of the entire listed species. Some breeding areas are occupied year-round and also are used as wintering areas by a portion of the population.

(3) Wintering areas: Major wintering sites not already selected under criterion 2 above were added. A “major” wintering site is defined as one that supports more wintering birds than average for the geographical region based on current or historical numbers. We believe these areas are necessary to provide sufficient habitat for the survival of Pacific Coast WSPs during the nonbreeding season as they allow for dispersal of adults or juveniles to nonbreeding sites and provide roosting and foraging opportunities and shelter during inclement weather.

(4) Diverse habitat: Additional sites were added that provide diverse habitat (mud flats, gravel bars, or salt ponds and salt pond levees), or that are situated to facilitate interchange between otherwise widely separated units. This criterion is based on standard conservation biology principles; by protecting a variety of habitats and facilitating interchange between them, we increase the ability of the species to adjust to various limiting factors that affect the population, such as predators, disease, major storms, habitat loss and degradation, and rise in sea level.

terchange between otherwise widely separated units. This criterion is based on standard conservation biology principles; by protecting a variety of habitats and facilitating interchange between them, we increase the ability of the species to adjust to various limiting factors that affect the population, such as predators, disease, major storms, habitat loss and degradation, and rise in sea level.

(5) Areas to maintain connectivity of habitat: Some areas that may be seasonally lacking in certain elements of essential physical and biological features and that contain marginal habitat were included if they were contiguous with areas containing one or more of those elements and if they contribute to the hydrologic and geologic processes essential to the ecological function of the system. These areas are essential to the conservation of the species because they maintain connectivity within populations, allow for species movement throughout the course of a given year, and allow for population expansion.

(6) Restoration areas: We have selected some areas within occupied units that, once restored, would be able to support the Pacific Coast WSP. These areas generally are upland habitats, adjacent to beach and other areas used by the species, and contain introduced vegetation such as European beach grass ( Ammophila arenaria ) that currently limits use of the area by the species. These areas would provide habitat to off-set the anticipated loss and degradation of habitat due to sea-level rise expected from the effects of climate change or due to development. These areas previously contained and would still contain the features essential to the conservation of the species once removal of the beachgrass and restoration of the area has occurred.

In order to translate the criteria above to the areas on the ground, we used the following methodology to identify the mapped boundaries of critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP:

ge or due to development. These areas previously contained and would still contain the features essential to the conservation of the species once removal of the beachgrass and restoration of the area has occurred.

In order to translate the criteria above to the areas on the ground, we used the following methodology to identify the mapped boundaries of critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP:

(1) We digitally mapped occurrence data within the range of the Pacific Coast WSP at the time and subsequent to the time of listing in the form of polygons and points using ArcMap 9.3.1 (ESRI 2009). An attempt was made to consider site-specific survey data that was both current and historical. Survey information used in this designation was compiled from several sources during various timeframes as identified in the Recovery Plan (Service 2007, Appendix B);

(2) We utilized National Agriculture Imagery Program (NAIP 2009) aerial imagery with a 3.3 ft (1 m) resolution to determine the lateral extent (width) between the water and upland areas of habitat. The western (seaward) boundary of the coastal units is the water's edge, which varies daily with each changing tide, and will vary seasonally with storm surges, and sand erosion and deposition. For mapping purposes, the western boundary of the coastal units is the water's edge based on the 2009 NAIP imagery. Given the dynamic nature of coastal beaches, riparian areas, and salt pond management, we also delineated the lateral extent to encompass the entire area up to the lower edge of permanent upland vegetation or to the edge of a permanent barrier, such as a bluff, levee, sea wall, human development, etc. Using aerial imagery (NAIP 2009), we also delineated the northern and southern extents of the proposed units to include the beach areas associated with the occurrence information identified above

ineated the lateral extent to encompass the entire area up to the lower edge of permanent upland vegetation or to the edge of a permanent barrier, such as a bluff, levee, sea wall, human development, etc. Using aerial imagery (NAIP 2009), we also delineated the northern and southern extents of the proposed units to include the beach areas associated with the occurrence information identified above.

When determining proposed revised critical habitat boundaries, we made every effort to avoid including developed areas, such as lands covered by buildings, sea walls, pavement, and other structures, because these areas lack physical and biological features for the Pacific Coast WSP. The scale of maps we prepared under the parameters for publication within the Code of Federal Regulations may not reflect the exclusion of such developed lands. Any such lands inadvertently left inside critical habitat boundaries shown on the maps of this proposed revised critical habitat have been excluded by text in this proposed revised rule and are not proposed for designation as critical habitat. Therefore, if the critical habitat is finalized as proposed, a Federal action involving these lands would not trigger section 7 consultation with respect to critical habitat and the requirement of no adverse modification unless the specific action would affect the physical and biological features in adjacent critical habitat.

In this proposed rule to revise critical habitat, we are proposing to designate lands that we have determined were within the geographic area occupied at the time of listing and contain sufficient

Summary of Changes From Previously Designated Critical Habitat

es From Previously Designated Critical Habitat

The areas identified in this proposed revised rule constitute a revision of the areas designated as critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP on September 29, 2005 (70 FR 56969). In the 2005 final rule, we designated approximately 12,145 ac (4,921 ha) of critical habitat in a total of 32 units within the States of Washington, Oregon, and California. Refer to that final rule to compare critical habitat designations in 2005 with those being proposed here. Table 1 below outlines the changes in areas in each unit or subunit between the 2005 final critical habitat rule and this proposed revised critical habitat rule. This proposed revision contains significant changes to the number of units and amount of acreage compared to the designation in 2005. These changes are based on updated information, changes to our criteria and methodologies for determining areas essential to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP, or exclusions based on section 4(b)(2) of the Act.

A total of 39 new units and 16,116 ac (6,522 ha) are being proposed that were not designated in 2005. Of these, three (3) units in Washington are new or have new extensions; 8 units are new in Oregon; and 28 units are newly proposed in California. One (1) unit was designated as critical habitat in 2005 (San Onofre Beach, then designated as Unit CA 24), but is being exempted under section 4(a)(3) of the Act and is not being proposed in this revised rule ( see Application of Section 4(a)(3) of the Endangered Species Act section below).

le ( see Application of Section 4(a)(3) of the Endangered Species Act section below).

Table 1—A Comparison of the Areas (in Acres and Hectares) Identified as Containing Features Essential to the Conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP in the 2005 Final Critical Habitat Designation and This 2010 Proposed Revised Critical Habitat Designation [Values in this table may not sum due to rounding] Unit No. Unit name 2005 Acres Hectares 2010 Acres Hectares Washington WA 1 Copalis Spit 0 0 407 165 WA 2 Damon Point 908 367 673 272 WA 3A Midway Beach 786 318 697 282 WA 3B Shoalwater/Graveyard 0 0 1,121 454 WA Unit 3 Totals 786 318 1,818 736 WA 4A Ledbetter Spit 832 337 2,463 997 WA 4B Gunpowder Sands Island 0 0 904 366 WA Unit 4 Totals 832 337 3,367 1,363 WASHINGTON STATE TOTALS 2,526 1,023 6,265 2,535 Oregon OR 1 Columbia River Spit 0 0 169 69 OR 2 Necanicum River Spit 0 0 211 85 OR 3 Nehalem River Spit 0 0 299 121 OR 4 Bayocean Spit 207 83.5 367 148 OR 5 Netarts Spit 0 0 541 219 OR 6 Sand Lake South 0 0 200 81 OR 7 Sutton/Baker Beaches 260 105 372 151 OR 8A Siltcoos Breach 8 3 15 6 OR 8B Siltcoos River Spit 0 0 241 97 OR 8C Dunes Overlook/Tahkenitch Creek Spit 527 213 716 290 OR 8D North Umpqua River Spit 0 0 236 95 Unit OR-8 Totals 535 217 1,208 489 OR 9 Tenmile Creek Spit 234.5 95 244 99 OR 10 Coos Bay North Spit 278 113 308 125 OR 11 Bandon to New River 632 256 1,016 411 OR 12 * Elk River Spit 0 0 167 68 OR 13 Euchre Creek 0 0 116 47 OREGON STATE TOTALS 2,146.5 868.5 5,219 2,112 California CA 1 Lake Earl 57 24 74 30 CA 2 Gold Bluffs Beach 0 0 144 58 CA 3a Humboldt Lagoons—Stone Lagoon 0 0 52 21 CA 3b Humboldt Lagoons—Big Lagoon 280 113 212 86 Unit CA-3 Totals 280 113 264 107 CA 4a Clam Beach/Little River 155 63 194 79 CA 4b Mad River 377 153 456 185 Unit CA-4 Totals 532 215 650 263 CA 5a Humboldt Bay South Spit 375 152 419 170 CA 5b Eel River North Spit/Beach 283 114 259 105 CA 5c Eel River South Spit/Beach 402 163 339 137 Unit CA-5 Totals 1,060 429 1,017 412 CA 6 Eel River Gravel Bars 1,193 483 1,139 461 CA 7 MacKerric

