John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System
 The Coastal Barrier Resources Act (CBRA) of 1982 established the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS), comprised of undeveloped coastal barriers along the Atlantic, Gulf, and Great Lakes coasts. The law encourages the conservation of hurricane prone, biologically rich coastal barriers by restricting Federal expenditures that encourage development, such as Federal flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program. CBRA is a free-market approach to conservation. These areas can be developed, but Federal taxpayers do not underwrite the investments. CBRA saves taxpayer dollars and encourages conservation at the same time. CBRA has saved over $1 billion and will save millions more in the future. Approximately 3.1 million acres of land and associated aquatic habitat are part of the CBRS. The Fish and Wildlife Service maintains the repository for CBRA maps enacted by Congress that depict the CBRS. The Service also advises Federal agencies, landowners, and Congress regarding whether properties are in or out of the CBRS, and what kind of Federal expenditures are allowed in the CBRS.
Coastal Barriers
John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System
John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Fact Sheet
John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Map Units
What Is Included in the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System?
Categories of John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Units
What is an “Undeveloped Coastal Barrier”?
Federal Spending Prohibitions
Modification of Boundaries
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Role
Accomplishments
Map Modernization
Download CBRA Maps
Download Digital CBRS Boundaries
Note: Digital boundaries are not yet available for all states containing CBRS areas. Only states that have a complete set of digital boundaries are available for download. Digital data will be posted for the remaining states as they are completed. Currently, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service does not have digital data available for: FL, LA, ME, MI, MN, MS, NY, OH, PR, RI, TX, VI, WI.
For more information about the Coastal Barrier Resources System send e-mail or contact:
Katie Niemi
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Division of Habitat and Resource Conservation, Room 400
4401 N. Fairfax Drive
Arlington, VA 22203
Phone: (703) 358-2161
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