| Today's Sponsor-- Lamar State College-Port Arthur |
|
|
| Wildlife Refuges of Southeast Texas |
Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge More The cackle of thousands of waterfowl, the splash of an More than 40 species of birds nest in 34,000-acre marshland on East Bay. Thought the refuge is managed primarily for wintering and migrating waterfowl, the threatened American alligator is also found here. Bird checklist has 253 species listed -- an extra large number because birds flying north across Gulf of Mexico eager for first resting place on land. Refuge activities include wildlife observation, birding, photography, waterfowl hunting, fishing, and crabbing. Overnight camping limited, both in duration and location. Contact refuge headquarters for directions or information. Refuge open 24 hours, 7 days a week. For more information call 409/267-3337 or 839-2680 or write Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge, Box 278, Anahuac, TX 77514. Email : fw2_rw_anahuac@fws.gov
|
Texas Point National Wildlife Refuge A total 8,900 acres of salt and intermediate marsh with some wooded uplands. South of Texas 87 at Sabine Pass.
` |
McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge MORE More than 55,000 acres. Area open 7am-3pm Mon-Fri. For more information call 409/971-2909
The McFaddin and Texas Point National Wildlife Refuges are located in close proximity on the upper Texas coast and contain a total combined acreage equivalent to 100 square miles of fish and wildlife habitat. These two units were acquired in 1980 and 1979. Texas Point and McFaddin refuges supply important feeding and resting habitat for migrating and wintering populations of waterfowl using the Central Flyway. Feeding flocks of snow geese have exceeded 70,000 birds at McFaddin. Dozens of migratory bird species utilize habitat on both refuges to feed, rest, nest and raise their young. McFaddin contains one of the densest populations of American alligators in Texas. Alligators are most easily seen during the spring , but are often visible throughout the summer and fall. Mammal species native to Texas which occur include muskrat, river otter, mink, raccoon, striped skunk, opossum, armadillo, gray fox and bobcat. Large portions of both refuges are tidally influenced, creating estuarine environments important to a variety of fish, shrimp and crabs, as well as other life forms higher on the foot chain that feed on such organisms. These estuaries are very productive communities and are vital to the life cycle of many marine species. Some of the more commonly sought after fish found in refuge waters include red drum, flounder, alligator gar and blue catfish.
Public use Recreational activities permitted on the refuges include wildlife observation, photography, waterfowl hunting, boating, fishing and crabbing. Several miles of coastline adjacent to the refuge along the Gulf of Mexico provide opportunities for fishing and other recreational activities . However, since much of Texas State Highway 87 has been washed out by coastal erosion, there is currently no dependable route of vehicle access through the refuge to an from High Island. Plan on drive through Sabine Pass to reach both refuges. Access without a boat is difficult. At McFaddin 8 miles of interior roads provide wildlife viewing opportunities and provide vehicle access to inland lakes and waterways. Vehicles are not permitted off established roads. Seven launch ramps provide access for boating. There is no charge to visit the refuge. At Texas Point national Wildlife Refuge there are no entrance fees and no restrictions on visitor hours. Texas Point is a destination for the well-prepared outdoor enthusiast. Bug spray, appropriate footwear and an awareness of the local fauna and flower will make for a more enjoyable experience. For a small fee, shallow water boats can launch at a private dock a Texas Bayou near the eastern boundary. A cattle walk and primitive trail accessible from the refuge parking lot on Highway 87 provide foot access to the marsh and wooded areas. For information contact Refuge Manager |
Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge The Trinity River floodplain contains a diversity of wetland habitats including bottomland hardwood forests, forested swamps, open water, and wet pastures. Upland areas outside the floodplain contain cultivated pastures, natural pine forests, and mixed pine-hardwood forests. Acquisition is ongoing at Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge, located 45 miles northeast of Houston, Texas. Currently, the refuge consists of approximately  10,000 acres of bottomland hardwood forest along the Trinity River. The refuge, which is a remnant of what was once a much larger natural area, is a broad, flat floodplain made up of numerous sloughs, oxbows, artesian wells, and tributaries. Wildlife-oriented recreational opportunities available at the Trinity River NWR include fishing, bird watching, photography, and general nature observation. All these recreational opportunities are permitted at the 800 acre Champion Lake area, located at the southern end of Liberty county off FM 1409 and CR 417. From I-10 exit Old River/Winfree, go north on FM 565 to FM 1409, go north to CR 417 and turn left. Once on CR417, travel 1.8 miles to the end of the gravel road (all government facilities are on the left side). For additional information contact the refuge at: 936/336-9786 or e-mail at: fw2_rw_trinityriver@fws.gov. |
 |  |
