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TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction ........................................................................................................ 1 Purpose and Scope Seabrook Planning Process Wetland Conservation Goals and Objectives ................................................ 4 Critical Resources and Identification Maps ................................................... 6 Priority Sites .................................................................................................... 12 Methods of Preservation ................................................................................ 17 Regulatory Acquisition Conservation Easements Mitigation Education Other Tools Implementation Strategy ................................................................................ 20 Appendix A ...................................................................................................... 23 The Benefits of Wetlands and Open Space Appendix B ...................................................................................................... 25 Current Regulations and Assistance Appendix C ...................................................................................................... 30 Grants and Other Resources Appendix D ...................................................................................................... 38 Bibliography Appendix E ...................................................................................................... 44 Contact Information Map Seabrook Vicinity Map .................................................................................... 1 Figures 1. Seabrook Open Space .............................................................................. 2 2. Wetland Areas of Interest .......................................................................... 6 3. USDA, NRCS Soil Survey ......................................................................... 8 4. NWI Wetland & Habitat Classification ..................................................... 10 5. Floodplain ................................................................................................ 11 6. Priority Sites ............................................................................................ 13 Houston-Galveston Area Council Seabrook Wetland Conservation Plan INTRODUCTION Purpose and Scope The Seabrook Wetland Conservation Plan was funded by a grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in accordance with the Clean Water Act and coordinated through the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC) and the Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP). GBEP contracted with the Houston-Galveston Area Council (H-GAC) to prepare the plan. H-GAC worked extensively with the City of Seabrook, representatives of other state and federal agencies, environmental organizations, and concerned citizens to develop this plan. The plan was developed using the model conservation planning process outlined in the Texas General Land Office’s (GLO) Texas Coastal Wetlands: A Handbook for Local Governments. This is one of the first projects in the state to apply the handbook’s recommended local government planning process. This project will also further the goals of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Texas Wetlands Conservation Plan and the Habitat Protection Actions of the Galveston Bay Plan. The purpose of the Seabrook Wetland Conservation Plan is to present a balanced approach to conserving Seabrook’s unique wetland resources while promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for its residents. This plan will also serve as a model for other bay- area cities and help to insure the health and diversity of the entire Galveston Bay Estuary. Seabrook The City of Seabrook brings to this project a level of local commitment and involvement that would be difficult to match in any similar-sized city in the bay area. Seabrook incorporates nearly 13 square miles of land, including 11 miles of waterfront property just north of the narrow channel where Clear Lake opens into Galveston Bay (see Cove Ana vicinity map). This places the city amid the vibrant Clear Baytown Lake area; the third-largest boating center in the nation 225 !" Deer Park Trinity Bay (with 1,250 slips in Seabrook alone) and home to NASA South La Port e Houst on Pasadena and its associated aerospace support companies (just four !"146 miles from Seabrook). Seabrook had its start as a league "!3 Seabrook Galvest on Bay of land obtained from the Mexican Government in 1832, Webst er was finally developed as a new town site just after 1900, Dickinson and became an incorporated city in 1961 to avoid League City annexation by Houston or La Porte. Within the Seabrook Alvin "!6 Texas City city limits may be found brackish, intermediate and fresh wetlands, including forested wetlands, estuarine bays, and -,.45 bayous. The Texas Wetlands Conservation Plan Galvest on West recognizes these types of wetlands as "productive nursery Bay and spawning areas, and habitat for seafood species and 012345Miles other marine organisms," as well as "important wintering and migration areas for North American waterfowl." Seabrook Vicinity Map Houston-Galveston Area Council Seabrook Wetland Conservation Plan 1 Water, wind, and time have shaped Seabrook’s fresh, salt, and brackish marshes and riparian and upland woodlands. Many of the freshwater depressions seen today in Seabrook were created by the remnants of the Brazos River. These freshwater depressions are known as prairie potholes. These wetlands once covered vast expanses of prairie before urbanization and agriculture destroyed most of them. (John Jacob, Sea Grant) Galveston Bay and associated waterways are a destination for migratory birds and other wildlife. There are approximately 292 species of birds which live and migrate through Seabrook. Seabrook’s list of wetland-dependent fauna also includes various amphibians, crustaceans, fish, and reptiles. Deer, raccoon, rabbit, and armadillo also reside in the upland habitats. With an estimated 1999 population of 9,906, Seabrook is unique in maintaining and regularly updating a comprehensive plan for the city with direct citizen involvement. Seabrook also has invested well in its 78-acre local parks system. Seabrook’s park system is a jewel, especially for a city of its size. The parkland provides a wide range of both indoor and outdoor activities. The parks plan includes a list of natural areas, open space, and greenbelts to conserve for its citizens and visitors. This list also includes sites appropriate for wetland mitigation projects. Old 146 Robinson Park 146 Red Bluff Friendship Park Todville Rd. Figure 1 Seabrook Open Space. This image depicts two parks and one of the last remaining parcels of significant acreage that has not been developed or platted for development. That will soon change, if steps are not taken immediately to preserve this area. Water and wildlife are part of what attracts homeowners to the area. But, the continuing strong market demand for housing and commercial development will place a strain on the City’s infrastructure and environment. New development will reduce the amount of pervious groundcover, which will cause water to runoff at a faster rate, creating a drainage problem for which the city does not have proper facilities to handle. Although Seabrook borders Galveston Bay and two tertiary bays there are no local shoreline protection or wetland conservation policies. With the expansion of NASA Road One, Houston-Galveston Area Council Seabrook Wetland Conservation Plan 2 commercial property in the road’s corridor is at a premium. Every lot of land along Clear Lake is slated for development, leaving no feasible options for public shoreline preservation or access. Currently, there are only limited state and federal regulations to protect these shorelines from man-made impacts on fish and wildlife habitat. However, federal and state funding is available to acquire and/or protect significant coastal wetlands and for shoreline erosion control projects. Erosion and subsidence are also threatening much of Seabrook’s developable property along with fish and wildlife habitat. The lagoons near Old Seabrook have claimed city streets and private property. The predominately privately owned shoreline is also eroding. A recent experiment in one of the lagoons tested the possibility of restoring habitat by planting wetland grasses. To this date the experiment has been successful in creating marsh habitat and protecting the shoreline from further erosion. But, more erosion control projects and plantings are needed. Planning Process The advisory team assembled to develop the wetland conservation plan came from an existing network of regional, state, and federal natural resource agencies and a core group of concerned citizens, business leaders, elected officials, and staff members representing the City of Seabrook. The key team members who were actively involved include: Shari Baldridge, Port of Houston; Bruce Bennett, US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE); Alisha Goldberg, Galveston Bay Foundation (GBF); Richard Harral, citizen; John Huffman, US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS); John Jacob, Sea Grant Marine Advisory Service (Sea Grant); Kay Jenkins, TPWD; Chris Kuhlman, Seabrook Eco-Tourism Committee; Jerry C. Larsen, Seabrook City Council; Tom Knickerbocker, Centurion Consulting; Garry McMahan, GLO; Cathy Palmer, Galveston Bay Information Center (GBIC); Bob Robinson, Seabrook Mayor; Robert Rudolph, GBEP; Eddie Seidensticker,