280 113 212 86 Unit CA-3 Totals 280 113 264 107 CA 4a Clam Beach/Little River 155 63 194 79 CA 4b Mad River 377 153 456 185 Unit CA-4 Totals 532 215 650 263 CA 5a Humboldt Bay South Spit 375 152 419 170 CA 5b Eel River North Spit/Beach 283 114 259 105 CA 5c Eel River South Spit/Beach 402 163 339 137 Unit CA-5 Totals 1,060 429 1,017 412 CA 6 Eel River Gravel Bars 1,193 483 1,139 461 CA 7 MacKerricher Beach 1,048 424 1,176 476 CA 8 Manchester Beach 341 138 482 195 CA 9 Dillon Beach 0 0 39 16 CA 10A Pt Reyes 462 187 460 186 CA 10B Limantour 124 50 156 63 Unit CA-10 Totals 586 237 617 250 CA 11 Napa 0 0 618 250 CA 12 Hayward 0 0 1 0 CA 13A Eden Landing 0 0 237 96 CA 13B Eden Landing 0 0 171 69 CA 13C Eden Landing 0 0 609 246 Unit CA-13 Totals 0 0 1,016 411 CA 14 Ravenswood 0 0 89 36 CA 15 Warm Springs 0 0 168 68 CA 16 Half Moon Bay 37 15 36 15 CA 17 Waddell Creek Beach 9 4 25 10 CA 18 Scott Creek Beach 19 8 23 9 CA 19 Wilder Creek Beach 10 4 15 6 CA 20 Jetty Road to Aptos 0 0 399 161 CA 21 Elkhorn Slough Mudflats 281 114 281 114 CA 22 Monterey to Moss Landing 0 0 967 391 CA 23 Point Sur Beach 61 25 72 29 CA 24 San Carpoforo Creek 0 0 24 10 CA 25 Arroyo Laguna Creek 0 0 28 11 CA 26 San Simeon State Beach 28 11 24 10 CA 27 Villa Creek Beach 17 7 20 8 CA 28 Toro Creek 0 0 34 14 CA 29 Atascadero Beach/Morro Strand SB 0 0 213 86 CA 30 Morro Bay Beach 0 0 1,076 435 CA 31 Pismo Beach/Nipomo Dunes 0 0 1,652 669 CA 32 Vandenberg North 0 0 711 288 CA 33 Vandenberg South 0 0 423 171 CA 34 Devereaux Beach 36 15 52 21 CA 35 Santa Barbara Beaches 0 0 65 26 CA 36 Santa Rosa Island Beaches 0 0 586 237 CA 37 San Buenaventura Beach 0 0 70 28 CA 38 Mandalay to Santa Clara River 350 142 672 272 CA 39 Ormond Beach 175 71 320 130 CA 40 Mugu Lagoon South 87 35 0 0 CA 43 Zuma Beach 68 28 73 30 CA 44 Malibu Beach 0 0 13 5 CA 45A Santa Monica Beach 25 10 48 19 CA 45B Dockweiler North 43 17 34 14 CA 45C Dockweiler South 24 10 65 26 CA 45D Hermosa State Beach 10 4 27 11 Unit CA-45 Totals 102 41 173 70 CA 46A Bolsa Chica Reserve 591 239 484 196

CA 38 Mandalay to Santa Clara River 350 142 672 272 CA 39 Ormond Beach 175 71 320 130 CA 40 Mugu Lagoon South 87 35 0 0 CA 43 Zuma Beach 68 28 73 30 CA 44 Malibu Beach 0 0 13 5 CA 45A Santa Monica Beach 25 10 48 19 CA 45B Dockweiler North 43 17 34 14 CA 45C Dockweiler South 24 10 65 26 CA 45D Hermosa State Beach 10 4 27 11 Unit CA-45 Totals 102 41 173 70 CA 46A Bolsa Chica Reserve 591 239 484 196 CA 46B Bolsa Chica Reserve 0 0 2 1 CA 46C Bolsa Chica Reserve 0 0 21 9 CA 46D Bolsa Chica Reserve 0 0 3 1 CA 46E Bolsa Chica State Beach 4 2 8 3 Unit CA-46 Totals 595 241 518 210 CA 47 Santa Ana River Mouth 13 5 19 8 CA 48 Balboa Beach 0 0 25 10 San Onofre Beach (Unit CA-24 in 2005) 49 20 0 0 CA 50A Batiquitos Lagoon 21 9 24 10 CA 50B Batiquitos Lagoon 23 9 23 9 CA 50C Batiquitos Lagoon 21 8 19 8 Unit CA-50 Totals 65 26 66 27 CA 51A San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve 0 0 3 1 CA 51B San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve 0 0 5 2 CA 51C San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve 0 0 7 3 Unit CA-51 Totals 0 0 15 6 CA 52A San Dieguito Lagoon 0 0 4 2 CA 52B San Dieguito Lagoon 0 0 3 1 CA 52C San Dieguito Lagoon 0 0 4 2 Unit CA-52 Totals 0 0 11 5 CA 53 Los Penasquitos Lagoon 24 10 32 13 CA 54A Fiesta Island 0 0 2 1 CA 54B Mariner's Point 0 0 7 3 CA 54C South Mission Beach 0 0 38 15 CA 54D San Diego River Channel 0 0 51 21 Unit CA-54 Totals 0 0 98 39 CA 55B Coronado Beach 44 18 74 30 CA 55E Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and D Street Fill 128 52 132 53 CA 55F Silver Strand State Beach 0 0 82 33 CA 55G Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve 0 0 10 4 CA 55I San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, South Bay Unit 0 0 5 2 CA 55J Tijuana Estuary and Beach 182 73 150 61 Unit CA-55 Totals 354 143 453 183 CALIFORNIA TOTALS 7,477 3,029 16,777 6,789 WASHINGTON, OREGON, CALIFORNIA GRAND TOTALS 12,145 4,921 28,261 11,437 Some areas being proposed as revised critical habitat were omitted from the 2005 final rule

33 CA 55G Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve 0 0 10 4 CA 55I San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, South Bay Unit 0 0 5 2 CA 55J Tijuana Estuary and Beach 182 73 150 61 Unit CA-55 Totals 354 143 453 183 CALIFORNIA TOTALS 7,477 3,029 16,777 6,789 WASHINGTON, OREGON, CALIFORNIA GRAND TOTALS 12,145 4,921 28,261 11,437 Some areas being proposed as revised critical habitat were omitted from the 2005 final rule. We have subsequently concluded that they are essential to the conservation of the species based on our current criteria for determining critical habitat ( see Criteria Used To Identify Critical Habitat section and information outlined below). Most of the units excluded between the 2004 proposed rule and the 2005 final rule were excluded for economic reasons under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. The economic analysis for that rule quantified coextensive economic impacts of both e.g., under the Federal listing and other Federal, State, and local regulations), and representing the costs incurred regardless of whether critical habitat is designated. The “with critical habitat” scenario describes the incremental impacts associated specifically with the designation of critical habitat for the species, the costs of which are solely attributable to the designation of critical habitat, above and beyond the baseline costs. Incremental impacts are the costs we now consider in the final designation of critical habitat when evaluating the benefits of excluding particular areas under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. We are currently in the process of conducting a new economic analysis on this proposed designation ( see Economic Impacts section below).

Proposed Revised Critical Habitat Designation

f conducting a new economic analysis on this proposed designation ( see Economic Impacts section below).

Proposed Revised Critical Habitat Designation

We are proposing 28,261 ac (11,437 ha) in 68 units as revised critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP: 6,265 ac (2,535 ha) in 4 units in Washington; 5,219 ac (2,112 ha) in 13 units in Oregon; and 16,777 ac (6,789 ha) in 51 units in California. The critical habitat areas described below constitute our current assessment of areas that meet the definition of critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP. Table 2 shows the occupied units. The approximate area and ownership of each proposed revised critical habitat unit is shown in Table 3. These units, if finalized, will replace the current critical habitat designation for the Pacific Coast WSP in 50 CFR 17.95.

Table 2—Occupancy of Pacific Coast WSP by Proposed Revised Critical Habitat Units Unit Name Occupied at time of listing? Currently occupied WA 1 Copalis Spit No No. WA 2 Damon Point Yes Yes. WA 3A Midway Beach Yes Yes. WA 3B * Shoalwater/Graveyard Yes Yes. WA 4A Leadbetter Spit Yes Yes. WA 4B Gunpowder Sands Island Yes No. OR 1 Columbia River Spit No No. OR 2 Necanicum River Spit No No. OR 3 Nehalem River Spit No Yes. OR 4 Bayocean Spit Yes Yes. OR 5 Netarts Spit No No. OR 6 Sand Lake South No No. OR 7 Sutton/Baker Beaches Yes Yes. OR 8A Siltcoos Breach Yes Yes. OR 8B Siltcoos River Spit Yes Yes. OR 8C Dunes Overlook/Tahkenitch Creek Spit Yes Yes. OR 8D North Umpqua River Spit No No. OR 9 Tenmile Creek Spit Yes Yes. OR 10 Coos Bay North Spit Yes Yes. OR 11 Bandon to New River Yes Yes. OR 12 * Elk River Spit No No. OR 13 Euchre Creek No No. CA 1 Lake Earl Yes Yes. CA 2 Gold Bluffs Beach Yes Yes. CA 3a Humboldt Lagoons—Stone Lagoon Yes Yes. CA 3b Humboldt Lagoons—Big Lagoon Yes Yes. CA 4a Clam Beach/Little River Yes Yes. CA 4b Mad River Yes Yes. CA 5a Humboldt Bay South Spit Yes Yes. CA 5b Eel River North Spit/Beach Yes Yes. CA 5c Eel River South Spit/Beach Yes Yes. CA 6 Eel River Gravel Bars Yes Yes

