The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has acquired its first new Wildlife Management Area in East Texas in almost two decades, securing approximately 6,900 acres in Anderson County for the creation of the Trinity River Wildlife Management Area.
The acquisition expands TPWD’s Middle Trinity River Ecosystem Project, which also includes Gus Engeling, Richland Creek, Big Lake Bottom and Keechi Creek WMAs. Together, these sites now protect more than 38,000 acres. The new property adds 11.3 miles of Trinity River frontage, increasing TPWD’s total conservation along the river corridor to more than 25 miles.
The contiguous land connection between the Trinity River and Richland Creek WMAs enables what TPWD describes as “wall-to-wall” bottomland conservation across more than 21,000 acres. The area is expected to help mitigate downstream sedimentation by slowing floodwaters and allowing natural sediment to settle throughout the floodplain.
“The establishment of the Trinity River WMA presents an opportunity for the conservation and management of an ecologically unique and important habitat,” said TPWD Executive Director David Yoskowitz.
The project was made possible through a combination of public and private partnerships. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation received support from the Knobloch Family Foundation, which helped provide matching funds for a Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Additional funding came from $10 million in Migratory Game Bird Stamp Funds appropriated to TPWD during the 88th legislative session.
The property, formerly owned by the family of the late Jackie Gragg, was sold with the intent of preserving it in a manner similar to neighboring conservation lands. TPWD staff worked with the Gragg family over 18 months to finalize the acquisition.
“The 88th Legislature’s appropriation of Migratory Game Bird Stamp Funds has allowed TPWD to conserve more lands and bring greater access to even more Texans,” said TPWD Wildlife Division Director Alan Cain.
TPWD plans to restore wetland habitats, rebuild bottomland hardwoods along the river, and initiate prairie restoration on upland areas. The work is expected to benefit migratory birds, waterfowl, butterflies, and other native wildlife. Public recreation such as hunting, birdwatching, fishing and camping may be offered in the future as restoration progresses.
Image Credit Texas Parks & Wildlife Foundation
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