Final Environmental Assessment - Boca Chica Land Exchange 2026

The Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge has prepared this environmental assessment (EA) to analyze and disclose the potential environmental impacts of exchanging approximately 715 acres of the LRGVNWR (lands proposed for divestiture) for approximately 683 acres that are privately owned by Space Exploration Technologies Corp. (SpaceX) (lands proposed for acquisition), located along State Highway (SH) 4 in the City of Starbase and adjacent to SH 100 in Laguna Vista in Cameron County, Texas.

Author(s)

Publication date

Jun 1, 2026

Facility

Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge

The Lower Rio Grande Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established “… for the development, advancement, management, conservation, and protection of fish and wildlife resources…” 16 U.S.C. 742f(a)(4); “…for the benefit of the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, in performing its activities...

National Wildlife Refuge

Alamo,TX

Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge

Laguna Atascosa was established in 1946 to provide habitat for wintering waterfowl and other migratory birds, principally redhead ducks. Today, there is an expanded emphasis that includes endangered species conservation and management for shorebirds. The refuge is a premiere bird-watching...

National Wildlife Refuge

Los Fresnos,TX

Media Usage Rights/License

Public Domain

Program

A bright blue sky obstructed by fluffy white clouds reflected off of a stream shot from inside a kayak

National Wildlife Refuge System

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages an unparalleled network of public lands and waters called the National Wildlife Refuge System. With more than 570 refuges spanning the country, this system protects iconic species and provides some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities on Earth.

Program

Washington,DC

Ecosystem

Coastal

FWS and DOI Region(s)

Southwest