t No No. OR 13 Euchre Creek No No. CA 1 Lake Earl Yes Yes. CA 2 Gold Bluffs Beach Yes Yes. CA 3a Humboldt Lagoons—Stone Lagoon Yes Yes. CA 3b Humboldt Lagoons—Big Lagoon Yes Yes. CA 4a Clam Beach/Little River Yes Yes. CA 4b Mad River Yes Yes. CA 5a Humboldt Bay South Spit Yes Yes. CA 5b Eel River North Spit/Beach Yes Yes. CA 5c Eel River South Spit/Beach Yes Yes. CA 6 Eel River Gravel Bars Yes Yes. CA 7 MacKerricher Beach Yes Yes. CA 8 Manchester Beach No Yes. CA 9 Dillon Beach Yes Yes. CA 10A Pt Reyes Yes Yes. CA 10B Limantour Yes Yes. CA 11 Napa Yes Yes. CA 12 Hayward Yes Yes. CA 13A Yes Yes. CA 13B Eden Landing Yes Yes. CA 13C Yes Yes. CA 14 Ravenswood Yes Yes. CA 15 Warm Springs Yes Yes. CA 16 Half Moon Bay Yes Yes. CA 17 Waddell Creek Beach Yes No. CA 18 Scott Creek Beach Yes Yes. CA 19 Wilder Creek Beach Yes Yes. CA 20 Jetty Road to Aptos Yes Yes. CA 21 Elkhorn Slough Mudflats Yes Yes. CA 22 Monterey to Moss Landing Yes Yes. CA 23 Point Sur Beach Yes Yes. CA 24 San Carpoforo Creek Yes Yes. CA 25 Arroyo Laguna Creek Yes Yes. CA 26 San Simeon State Beach Yes Yes. CA 27 Villa Creek Beach Yes Yes. CA 28 Toro Creek Yes Yes. CA 29 Atascadero Beach/Morro Strand SB Yes Yes. CA 30 Morro Bay Beach Yes Yes. CA 31 Pismo Beach/Nipomo Dunes Yes Yes. CA 32 Vandenberg North Yes Yes. CA 33 Vandenberg South Yes Yes. CA 34 Devereaux Beach Yes Yes. CA 35 Santa Barbara Beaches Yes Yes. CA 36 Santa Rosa Island Beaches Yes Yes. CA 37 San Buenaventura Beach Yes Yes. CA 38 Mandalay to Santa Clara River Yes Yes. CA 39 Ormond Beach Yes Yes. CA 43 Zuma Beach Yes Yes. CA 44 Malibu Beach Yes Yes. CA 45A Santa Monica Beach Yes Yes. CA 45B Dockweiler North Yes Yes. CA 45C Dockweiler South Yes Yes. CA 45D Hermosa State Beach Yes Yes. CA 46A Yes Yes. CA 46B Bolsa Chica Reserve Yes Yes. CA 46C Yes Yes. CA 46D Yes Yes. CA 46E Bolsa Chica State Beach Yes Yes. CA 47 Santa Ana River Mouth No No. CA 48 Balboa Beach Yes Yes. CA 50A Yes Yes. CA 50B Batiquitos Lagoon Yes Yes. CA 50C Yes Yes. CA 51A Yes Yes

5A Santa Monica Beach Yes Yes. CA 45B Dockweiler North Yes Yes. CA 45C Dockweiler South Yes Yes. CA 45D Hermosa State Beach Yes Yes. CA 46A Yes Yes. CA 46B Bolsa Chica Reserve Yes Yes. CA 46C Yes Yes. CA 46D Yes Yes. CA 46E Bolsa Chica State Beach Yes Yes. CA 47 Santa Ana River Mouth No No. CA 48 Balboa Beach Yes Yes. CA 50A Yes Yes. CA 50B Batiquitos Lagoon Yes Yes. CA 50C Yes Yes. CA 51A Yes Yes. CA 51B San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve Yes Yes. CA 51C Yes Yes. CA 52A Yes Yes. CA 52B San Dieguito Lagoon Yes Yes. CA 52C Yes Yes. CA 53 Los Penasquitos Lagoon Yes Yes. CA 54A Fiesta Island Yes No. CA 54B Mariner's Point Yes Yes. CA 54C South Mission Beach Yes Yes. CA 54D San Diego River Channel Yes Yes. CA 55B Coronado Beach Yes Yes. CA 55E Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge Yes Yes. CA 55F Silver Strand State Beach Yes Yes. CA 55G Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve Yes No. CA 55I San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, South Bay Unit Yes Yes. CA 55J Tijuana Estuary and Beach Yes Yes. * Unit or portions of unit may be considered for exclusion in the final critical habitat rule under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. Table 3—Proposed Revised Critical Habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP Showing Federal, State, Tribal, and Other (Private and Local Government) Land Ownership Unit No. Unit name Total ac ha Federal ac ha Tribal ac ha State ac ha Other ac ha Washington WA 1 Copalis Spit 407 165 0 0 0 0 407 165 0 0 WA 2 Damon Point 673 272 0 0 0 0 648 262 25 10 WA 3A Midway Beach 697 282 0 0 0 0 697 282 0 0 WA 3B* Shoalwater/Graveyard 1,121 454 0 0 336 136 505 204 280 113 Unit WA-3 Totals 1,818 735 0 0 336 136 1,202 486 280 113 WA 4A Leadbetter Spit 2,463 997 2,026 820 0 0 437 177 0 0 WA 4B Gunpowder Sands Island 904 366 904 366 0 0 0 0 0 0 Unit WA-4 Totals 3,367 1,363 2,930 1,186 0 0 437 177 0 0 WASHINGTON STATE TOTALS 6,265 2,535 2,930 1,186 336 136 2,694 1,090 305 123 Oregon OR 1 Columbia River Spit 169 69 169 69 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR 2 Necanicum River Spit 211 85 0 0 0 0 161 65 50 20 OR 3 Nehalem River Spit 299 121 0 0 0 0 299 121 0 0

etter Spit 2,463 997 2,026 820 0 0 437 177 0 0 WA 4B Gunpowder Sands Island 904 366 904 366 0 0 0 0 0 0 Unit WA-4 Totals 3,367 1,363 2,930 1,186 0 0 437 177 0 0 WASHINGTON STATE TOTALS 6,265 2,535 2,930 1,186 336 136 2,694 1,090 305 123 Oregon OR 1 Columbia River Spit 169 69 169 69 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR 2 Necanicum River Spit 211 85 0 0 0 0 161 65 50 20 OR 3 Nehalem River Spit 299 121 0 0 0 0 299 121 0 0 OR 4 Bayocean Spit 367 148 279 113 0 0 0 0 88 36 OR 5 Netarts Spit 541 219 0 0 0 0 541 219 0 0 OR 6 Sand Lake South 200 81 0 0 0 0 0 0 200 81 OR 7 Sutton/Baker Beaches 372 151 372 151 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR 8A Siltcoos Breach 15 6 15 6 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR 8B Siltcoos River Spit 241 97 241 97 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR 8C Dunes Overlook/Tahkenitch Creek Spit 716 290 716 290 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR 8D North Umpqua River Spit 236 95 151 61 0 0 85 34 0 0 Unit OR-8 Totals 1,208 489 1,123 454 0 0 85 34 0 0 OR 9 Tenmile Creek Spit 244 99 244 99 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR 10 Coos Bay North Spit 308 125 308 125 0 0 0 0 0 0 OR 11 Bandon to New River 1,016 411 459 186 0 0 267 108 290 117 OR 12* Elk River Spit 167 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 167 68 OR 13 Euchre Creek 116 47 0 0 0 0 0 0 116 47 OREGON STATE TOTALS 5,219 2,112 2,955 1,196 0 0 1,353 547 911 369 California CA 1 Lake Earl 74 30 0 0 0 0 22 9 52 21 CA 2 Gold Bluffs Beach 144 58 0 0 0 0 144 58 0 0 CA 3A Humboldt Lagoons—Stone Lagoon 52 21 0 0 0 0 52 21 0 0 CA 3B Humboldt Lagoons—Big Lagoon 212 86 0 0 0 0 174 70 38 15 Unit CA-3 Totals 264 107 0 0 0 0 226 92 38 15 CA 4A Clam Beach/Little River 194 79 0 0 0 0 79 32 115 47 CA 4B Mad River 456 185 0 0 0 0 152 62 304 123 Unit CA-4 Totals 650 263 0 0 0 0 231 93 419 170 CA 5A Humboldt Bay South Spit 419 170 20 8 0 0 383 155 16 7 CA 5B Eel River North Spit/Beach 259 105 0 0 0 0 252 102 7 3 CA 5C Eel River South Spit/Beach 339 137 0 0 0 0 317 128 22 9 Unit CA-5 Totals 1,017 412 20 8 0 0 952 385 45 18 CA 6 Eel River Gravel Bars 1,139 461 0 0 0 0 82 33 1,057 428 CA 7 MacKerricher Beach 1,176 476 0 0 0 0 1,102 446 74 30 CA 8 Manchester Beach 482 195 68 28 0 0 402 163 12 5 CA 9 Dillon Beach 39 1

