Three coastal reserves may redraw lines after management-plan revisions
Published Date: 10/20/2026
Notice
Summary
NOAA is updating the management plans for three coastal research reserves: ACE Basin in South Carolina, Elkhorn Slough in California, and Weeks Bay in Alabama. They’re also thinking about changing the boundaries of these reserves and want your feedback by November 19, 2026. These updates help protect these special places and guide future work without any new costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
ACE Basin: Add 12 State Parcels
If approved, 12 state-owned parcels acquired since 2011 would be added to the Ashepoo‑Combahee‑Edisto (ACE) Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve boundary. NOAA is accepting public comments on this proposed boundary change, with comments due November 19, 2026.
Elkhorn Slough: Add 1 State Parcel
If approved, one state-owned parcel acquired since 2020 would be added to the Elkhorn Slough National Estuarine Research Reserve boundary. NOAA requests public comment on this proposed change, with comments due November 19, 2026.
Weeks Bay: Add 11 Parcels and Water Bottoms
If approved, 11 state-owned parcels acquired since 2017 plus additional state-owned water bottoms are proposed for addition to the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve boundary. NOAA will accept public comments on this proposal through November 19, 2026.
Revised Management Plans Guide Next 5 Years
NOAA is proposing draft revised management plans that would replace the ACE Basin (2011), Elkhorn Slough (2007), and Weeks Bay (2017) plans and serve as each reserve's guiding document for the next five years. These plans describe strategic goals, research and monitoring, public access and visitor use plans, and consideration for future land acquisition; NOAA will consider public comments submitted by November 19, 2026 when deciding whether to approve them.
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