Critical Habitat

A term that has special significance and meaning under the ESA. It is a specific geographic area that contains features essential for the conservation of a threatened or endangered species and that may require special management and protection. Critical habitat may include an area that is not currently occupied by the species but that will be needed for its recovery. Critical habitat areas and boundaries are established by regulation and published in the Federal Register, where more specific information on each critical habitat area is included. ESA -listed species and their habitat are protected whether or not they are in an area designated as critical habitat. Critical Path. The longest path of continuous activities through the project schedule that establishes the sche duled substantial completion date and typically has the least amount of total float. 101 2023 Standard Specifications for Highway Construction Page 13 of 715 Cultural Resource. Sites, structures, objects, or districts significant in history, architecture, archeology, or culture that is on or eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.