it 419 170 20 8 0 0 383 155 16 7 CA 5B Eel River North Spit/Beach 259 105 0 0 0 0 252 102 7 3 CA 5C Eel River South Spit/Beach 339 137 0 0 0 0 317 128 22 9 Unit CA-5 Totals 1,017 412 20 8 0 0 952 385 45 18 CA 6 Eel River Gravel Bars 1,139 461 0 0 0 0 82 33 1,057 428 CA 7 MacKerricher Beach 1,176 476 0 0 0 0 1,102 446 74 30 CA 8 Manchester Beach 482 195 68 28 0 0 402 163 12 5 CA 9 Dillon Beach 39 16 0 0 0 0 0 0 39 16 CA 10A Pt Reyes 460 186 460 186 0 0 0 0 0 0 CA 10B Limantour 156 63 156 63 0. 0 0 0 0 0 Unit CA-10 Totals 617 250 617 250 0 0 0 0 0 0 CA 11 Napa 618 250 0 0 0 0 618 250 0 0 CA 12 Hayward 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 CA 13A Eden Landing 237 96 0 0 0 0 228 92 8 3 CA 13B Eden Landing 171 69 0 0 0 0 171 69 0 0 CA 13C Eden Landing 609 247 0 0 0 0 602 244 7 3 Unit CA-13 Totals 1,016 411 0 0 0 0 1,001 405 15 6 CA 14 Ravenswood 89 36 0 0 0 0 0 0 89 36 CA 15 Warm Springs 168 68 168 68 0 0 0 0 0 0 CA 16 Half Moon Bay 36 15 0 0 0 0 36 15 0 0 CA 17 Waddell Creek Beach 25 10 0 0 0 0 19 8 7 3 CA 18 Scott Creek Beach 23 9 0 0 0 0 15 6 8 3 CA 19 Wilder Creek Beach 15 6 0 0 0 0 15 6 0 0 CA 20 Jetty Road to Aptos 399 161 0 0 0 0 369 149 30 12 CA 21 Elkhorn Slough Mudflats 281 114 0 0 0 0 281 114 0 0 CA 22 Monterey to Moss Landing 967 391 423 171 0 0 285 115 260 105 CA 23 Point Sur Beach 72 29 0 0 0 0 38 15 34 14 CA 24 San Carpoforo Creek 24 10 4 2 0 0 18 7 3 1 CA 25 Arroyo Laguna Creek 28 11 0 0 0 0 18 7 10 4 CA 26 San Simeon State Beach 24 10 0 0 0 0 24 10 0 0 CA 27 Villa Creek Beach 20 8 0 0 0 0 20 8 0 0 CA 28 Toro Creek 34 14 0 0 0 0 11 4 23 9 CA 29 Atascadero Beach/Morro Strand SB 213 86 0 0 0 0 65 26 149 60 CA 30 Morro Bay Beach 1,076 435 0 0 0 0 948 384 129 52 CA 31 Pismo Beach/Nipomo Dunes 1,652 669 242 98 0 0 552 223 858 347 CA 32 Vandenberg North 711 288 711 288 0 0 0 0 0 0 CA 33 Vandenberg South 423 171 373 151 0 0 0 0 50 20 CA 34 Devereaux Beach 52 21 0 0 0 0 43 17 9 4 CA 35 Santa Barbara Beaches 65 26 0 0 0 0 30 12 35 14 CA 36 Santa Rosa Island Beaches 586 237 586 237 0 0 0 0 0 0 CA 37 San Buenaventura Beach 70 28 0

,076 435 0 0 0 0 948 384 129 52 CA 31 Pismo Beach/Nipomo Dunes 1,652 669 242 98 0 0 552 223 858 347 CA 32 Vandenberg North 711 288 711 288 0 0 0 0 0 0 CA 33 Vandenberg South 423 171 373 151 0 0 0 0 50 20 CA 34 Devereaux Beach 52 21 0 0 0 0 43 17 9 4 CA 35 Santa Barbara Beaches 65 26 0 0 0 0 30 12 35 14 CA 36 Santa Rosa Island Beaches 586 237 586 237 0 0 0 0 0 0 CA 37 San Buenaventura Beach 70 28 0 0 0 0 70 28 0 0 CA 38 Mandalay to Santa Clara River 672 272 0 0 0 0 459 186 213 86 CA 39 Ormond Beach 320 130 0 0 0 0 159 65 161 65 CA 43 Zuma Beach 73 30 0 0 0 0 1 1 72 29 CA 44 Malibu Beach 13 5 0 0 0 0 13 5 0 0 CA 45A Santa Monica Beach 48 19 0 0 0 0 29 12 19 8 CA 45B Dockweiler North 34 14 0 0 0 0 34 14 0 0 CA 45C Dockweiler South 65 26 0 0 0 0 54 22 11 4 CA 45D Hermosa State Beach 27 11 0 0 0 0 8 3 19 8 Unit CA-45 Totals 173 70 0 0 0 0 124 50 496 20 CA 46A Bolsa Chica Reserve 484 196 0 0 0 0 484 196 0 0 CA 46B Bolsa Chica Reserve 2 1 0 0 0 0 2 1 0 0 CA 46C Bolsa Chica Reserve 21 9 0 0 0 0 21 9 0 0 CA 46D Bolsa Chica Reserve 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 CA 46E Bolsa Chica State Beach 8 3 0 0 0 0 8 3 0 0 Unit CA-46 Totals 518 210 0 0 0 0 8 3 510 205 CA 47 Santa Ana River Mouth 19 8 0 0 0 0 18 7 1 1 CA 48 Balboa Beach 25 10 0 0 0 0 0 0 25 10 CA 50A Batiquitos Lagoon 24 10 0 0 0 0 18 7 6 3 CA 50B Batiquitos Lagoon 23 9 0 0 0 0 15 6 8 3 CA 50C Batiquitos Lagoon 19 8 0 0 0 0 0 0 19 8 Unit CA-50 Totals 66 27 0 0 0 0 32 13 33 14 CA 51A San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve 3 1 0 0 0 0 3 1 0 0 CA 51B San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve 5 2 0 0 0 0 1 0 4 2 CA 51C San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve 7 3 0 0 0 0 7 3 0 0 Unit CA-51 Totals 15 6 0 0 0 0 11 4 4 2 CA 52A San Dieguito Lagoon 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 CA 52B San Dieguito Lagoon 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 CA 52C San Dieguito Lagoon 4 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 Unit CA-52 Totals 11 5 0 0 0 0 4 2 7 3 CA 53 Los Penasquitos Lagoon 32 13 0 0 0 0 32 13 1 0 CA 54A Fiesta Island 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 CA 54B Mariner's Point 7 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 2 CA 54C South Mission Beach 38 15 0 0 0 0 8 3 30 12 CA 54D San Diego

0 0 0 11 4 4 2 CA 52A San Dieguito Lagoon 4 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 2 CA 52B San Dieguito Lagoon 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 1 CA 52C San Dieguito Lagoon 4 1 0 0 0 0 4 2 0 0 Unit CA-52 Totals 11 5 0 0 0 0 4 2 7 3 CA 53 Los Penasquitos Lagoon 32 13 0 0 0 0 32 13 1 0 CA 54A Fiesta Island 2 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 0 CA 54B Mariner's Point 7 3 0 0 0 0 1 0 6 2 CA 54C South Mission Beach 38 15 0 0 0 0 8 3 30 12 CA 54D San Diego River Channel 51 21 0 0 0 0 38 15 13 5 Unit CA-54 Totals 98 40 0 0 0 0 48 19 50 20 CA 55B Coronado Beach 74 30 0 0 0 0 74 30 0 0 CA 55E Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and D Street Fill 132 54 77 31 0 0 1 0 54 22 CA 55F Silver Strand State Beach 82 33 74 30 0 0 8 3 0 0 CA 55G Chula Vista Wildlife Reserve 10 4 0 0 0 0 10 4 0 0 CA 55I San Diego National Wildlife Refuge, South Bay Unit 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 2 CA 55J Tijuana Estuary and Beach 150 61 71 29 0 0 58 23 21 9 Unit CA-55 Totals (does not include exempt sub-units) 453 183 222 90 0 0 151 61 81 33 CALIFORNIA TOTALS 16,777 6,789 3,434 1,390 0 0 8,693 3,518 4,650 1,882 WASHINGTON, OREGON, CALIFORNIA GRAND TOTALS 28,261 11,437 9,040 3,658 336 136 12,740 5,156 6,145 2,487 * Unit or portions of unit may be considered for exclusion in the final critical habitat rule under section 4(b)(2) of the Act. Values in this table may not sum due to rounding. Critical Habitat Units

We present brief descriptions of all units, and reasons why they meet the definition of critical habitat for the Pacific Coast WSP below.

Washington

WA 1, Copalis Spit, 407 ac (165 ha):

Copalis Spit is located along the central Washington coast, approximately 20 mi (32 km) northwest of the Community of Hoquiam in Grays Harbor County. Copalis Spit is a 2-mi (3-km) long sand spit bounded by the Copalis River on the northern and landward sides. The Copalis Beach access road off State Route 109 and State Park property line demark the southern boundary. The unit is entirely within Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission)

32 km) northwest of the Community of Hoquiam in Grays Harbor County. Copalis Spit is a 2-mi (3-km) long sand spit bounded by the Copalis River on the northern and landward sides. The Copalis Beach access road off State Route 109 and State Park property line demark the southern boundary. The unit is entirely within Griffiths-Priday Ocean State Park (Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission).

This unit is the northernmost unit in the range of the species and historically supported 6 to 12 nesting pairs of Pacific Coast WSPs, but no use has been documented since 1984 (Service 2007, p. 21). This unit was not occupied at the time of listing and is not currently occupied. The unit consists of a long sandy beach with sparsely vegetated dunes that extend to the river, providing nesting and foraging opportunities, as well as protection from the weather. The northward shift of Connor Creek washed out the beach access road at the southern end, effectively closing the area to motorized vehicles. Because of its relatively remote location, the area receives little human use. Although currently unoccupied, the unit is considered essential for the conservation of the species as it allows for population expansion into the northern extent of the Pacific Coast WSP's historical range from adjacent occupied areas and has high quality habitat, including a long sandy beach with sparsely vegetated dunes that extend to the river, providing nesting and foraging opportunities for the species.

WA 2, Damon Point/Oyhut Wildlife Area, 673 ac (272 ha):

This unit is located at the southern end of the City of Ocean Shores in Grays Harbor County and is a sandy spit that extends into Grays Harbor. The unit boundary begins at the Damon Point parking area off Marine View Drive. The western boundary generally follows the property line for the Oyhut Wildlife Area.

This unit was occupied at the time of listing and we consider this unit to be currently occupied

t is located at the southern end of the City of Ocean Shores in Grays Harbor County and is a sandy spit that extends into Grays Harbor. The unit boundary begins at the Damon Point parking area off Marine View Drive. The western boundary generally follows the property line for the Oyhut Wildlife Area.

