The Choctawhatchee Beach Mouse (CBM) is a federally endangered species endemic to Walton County that is protected by the Federal Endangered Species Act.

Walton County has been provided a map by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) that identifies an area of suitable habitat for the CBM. The CBM suitable habitat area consists of all lands located south of Scenic Gulf Drive (Old 98) eastward from the Okaloosa County line to its intersection with U.S. Highway 98, then south of U.S. Highway 98 to County Road 30A, onward south of County Road 30A eastward to the juncture of U.S. Highway 98 and continuing south of U.S. Highway 98 to the Bay County Line. (See attached map showing CBM suitable habitat).

Please be advised that all land disturbance and construction activities, including redevelopment, that fall within this suitable habitat require coordination with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This coordination is to determine if a permit or other protection measures from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be required.

The property owner or applicant must contact Kristi Yanchis with the FWS at (850) 769-0552 or kristi_yanchis@fws.gov, to begin the process.

It is advised that you coordinate with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service early in a project or building design as this can be a lengthy process.

For additional information or questions, please contact Walton County Environmental Manager, Scott Caraway, at 850-892-8108.