Bessie Heights
The most extensive loss of
coastal wetlands in Texas have occurred along the lower Neches River.
Wetland loss in this area began during the 1930's, near the time that oil was
first discovered in the Port
Neches field. The lost substantial loss
occurred between 1956 and 1978, when approximately 70% (8,510 acres) of emergent
marshes along the lower Neches River were converted to open water.
In 1998, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) received a grant from the US Environmental Protection Agency to develop an interagency restoration plan for an area along the lower Neches River that is locally known as the Bessie Heights Marsh. Approximately 5,125 acres of wetlands in the Bessie Heights Marsh have been converted to open water.
Several restoration
options are being considered during the restoration planning process. At
present, it appears that beneficial use of dredge material and terracing hold
the most promise for reversing wetland
loss in the Bessie heights Marsh. Terracing as well as other types
of restoration, will be accomplished through multiple projects that will be
phased in over a period of years, as money for projects becomes available.
The objective of the proposed project is to restore 222 acres of estuarine wetlands within the Bessie Heights Marsh through the construction of terraces terraces forming 1-2 acre cells. Restoration will involve constructing terraces and then planting emergent vegetation. This project will increase the length of the marsh-water interface within the project area. Other objectives of the project include increasing submerged aquatic plant production, reducing turbidity and reducing wind fetch. The project will increase the habitat value for fisheries as well as a myriad of transient and resident wildlife species.