This unit was occupied at the time of listing and we consider this unit to be currently occupied. Research in the mid-1980s indicated that up to 20 Pacific Coast WSPs have used Damon Point for nesting. However, use has declined significantly at this site, with only six adult birds documented using the area during the breeding season in 2005. A historic shipwreck (S.S. Catala) was exposed during winter storms in 2006, and the vessel was removed from the spit due to oil spill and other hazardous materials concerns over a period of 17 months (State of Washington, Department of Ecology 2007). The opportunity to view the shipwreck and removal operation drew media attention, and hundreds of visitors visited the site on weekends. Visitation of the area has dropped off since the clean-up. Even though no plover nesting has been documented at Damon Point since 2006, we consider this unit occupied by the species based on previous use of the area, on the fluctuating use of areas in general by the species as a response to habitat and resource availability, and because breeding surveys are not conclusive as to the presence or absence of a species as they only provide information during the breeding season. We have determined that the unit contains the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species which may require special management considerations or protection. The unit includes sandy beaches that are relatively undisturbed by human or tidal activity (nesting habitat), large expanses of sparsely vegetated barren terrain, and mudflats and sheltered bays that provide ample foraging areas

that the unit contains the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species which may require special management considerations or protection. The unit includes sandy beaches that are relatively undisturbed by human or tidal activity (nesting habitat), large expanses of sparsely vegetated barren terrain, and mudflats and sheltered bays that provide ample foraging areas.

The majority (648 ac (262 ha)) of the unit is administered by the State of Washington (Department of Fish and Wildlife and Department of Natural Resources). There are over 7 mi (11 km) of sandy beaches and shoreline at Damon Point, and the shape of the spit changes constantly with winter storms and nearshore sand drift. In recent years, some of the lower elevation areas have been overwashed, and coastal erosion may result in separation of the spit from the mainland in the near future. The western edge of the unit lies adjacent to a municipal wastewater treatment facility that is managed by the City of Ocean Shores, with a few undevelopable private parcels in the tidelands near the parking area. Similar to Copalis Spit, the access road has washed out, and the area is currently inaccessible to motorized vehicles.

The primary threats to Pacific Coast WSPs that may require special management at this time are recreational use, including pedestrians and unleashed pets, habitat loss from European beach grass, and potential reopening of the vehicle access road. Special management in the form of developing and enforcing regulations to address the recreation issues may be needed. Management to remove and control beach grass will prevent further spread of nonnative vegetation, thereby maintaining and expanding the elements of essential physical and biological features identified above

European beach grass, and potential reopening of the vehicle access road. Special management in the form of developing and enforcing regulations to address the recreation issues may be needed. Management to remove and control beach grass will prevent further spread of nonnative vegetation, thereby maintaining and expanding the elements of essential physical and biological features identified above.

WA 3A, Midway Beach, 697 ac (282 ha):

Located adjacent to the Community of Grayland, this subunit extends from the northern boundary of Grayland Beach State Park, through South Beach State Park to Cape Shoalwater at the southern end in Pacific County. Midway Beach is

Beach accretion since 1998 has greatly improved habitat conditions, resulting in this beach becoming a primary nesting area in the State. From 1998 to 2005, an average of 18 plovers nested annually at Midway, and from 2003 to 2006, between 23 and 28 Pacific Coast WSPs nested at Midway Beach.

Primary threats at this subunit that may require special management include motorized vehicle use on the beaches and human activity. The recent closure of the Midway Beach Access Road due to safety concerns, e.g., vehicles getting stuck in deep sand, has reduced impacts in the nesting area, but may not be permanent. Therefore, the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species in this subunit may require special management considerations or protection to address threats associated with human-related recreation and other activities. Developing and enforcing regulations to address the recreation issues may be needed. Management to remove and control beach grass will prevent further spread of nonnative vegetation, thereby maintaining and expanding the elements of essential physical and biological features identified above

siderations or protection to address threats associated with human-related recreation and other activities. Developing and enforcing regulations to address the recreation issues may be needed. Management to remove and control beach grass will prevent further spread of nonnative vegetation, thereby maintaining and expanding the elements of essential physical and biological features identified above.

WA 3B, Shoalwater (Graveyard Spit), 1,121 ac (454 ha):

This unit is located in Pacific County at Shoalwater Beach (Graveyard Spit), which is an extension of Midway Beach, and extends south into the entrance of Willapa Bay. The unit starts at a narrow strip of beach adjacent to State Route 105, continuing in a southwesterly direction to the Community of Tokeland. The landward extent of the Graveyard Beach addition is State Route 105, and the sea-ward extent of the unit is the Pacific Ocean's water's edge.

This subunit was occupied at the time of listing, is currently occupied and includes the recently discovered nesting area at Graveyard Spit (since 2006). The State recovery plan for the WSP (WDFW 1995) defines the geographic area from Grayland Beach State Park south to Toke Point as “South Beach.” Based on documented sightings and records of WSP use for the South Beach geographic area (WDFW 1995, Appendix C), Shoalwater Beach/Graveyard Spit was occupied at the time of listing and is a known or presumed historical nesting area (WDFW 1995, Figure 2, p. 3). Pacific Coast WSPs have nested successfully at Shoalwater/Graveyard Spit for several years. Although fledging success is relatively high at this location, plover use of the Shoalwater/Graveyard Spit area is sporadic.

plover use of the Shoalwater/Graveyard Spit area is sporadic.

The subunit includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Large areas of sand dune habitat that is relatively undisturbed; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced estuarine mud flats. Special management that may be required includes management of human-related activities to reduce disturbance to breeding Pacific Coast WSPs, and maintenance of the physical and biological features within the subunit.

Based on interpretation of aerial imagery, the Cape Shoalwater area has experienced extensive erosion over the past 15 years. A nearly 0.3 mi-wide (0.5 km-wide) by 1.5 mi-long (2.4 km-long) section of the coastline, including roads and residences, has been reclaimed by the ocean, resulting in the accretion of Midway Beach. The accretion of beach improves elements of essential physical and biological features. The county ownership layer for this subunit is ambiguous and could not be used for precise acreage calculations, however it is estimated that approximately 280 ac (113 ha) of the subunit are in private ownership, 336 ac (136 ha) are managed by the Shoalwater Bay Tribe, and the rest of the area is managed by the State of Washington (505 ac (204 ha).

WA 4A, Leadbetter Spit, 2,463 ac (997 ha):

The Leadbetter Spit subunit is located in Pacific County at the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula; a 26-mi-long (42 km-long) spit that defines the west side of Willapa Bay and extends down to the mouth of the Columbia River. The subunit is located just north of the community of Ocean Park and includes Leadbetter Point State Park (SP) and the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) at the northern end of the spit

ubunit is located in Pacific County at the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula; a 26-mi-long (42 km-long) spit that defines the west side of Willapa Bay and extends down to the mouth of the Columbia River. The subunit is located just north of the community of Ocean Park and includes Leadbetter Point State Park (SP) and the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) at the northern end of the spit. The main portion of this subunit is on the ocean side, and includes the coastal beaches from the tip of the peninsula, and the habitat restoration area down to Oysterville Road, approximately 1.8 mi (3 km) south of Leadbetter Point SP. The subunit includes approximately 8 mi (13 km) of coastal beaches and sheltered bays. The vast majority of the subunit is on lands that are managed by the Willapa NWR (2,026 ac (820 ha)). The remaining beaches (437 ac (177 ha)) are managed by the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission. The State jurisdiction on the Long Beach Peninsula extends well up into the foredunes.

Leadbetter Spit was occupied at the time of listing, is currently occupied, and is the largest subunit in Washington. Approximately 25 to 30 Pacific Coast WSPs nest and overwinter on the spit annually, with most of the nesting occurring in the snowy plover habitat restoration area within the Willapa NWR. Between 10 and more than 40 breeding adults were recorded between 2005 and 2009 (WDFW 2009, p. 12). A few pairs nest along the ocean beaches and on State Park lands just south of the Willapa NWR. The 2007 Recovery Plan lists a management goal of 30 breeding adults for this subunit (Service 2007, Appendix B).

it (Service 2007, Appendix B).

The subunit includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Relatively undisturbed sandy beaches above and below the high-tide line and sparsely vegetated dunes for nesting, as well as miles of coastal wrackline supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced estuarine mud flats and sheltered bays for foraging. The combined dynamics of weather and surf cause large quantities of wood and shell material to accumulate on the spit, providing prime nesting habitat, hiding areas from predators, foraging opportunities, and shelter from inclement weather.

European beach grass threatens the habitat quality of the subunit. Special management that may be needed includes restoration and maintenance of degraded habitat to ensure the reinfestation of nonnative vegetation does not occur. Doing so will ensure that elements of essential physical and biological features within this subunit remain intact.

WA 4B, Gunpowder Sands Island, 904 ac (366 ha):

The subunit includes Gunpowder Sands Island just off the northern tip of the Long Beach Peninsula. The island is Federally owned and is administered by the Willapa NWR.

Because the island is only accessible by boat, breeding surveys for Pacific Coast WSP at this location are sporadic. It is unknown if this Gunpowder Sands Island was occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993, but two successful nests and one failed nest were documented on the island in

Gunpowder Sands Island also has physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species: Relatively undisturbed sandy beaches above and below the high-tide line, sparsely vegetated dunes for nesting, and coastal wrackline supporting small invertebrates. The island is periodically overwashed during winter storms, resulting in dry sand and beach habitat with little or no vegetation

as part of Fort Stevens State Park. Inland, the beach is overgrown with shore pine ( Pinus contorta ), European beach grass, and some alder ( Alnus spp). Sea-level rise and overwashing of this area during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and the creation of additional habitat for Pacific Coast WSP.

