To be eligible for nomination, an area shall contain features from four or more of the following groups:

1. (1) Fisheries. Anadromous/catadromous fish runs, fish spawning areas, fish nursery areas, or shellfish beds.
2. (2) Coastal Features. Barrier beach system, bank, beach, rocky intertidal shore, or dune.
3. (3) Estuarine Wetlands. Embayment, estuary, salt pond, salt marsh, or beach.
4. (4) Inland Wetlands. Freshwater wetlands, marsh, flat, wet meadow, or swamp.
5. (5) Inland Surface Waters. Lake, pond, river, stream, creek, or oxbow, bank, Riverfront Area.
6. (6) Water Supply Areas. Surface water reservoir, reservoir watershed, groundwater aquifer, or aquifer recharge area.
7. (7) Natural Hazard Areas. Floodplain, erosion area, or unstable geologic area.
8. (8) Agricultural Areas. Land of agricultural productivity, forestry land, or aquaculture site.
9. (9) Historical/Archaeological Resources. Buildings, site, or district of historical, archaeological, or paleontological significance.
10. (10) Habitat Resources. Habitat for Threatened or Endangered plant or animal species, habitat for species of Special Concern, riparian corridors, or other significant wildlife habitat.
11. (11) Special Use Areas. Significant undeveloped or natural areas, public recreational areas, Scenic Landscapes, or Heritage Landscapes.