1. Ecological Characteristics Region H of Texas Water Planning

2. Important Aquatic Features Armand Bayou- coastal tributary of Clear Lake, good habitat for alligators,waterfowl and other riparian wildlife. Austin Bayou- scenic coastal plain bayou, an important habitat for wildlife. Bastrop Bayou- extensive freshwater wetland habitat

3. Others Brazos River San Jacinto River Caney Creek Carpenters Bayou Mill Creek See Texas Parks and Wildlife Webite for complete listing

4. Determination of Importance Water planning experts determine a river or stream to be of ecological significance based upon: –Biological function –Hydrologic Function –Riparian Conservation Areas –High water quality/exceptional wildlife/aesthetic value –Threatened/Endangered Species in the area

5. Biological Function Must consider degree of biodiversity, age, and uniqueness of area Observe the quantity and quality of terrestrial, wetland and aquatic habitats in the area

6. Hydrologic Function Look at what the habitat fringing the water actually does in terms of hydrologic functions –Flood plains –Flow Stabilization –Groundwater recharge

7. Riparian Conservation Includes segments that are bordered by public property or land protected by the government. –State and federal wildlife refuges –Preserves, parks, mitigation areas –Wildlife management land

8. High Overall Quality Segments that are critical to many species in terms of habitat, water flow or water quality Look at overall aesthetic value and quality

9. Threatened/Endangered Species Protect areas that are known to be home to federally protected endangered or threatened species Protects unique or naturally undisturbed communities

10. Threatened Areas of Region H Region H covers protected areas like: –Sam Houston National Forest –Big Thicket Nature Preserve –National Wildlife Refuges –Many underdeveloped, natural areas

11. Threatened Species in Region H Houston Toad Bald Eagle White-faced Ibis Black Rail Wood Stork Corkwood For complete listing see Texas Park and Wildlife website

12. New Projects 2 New Reservoirs recommended –Bedias River and Little River ideas projected to impact vital bottomland hardwoods –Allen’s Creek Project known to impact Houston Toad, woodstork and white-faced ibis habitats, but was modified to avoid Alligator Hole, a vital wetland segment

13. Allen’s Creek Reservoir Located in Austin County on Allen’s Creek, a tributary to Brazos River Scalping Reservoir to control stormwater flows (convert them to storage yields) Dam Height is 53 feet Estimated Cost of $157,300,000

14. Bedias Reservoir Located mainly in Madison County Includes Bedias and Caney creeks Would provide water to lower Trinity and San Jacinto River Basins

15. Little River Reservoir Located in Milam County within the Brazos River Basin Would span both region G and H to provide maximum benefits