Data
Coastal Barrier Resources System Boundaries
Produced and distributed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 designated undeveloped coastal barrier lands and associated aquatic habitat as part of the Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS). This law does not regulate how people can develop land in the CBRS, but transfers the full cost from Federal taxpayers to the individuals who choose to build so the Federal government does not encourage the development of these coastal barrier habitats.
The boundaries of CBRS units are depicted on a series of maps that have been enacted into law by Congress; these maps are controlling and dictate which lands are affected by the CBRA. Scans of all official CBRS maps in TIFF and PDF format are available. The boundaries depicted on these maps have also been digitalized and are available for the entire CBRS.
A digital mapping pilot project is currently underway to modernize the CBRS maps. Modernizing the CBRS maps will correct mistakes that affect private property owners; improve customer service and government efficiency; make CBRS information available in digital format for use in coastal planning and restoration efforts, including decisions related to sea level rise; and help secure the long-term integrity of the CBRS by limiting the need for future legislative changes.
Data Specifications
- Area of Coverage: Digital boundaries are available for all 23 states and territories containing CBRS areas.
- Date(s) Available: Dates of source boundary maps vary
- Format: ArcView Shapefile
- Scale: 1:24,000
- Accuracy: TThis data set was compiled to meet forty feet horizontal accuracy at the ninety-five percent confidence level relative to the official CBRS maps
Sample of draft digital boundaries Proposed boundary (shown in green) accounts for accretion of Timbalier Island, Louisiana over time.