Pacific Coast WSPs were observed breeding on Clatsop Spit in 1965. Throughout the 1980s, they were observed nesting on ocean beaches directly south of the spit to the City of Gearhart. Winter use has been confirmed for this area as recently as 2008. We consider this unit essential for the conservation of the species because it provides connectivity between two currently occupied areas, dispersal habitat between units, and habitat for resting and foraging. We consider that it is likely occupied at times, based on the fluctuating use of areas by the species as a response to habitat and resource availability. The unit is comprised of a wide sand spit adjacent to mud flats and an estuary and provides habitat for foraging and resting and would facilitate interchange between otherwise widely separated units.

OR 2, Necanicum River Spit, 211 ac (85 ha):

This unit is on the western coast of Clatsop County, adjacent to the City of Gearhart, and less than 1 mi (2 km) north of the City of Seaside. It is bounded by the Necanicum River estuary on the south, City of Gearhart to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The mouth of the river changes periodically. The northern inland portion of the unit is overgrown with European beach grass; sea-level rise and overwashing of this area during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and the creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

This unit was not considered occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993. Two breeding Pacific Coast WSPs were documented in this unit in 2002 (Service unpublished data)

with European beach grass; sea-level rise and overwashing of this area during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and the creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

This unit was not considered occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993. Two breeding Pacific Coast WSPs were documented in this unit in 2002 (Service unpublished data). Although the unit is not confirmed to be currently occupied, we consider this unit essential for the conservation of the species because it provides connectivity between occupied areas, dispersal habitat between units, and habitat for resting and foraging. This unit consists of 161 State-owned ac (65 ha) and 50 city-owned ac (20 ha). The OPRD is the primary land manager.

The unit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach adjacent to mud flats and an estuary. This unit includes wide sand spits or overwashes relatively undisturbed by tidal activity and sparsely vegetated; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced estuarine mud flats.

OR 3, Nehalem River Spit, 299 ac (121 ha):

This unit is on the northwestern coast of Tillamook County, next to the City of Manzanita and about 15 mi (24 km) northwest of the City of Tillamook. It is bounded by Nehalem Bay on the east, the southern boundary of the Nehalem Bay State Park campground to the north, and the Nehalem River south jetty to the south. The Pacific Ocean forms the western boundary. The southern portion of the unit extends behind a relatively low foredune into an area overgrown with European beach grass; sea-level rise and overwashing of this area during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

This unit was not considered occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993

ary. The southern portion of the unit extends behind a relatively low foredune into an area overgrown with European beach grass; sea-level rise and overwashing of this area during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

This unit was not considered occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993. One breeding Pacific Coast WSP was documented in this unit in 1984 (ODFW in litt. 1995, Appendix, Table 2), therefore, the unit is a historical breeding site within the species' range. Winter use was documented as recently as 2009. Although nesting has not been recently confirmed for this area, we consider this unit essential for the conservation of the species because it provides connectivity between two currently occupied areas, dispersal habitat between units, and habitat for resting and foraging. We consider that it is likely occupied at times, based on record of past use and the fluctuating use of areas by the species as a response to habitat and resource availability. This unit provides habitat to support breeding plovers and would facilitate interchange between otherwise widely separated units and helps provide habitat within Recovery Unit 1 in Oregon and Washington. The unit consists of 299 State-owned ac (121 ha) and is managed by the OPRD as part of the Nehalem Bay State Park.

The unit is representative of a dune-backed beach and sand spit adjacent to mud flats and an estuary. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: A wide sand spit or overwash area relatively undisturbed by human or tidal activity and sparsely vegetated; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced estuarine mud flats.

OR 4, Bayocean Spit, 367 ac (148 ha):

This unit is on the western coast of Tillamook County, and about 9 mi (15 km) northwest of the City of Tillamook

undisturbed by human or tidal activity and sparsely vegetated; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced estuarine mud flats.

OR 4, Bayocean Spit, 367 ac (148 ha):

This unit is on the western coast of Tillamook County, and about 9 mi (15 km) northwest of the City of Tillamook. It is bounded by Tillamook Bay on the east, the Tillamook Bay South Jetty to the north, the northern boundary of Bayocean Peninsula County Park 1.4 mi (2.3 km) to the south, and the Pacific

This unit was occupied at the time of listing, and is likely currently occupied. Two Pacific Coast WSPs were documented in 1993 and six plovers in 1995 in this unit during the breeding season (ODFW in litt. 1995, Appendix, Table 2). Prior to 2001, winter use of the area by plovers was documented consistently. Recent records indicate use by wintering plovers in 2007 and 2008. Although nesting has not been recently confirmed for this area, we consider that it is likely occupied at times, and is needed by the species for use in response to fluctuating habitat and resource availability. This unit provides habitat to support breeding plovers, facilitates interchange between otherwise widely separated units under intensive management, and helps provide habitat within Recovery Unit 1 in Oregon and Washington.

The unit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach in close proximity to mud flats and an estuary. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Large areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced estuarine mud flats

f a dune-backed beach in close proximity to mud flats and an estuary. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Large areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced estuarine mud flats.

Primary threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this unit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans, pets, and horses in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators.

OR 5, Netarts Spit, 541 ac (219 ha):

The unit is on the western coast of Tillamook County, about 5.5 mi (9 km) southwest of the City of Tillamook. It is bounded by Netarts Bay to the east and the north, Cape Lookout State Park campground 2.6 mi to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The unit extends behind a low foredune with a large expanse of European beach grass. Sea-level rise and overwashing of this area during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

This unit was not considered occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993; however, three breeding Pacific Coast WSPs were documented in this unit in 1982 (ODFW in litt. 1995, Appendix, Table 2). Although nesting and wintering have not been recently confirmed for this area, we consider this unit essential for the conservation of the species because it provides connectivity between two currently occupied areas, dispersal habitat between units, and habitat for resting and foraging. It is needed by the species for use in response to fluctuating habitat and resource availability

dix, Table 2). Although nesting and wintering have not been recently confirmed for this area, we consider this unit essential for the conservation of the species because it provides connectivity between two currently occupied areas, dispersal habitat between units, and habitat for resting and foraging. It is needed by the species for use in response to fluctuating habitat and resource availability. This unit provides habitat to support breeding plovers, facilitates interchange between otherwise widely separated units under intensive management, and helps provide habitat within Recovery Unit 1 in Oregon and Washington. The unit consists of 541 State-owned ac (219 ha) managed by OPRD as Cape Lookout State Park.

The unit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and sand spit in close proximity to mud flats. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Wide sand spits or overwashes and large areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity and sparsely vegetated; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced mud flats.

OR 6, Sand Lake South, 200 ac (81 ha):

This unit is on the southwestern coast of Tillamook County, about 4.5 mi (7 km) north of Pacific City. It is bounded by Sand Lake estuary to the north and east, the northern limit of development in the town of Tierra Del Mar to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The unit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and sand spit in close proximity to mud flats and an estuary. The mouth of the lake changes periodically. The unit extends into a small upland portion of the spit. Sea-level rise and overwashing of this area during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and the creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

This unit was not considered occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993

flats and an estuary. The mouth of the lake changes periodically. The unit extends into a small upland portion of the spit. Sea-level rise and overwashing of this area during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and the creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

This unit was not considered occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993. However, four snowy plovers were observed during the breeding season at Sand Lake in 1986 (ODFW, in litt. 1995, Appendix, Table 2). Although nesting and wintering has not been recently confirmed for this area, the unit is a historical breeding site within the species' range, and we consider this unit essential for the conservation of the species because it provides connectivity between two currently occupied areas, dispersal habitat between units, and habitat for resting and foraging. We consider the area is needed by the species for use in response to fluctuating habitat and resource availability. This unit provides habitat to support breeding plovers, facilitates interchange between otherwise widely separated units under intensive management, and helps provide habitat within Recovery Unit 1 in Oregon and Washington. The unit consists of 200 privately owned ac (81 ha).

The unit includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Wide sand spits or overwashes and sparsely vegetated areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced mud flats.

OR 7, Sutton/Baker Beaches, 372 ac (151 ha):

This unit is on the western coast of Lane County, about 5 mi (8 km) north of the City of Florence. It is bounded by Sutton Creek to the south, Heceta Head to the north, the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area (NRA) to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west

ck supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced mud flats.

OR 7, Sutton/Baker Beaches, 372 ac (151 ha):

This unit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. The most recently documented Pacific Coast WSPs for this unit include four breeding plovers in 2007 (Lauten et al. 2007, p. 5). We have determined that the unit contains the physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species which may require special management considerations or protection. This unit provides habitat to support breeding plovers and would facilitate interchange between otherwise widely separated units under intensive management. The unit consists of 372 Federally owned ac (151 ha) managed by the U.S. Forest Service's (USFS) Siuslaw National Forest. The unit extends behind a relatively low foredune in several places into areas overgrown with beach grass. Sea-level rise and overwashing of these areas during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and the creation of additional plover breeding habitat.

The unit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and wide sand spits with overwash areas and contains an interdune flat created through habitat restoration. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Large areas of sandy dunes or overwashes relatively undisturbed by

ervation of the species: Large areas of sandy dunes or overwashes relatively undisturbed by

OR 8A, Siltcoos Breach, 15 ac (6 ha):

This subunit is on the southwestern coast of Lane County, about 7 mi (11 km) southwest of the City of Florence. It is an important wintering area that includes a large opening in the foredune 1.2 mi (2 km) north of the Siltcoos River. The southern boundary is located 0.6 mi (1 km) north of the Siltcoos River, with the Oregon Dunes NRA to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The subunit consists of 15 Federally owned ac (6 ha) managed by the USFS as the Oregon Dunes NRA in the Siuslaw National Forest.

This subunit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied with recently documented wintering Pacific Coast WSPs in 2005, 2006, and 2007, and 2010 (Service unpublished data). As many as 59 plovers were documented during the winter of 2005 (C. Burns, pers. comm. 2006) and 26, 36, and 24 in 2006, 2007 and 2010 respectively (Service unpublished data).

