Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge Beach Nourishment

Summary

Located on the upper Texas coast near the Louisiana border, Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) encompasses 8,972 acres of saline to brackish marsh, consisting of tidal flats, shallow freshwater lakes and ponds and a marsh strongly influenced by the daily tides. The refuge’s southern boundary extends more than six miles along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. Texas Point has been undergoing a stark transition along the shoreline as enhanced erosion quickly degrades the beach and creates overwash and blowout areas where saltwater can contaminate the marsh. These episodes of saltwater contamination change the marsh system, the supported flora and fauna, and convert marsh to open water. To combat the degraded beach environment and enhance the natural barrier between the Gulf of Mexico and the marsh system of Texas Point NWR, the GLO in partnership with the Refuge propose a beach nourishment and dune restoration project.