West Bay Watershed Wetland and Habitat Protection

Summary

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), through its Galveston Bay Estuary Program (Estuary Program), will place approximately 1,000 acres of coastal wetlands and other important habitats critical to water quality and habitat protection, under long-term conservation via conservation easements, purchase of development rights, or fee title. The Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP) utilizing GIS-based habitat and land use assessment tools and coordinating with the watershed steering group will identify additional tract(s) for habitat conservation. The GBEP will negotiate with local landowners to develop agreements for long-term conservation of the additional tract(s) and establish a mechanism for long-term conservation of the sites to ensure compliance with conservation agreements and maintenance for habitat value.