The subunit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and sand spit in close proximity to a tidally influenced river mouth. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: sparsely vegetated areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

ove and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

OR 8B, Siltcoos River Spit, 241 ac (97 ha):

This subunit is on the southwestern coast of Lane County, about 7 mi (11 km) southwest of the City of Florence. It includes the sand spits to the north and south of the Siltcoos River and is bounded by the Wax Myrtle Trail and campground to the east, and Pacific Ocean to the west.

This subunit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. Most recently documented Pacific Coast WSPs for this subunit include 24 breeding plovers in 2009 (Lauten et al. 2009, p. 26). Subunit OR 8B consists of 241 Federally owned ac (97 ha) managed by the USFS as the Oregon Dunes NRA in the Siuslaw National Forest.

The subunit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and sand spit in close proximity to a tidally influenced river mouth. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: wide sand spits or overwashes and sparsely vegetated areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

Primary threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this subunit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans, pets, and OHVs in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators such as the American crow and common raven

oximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

OR 8C, Dunes Overlook/Tahkenitch Creek Spit, 716 ac (290 ha):

This subunit is primarily in Douglas County, about 9 mi (15 km) southwest of the City of Florence. The southern boundary of the unit is about 5.3 mi (9 km) northwest of the City of Reedsport. It is bounded by the subunit 8A to the north, an OHV open ride area (part of the Oregon Dunes NRA) to the south, Oregon Dunes NRA to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

This subunit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. Documented Pacific Coast WSPs for this subunit include 12 breeding plovers in 2009 (Lauten et al. 2009, p. 26). Subunit OR 8C consists of 716 Federally managed ac (290 ha) managed by the USFS as the Oregon Dunes NRA in the Siuslaw National Forest.

The subunit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and sand spit in close proximity to a tidally influenced river mouth and contains interdune flats created through habitat restoration. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: wide sand spits or overwashes and sparsely vegetated areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

Primary threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this subunit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans, pets, and vehicles in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators

rting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

Primary threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this subunit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans, pets, and vehicles in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators.

OR 8D, North Umpqua River Spit, 236 ac (95 ha):

This subunit is on the western coast of Douglas County, about 4 mi (5 km) west of the City of Reedsport. It is bounded by the Umpqua River North Jetty to the south, Oregon Dunes NRA land to the north and east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The subunit consists of 151 ac (61 ha) of Federally owned land and 85 ac (34 ha) of State-owned land. The primary land manager is the USFS for the Oregon Dunes NRA.

Nesting Pacific Coast WSPs were documented in this unit in the 1980s. The last documented winter use of this area was in 1993. Although use of the area has not been recently documented, it contains features essential to the conservation of the species and is needed by the species for use in response to fluctuating habitat and resource availability. The subunit is located adjacent to currently occupied areas and provides dispersal habitat between units. The subunit also contains physical and biological features essential to the conservation of the species which may require special management considerations or protection. The subunit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates (for nesting and foraging)

eatures essential to the conservation of the species which may require special management considerations or protection. The subunit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates (for nesting and foraging).

Threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this subunit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from vehicles in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators.

OR 9, Tenmile Creek Spit, 244 ac (99 ha):

This unit is on the northwestern coast of Coos County, about 11 mi (18 km) southwest of the City of Reedsport. It includes the sand spits and beaches to the north and south of the Tenmile River. The unit is bounded to the north, east, and south by OHV riding areas, part of the Oregon Dunes (NRA), and by the Pacific Ocean to the west.

This unit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. Documented Pacific Coast WSPs for this unit include 23 breeding plovers in 2009 (Lauten et al. 2009, p. 26). Unit OR

The unit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and sand spit. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Wide sand spits or overwashes and sparsely vegetated areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

Primary threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this subunit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans and pets in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators

wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

Primary threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this subunit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans and pets in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators.

OR 10, Coos Bay North Spit, 308 ac (125 ha):

This unit is on the western coast of Coos County, about 3 mi (5 km) west of the City of Coos Bay. It is bounded by Coos Bay to the east, the Coos Bay North Jetty to the south, an OHV riding area to the north, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

This unit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. Documented Pacific Coast WSPs for this unit include 45 breeding plovers in 2009 (Lauten et al. 2009, p. 26). The unit consists of 308 Federally owned ac (125 ha) primarily managed by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).

The unit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and interior interdune flats created through dredge material disposal or through habitat restoration. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Expansive, sparsely vegetated interdune flats; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced estuarine areas.

Threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this unit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans, pets, and vehicles in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators.

OR 11, Bandon to New River, 1,016 ac (411 ha):

This unit is on the southwestern coast of Coos County, about 3 mi (5 km) south of the City of Bandon

that may require special management in this unit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans, pets, and vehicles in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators.

OR 11, Bandon to New River, 1,016 ac (411 ha):

This unit is on the southwestern coast of Coos County, about 3 mi (5 km) south of the City of Bandon. It is bounded by China Creek to the north, the New River to the east, north of the Floras Creek outlet to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. The unit encompasses all of New River Spit and extends behind a relatively low foredune north of Floras Creek. Sea-level rise and overwashing of these areas during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and the creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

This unit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. Documented Pacific Coast WSPs for this unit include 49 breeding plovers in 2009 (Lauten et al. 2009, p. 26). The unit consists of 459 ac (186 ha) of Federally owned land, 267 ac (108 ha) of State-owned land, 290 ac (117 ha) of county and private land. The BLM and OPRD are the unit's primary land managers.

The subunit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and barrier spit and contains interdune flats created through habitat restoration. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Wide sand spits or overwashes and sparsely vegetated areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas

ough habitat restoration. It includes the following features essential to the conservation of the species: Wide sand spits or overwashes and sparsely vegetated areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

Threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management in this unit are introduced European beach grass that encroaches on the available nesting and foraging habitat; disturbance from humans, pets, horses, and vehicles in important foraging and nesting areas; and predators.

OR 12, Elk River Spit, 167 ac (68 ha):

This unit is on the northwestern coast of Curry County, about 4 mi (6 km) northwest of the City of Port Orford and 2.3 mi (4 km) southeast of Cape Blanco. It is bounded by the Elk River to the east and north, private land to the south, and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Unit OR 12 consists of 167 privately owned ac (68 ha).

There are no documented occurrences of Pacific Coast WSPs for this unit. Since this unit is largely on private land, it was not surveyed prior to listing of the Pacific Coast WSP. As a consequence, its occupancy at the time of listing is unknown. However, we have determined that this unit is essential for the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP because it provides habitat to support breeding or wintering plovers and would facilitate interchange between otherwise widely separated units under intensive management ( see Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat section for a detailed discussion). The Recovery Plan identifies this area as a Recovery Site (OR-17) (Service 2007, Appendix B) that could support four breeding birds as it includes a dune-backed beach and wide sand spits or overwashes with sparsely vegetated areas of undisturbed sandy dunes

herwise widely separated units under intensive management ( see Criteria Used to Identify Critical Habitat section for a detailed discussion). The Recovery Plan identifies this area as a Recovery Site (OR-17) (Service 2007, Appendix B) that could support four breeding birds as it includes a dune-backed beach and wide sand spits or overwashes with sparsely vegetated areas of undisturbed sandy dunes.

OR 13, Euchre Creek Spit, 116 ac (47 ha):

This unit is on the western coast of Curry County, approximately 10 mi (6 km) north of the City of Gold Beach. It includes the sand spits to the north and south of the Euchre Creek and is bounded by the Pacific Ocean to the west. The unit consists of 116 privately owned ac (47 ha).

The unit extends into low-elevation areas on the north and south side of Euchre Creek. Sea-level rise and overwashing of these areas during the winter months is anticipated to result in vegetation removal and the creation of additional Pacific Coast WSP breeding habitat.

Although this area was not considered occupied at the time the Pacific Coast WSP was listed in 1993, this beach is a historical nesting site. The most recently documented Pacific Coast WSP in the area was one wintering plover in 1989 (ODFW in litt. 1994, Appendix, Table 3). Although nesting and wintering has not been recently confirmed for this area, we consider this unit essential for the conservation of the species because it provides connectivity between two currently occupied areas, dispersal habitat between units, and habitat for resting and foraging. We consider the area is needed by the species for use in response to fluctuating habitat and resource availability. This unit provides habitat to support breeding plovers and would facilitate interchange between otherwise widely separated units and helps provide habitat within Recovery Unit 1 in Oregon and Washington

ied areas, dispersal habitat between units, and habitat for resting and foraging. We consider the area is needed by the species for use in response to fluctuating habitat and resource availability. This unit provides habitat to support breeding plovers and would facilitate interchange between otherwise widely separated units and helps provide habitat within Recovery Unit 1 in Oregon and Washington.

The unit is characteristic of a dune-backed beach and sand spit in close proximity to a tidally influenced river mouth and includes wide sand spits or overwashes and sparsely vegetated areas of sandy dune relatively undisturbed by tidal activity; areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line with occasional surf-cast wrack supporting small invertebrates; and close proximity to tidally influenced freshwater areas.

California

CA 1, Lake Earl; 74 ac (30 ha):

This unit is located directly west of the Lake Earl/Lake Tolowa lagoon system in Del Norte County about 4 mi (7 km) north of Crescent City. The Lake Earl Lagoon spit is approximately 3 mi (5 km) in length, encompasses approximately 74 ac (30 ha), and lies approximately 2 mi (3 km) north of

This unit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. This unit is a historical breeding site (Yocom and Harris 1975, p. 30), and has harbored a small population of wintering Pacific Coast WSP in recent years (Service unpublished data). This unit is capable of supporting 10 breeding plovers with adaptive management (Service 2007, Appendix B). Although 22 ac (9 ha) are State-owned, all 74 ac (24 ha) are managed by the State under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR).

Essential features of the unit for Pacific Coast WSP conservation include sandy beaches above and below the mean high-tide line, wind-blown sand in dune systems immediately inland of the active beach face, and the wash-over area at the lagoon mouth

d by the State under the jurisdiction of the California Department of Fish and Game (CDFG), and California Department of Parks and Recreation (CDPR).

Threats to the species requiring special management include the following: degradation of the sand dune system due to encroachment of European beach grass; destruction of habitat and loss of wintering and nesting plovers from OHV use; and destruction of habitat from annual mechanical breaching (as authorized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE)) of the spit between the Lake Earl/Lake Tolowa Lagoon and the Pacific Ocean. Monitoring indicates that the practice of breaching has only temporary, short-term effects to wintering Pacific Coast WSPs (Service unpublished data).

CA 2, Gold Bluffs Beach, 144 ac (58 ha):

This unit is located in Humboldt County about 5 mi (6 km) north of the Town of Orick within Prairie Creek State Park (north of Gold Bluffs Beach campground), and is managed cooperatively with Redwood National Park, collectively known as Redwood National and State Parks (RNSP). This unit was occupied at the time of listing, is currently occupied, incorporates the primary use area of a pair of Pacific Coast WSPs that nested in Prairie Creek State Park during the summer of 2005, and is commonly used by wintering plovers.

Although not considered a main breeding location, unit CA 2 provides a fairly undisturbed location for breeding Pacific Coast WSP that lose nests to predation or other causes at various nest sites, and could offset habitat loss as sea-level rise prevents nesting at sites currently being used by plovers. One chick was fledged from the unit during 2004. Up to five Pacific Coast WSPs were observed within the unit in March 2007

ain breeding location, unit CA 2 provides a fairly undisturbed location for breeding Pacific Coast WSP that lose nests to predation or other causes at various nest sites, and could offset habitat loss as sea-level rise prevents nesting at sites currently being used by plovers. One chick was fledged from the unit during 2004. Up to five Pacific Coast WSPs were observed within the unit in March 2007. The unit's primary value is as a wintering site (Service 2007, Appendix B). The site is often used as wintering habitat on an irregular basis (Service unpublished data). The RNSP are actively managing the area for Pacific Coast WSP.

The northeast portion of the unit is currently vegetated with European beach grass, and is, therefore, currently unsuitable for nesting. However, with restoration, that portion of the unit would be considered suitable nesting habitat. We include that portion of the unit to help offset the anticipated effects of sea-level rise over time and thus have determined it is essential for conservation of the species so as to provide replacement habitat for habitat that may be lost. RNSP have restored beach habitat by removing nonnative vegetation on other portions of Gold Bluffs Beach. We anticipate similar restoration within the proposed unit to occur sometime in the future.

The unit contains the following features essential to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP: low-lying sandy dunes; open sandy areas that are relatively undisturbed by humans; and sandy beach above and below the high-tide line that supports small invertebrates.

Threats to essential physical and biological features that may require special management include human-related use from recreation and OHV use associated with commercial fishing. Most visitor use in the area is in Fern Canyon, which is to the east of the unit and outside of suitable Pacific Coast WSP habitat. Visitation is light relative to other State and National Parks within the Pacific Coast WSP's range

essential physical and biological features that may require special management include human-related use from recreation and OHV use associated with commercial fishing. Most visitor use in the area is in Fern Canyon, which is to the east of the unit and outside of suitable Pacific Coast WSP habitat. Visitation is light relative to other State and National Parks within the Pacific Coast WSP's range. Limited vehicle use of the beach is allowed for commercial and Tribal fishing, and park administrative use.

CA 3A, Stone Lagoon, 52 ac, (21 ha):

This subunit is approximately 0.9 mi (1.5 km) in length, and is located on the Stone Lagoon spit. Stone Lagoon borders the subunit on the east, and the Pacific Ocean makes up the subunit's western edge. Subunit CA 3A is located in Humboldt County, approximately 3 mi (5 km) south of the Town of Orick. It is entirely State-owned.

The subunit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. Nesting has recently occurred within the subunit. In 2009 a single nest hatched three chicks, all of which fledged (Colwell, et al. 2009, p. 9). The Recovery Plan estimates that up to 16 Pacific Coast WSPs can be supported within Unit CA 3; however, all are attributed to subunit CA 3B. Recent data indicates that the population management potential for subunit CA 3A is underestimated by the Recovery Plan (Service 2007, Appendix B), as it does contribute towards the reproductive success in northern California (Colwell et al. 2009, p. 9; Service unpublished data).

The subunit contains the following features essential to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP: low-lying sandy dunes; open sandy areas that are relatively undisturbed by humans; and sandy beach above and below the high-tide line that supports small invertebrates. Special management may be needed to control nonnative vegetation and enforce existing regulations to ensure the physical or biological features are maintained within the subunit

sential to the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP: low-lying sandy dunes; open sandy areas that are relatively undisturbed by humans; and sandy beach above and below the high-tide line that supports small invertebrates. Special management may be needed to control nonnative vegetation and enforce existing regulations to ensure the physical or biological features are maintained within the subunit. With time, we anticipate that the entire subunit will be inundated with sea-level rise associated with climate change.

CA 3B, Big Lagoon, 212 ac (86 ha):

This subunit consists of a large sand spit that divides the Pacific Ocean from Big Lagoon. The northern extent of Big Lagoon Spit is located in Humboldt County and is approximately 6 mi (10 km) south of the Town of Orick. This subunit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. Big Lagoon Spit is historical nesting habitat (Page and Stenzel 1981, p. 9), and currently maintains a winter population of fewer than 10 Pacific Coast WSPs (Service unpublished data). Recent nesting occurred within the subunit during 2005, in which a single nest hatched and fledged three chicks. We estimate the subunit can support 16 breeding plovers (Service 2007, Appendix B). The subunit is located on the Big Lagoon Spit, which is approximately 4 mi (7 km) in length. Although only 174 ac (70 ha) are owned by the State, most of the subunit is managed by the CDPR. Approximately 0.6 ac (0.3 ha) are managed by Humboldt County.

Essential features of the subunit that contribute towards the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP include: low-lying sandy dunes and open sandy areas that are relatively undisturbed by humans; and sandy beach above and below the high-tide line that supports small invertebrates.

CDPR has conducted habitat restoration at this unit through the hand-removal of nonnative vegetation

mboldt County.

CDPR has conducted habitat restoration at this unit through the hand-removal of nonnative vegetation. The primary threat to wintering and breeding Pacific Coast WSPs that may require special management is disturbance from humans and pets from walking through winter flocks and potential nesting areas. In addition, control of nonnative vegetation and enforcement of existing human-use

CA 4A, Clam Beach/Little River, 194 ac (79 ha):

The subunit is located in Humboldt County immediately east and north of the Town of McKinleyville. The Clam Beach/Little River subunit's northern boundary is directly across from the south abutment of the U.S. Highway 101 Bridge that crosses the Little River. The southern subunit boundary is aligned with the north end of the southernmost, paved Clam Beach parking area. The length of the subunit is approximately 2 mi (3 km). Approximately 79 ac (32 ha) are State owned.

This subunit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. During 2003, the subunit supported a breeding population of approximately 12 Pacific Coast WSPs, and a winter population of up to 55 plovers (Service unpublished data). This subunit is one of four primary nesting locations within northern California. Based on the Recovery Plan, we expect the subunit to be capable of supporting six pairs of breeding plovers (Service 2007, Appendix B).

Essential features of the subunit that contribute towards the conservation of the Pacific Coast WSP include large areas of sandy dunes, areas of sandy beach above and below the high-tide line, and generally barren to sparsely vegetated terrain

rthern California. Based on the Recovery Plan, we expect the subunit to be capable of supporting six pairs of breeding plovers (Service 2007, Appendix B).

Primary threats to nests, chicks, and both wintering and breeding adult Pacific Coast WSPs that may require special management in this subunit are: nonnative vegetation, OHV use, predators, and disturbance caused by humans and pets. Special management is needed to control nonnative vegetation and enforcement of existing human-use regulations. With time, we anticipate that the lower portions of this subunit will be inundated with sea-level rise associated with climate change.

CA 4B, Mad River Beach, 456 ac (184 ha):

The subunit is located in Humboldt County immediately east of the Town of McKinleyville. This subunit was largely swept clean of European beach grass when the Mad River temporarily shifted north in the 1980s and 1990s. The Mad River Beach subunit is approximately 3 mi (5 km) long, and ranges from the U.S. Highway 101 Vista Point below the Arcata-Eureka Airport in the north, to School Road in the south. Approximately 152 ac (62 ha) are managed by the State, and the remaining 304 ac (123 ha) are owned and managed by Humboldt County, or are privately owned. This subunit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. We expect it to eventually support 12 breeding Pacific Coast WSPs with proper management (Service 2007, Appendix B). The current breeding population is believed to be less than 5 plovers, although plovers from this subunit readily intermix with plovers in CA 4A and elsewhere (Colwell et al. 2009, p. 9; Service unpublished data)

subunit was occupied at the time of listing and is currently occupied. We expect it to eventually support 12 breeding Pacific Coast WSPs with proper management (Service 2007, Appendix B). The current breeding population is believed to be less than 5 plovers, although plovers from this subunit readily intermix with plovers in CA 4A and elsewhere (Colwell et al. 2009, p. 9; Service unpublished data). Occasional winter use by plovers has been intermittently documented, with most wintering within the adjacent critical habitat subunit to the north (Service unpublished data).

Primary threats to nests, chicks, and both wintering and breeding adult Pacific Coast WSPs that may require special management are: nonnative vegetation, OHV use, and disturbance caused by equestrians ( i.e., people riding horses) and humans with accompanying

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