Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan Executive Summary - Key Initiatives

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1 Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan Executive Summary - Key Initiatives The Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan (Gulf-Houston RCP) is a long-term collaborative of environmental, business and governmental entities working together to create a first-ever ecosystem continuity and connectivity plan for the Gulf-Houston Region.1 This 8-county RCP is comprised of every known environmental/conservation project in the region and collectively identifies our region s most pressing environmental needs organized into 5 key initiatives. The Gulf-Houston RCP includes a GIS-based, conservation impact map that highlights four (4) ecologically-significant areas ( Eco-Areas ) within the 8county region (see map below). The Gulf-Houston Plan contains two phases. Projects and initiatives in Phase One include 280,000 acres of land acquisition, 15,000 acres in land easements and restoration, and development of over 250 recreational trail miles for the long term health, welfare and quality of life of all its residents, visitors and wildlife. Phase Two will include projects that concentrate on restoration, public access, maintenance and education.2 Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative protect acreage along riparian corridors (forests and prairies), in a holistic approach, for each of four Galveston Bay sub watersheds (Lake Creek, Cypress Creek, Spring Creek, Buffalo Bayou, Clear Creek and the two major rivers San Jacinto and Trinity) and develop plans to improve habitat for birds migrating between the coast and inland areas. Prairie Conservation Initiative restoration and preservation of tens of thousands of acres of upland prairie land throughout the eight counties in the RCP. Bayou Greenways Initiative - Collaborative trail and open space projects (riparian forests and wetlands) along entire 250+ mile stretch of 10 bayou arteries from Spring Creek south to Clear Creek. Galveston Bay Habitat Acquisition & Easements Initiative - restoring habitat (coastal wetlands, bottomlands and estuaries) from multiple counties leading into the Bay & Gulf Coast. Galveston Bay Oyster Reefs & Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative - restoration, creation and preservation of Galveston Bay oyster reefs, inland rookery islands and other bird habitat within the lower Galveston Bay watershed. 1 The Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan includes 8 counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller County 2 For more information, see or info@houstonwilderness.org. 1 October 17, 2016

2 Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan Executive Summary Multiple Benefits The Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan (Gulf-Houston RCP) is a long-term collaborative of environmental, business and governmental entities working together to create a first-ever ecosystem continuity and connectivity plan for the Gulf-Houston Region.3 This 8-county RCP is comprised of every known environmental/conservation project in the region and collectively identifies our region s most pressing environmental needs organized into 5 key initiatives. The Gulf-Houston RCP includes a GIS-based, conservation impact map that highlights four (4) ecologically-significant areas ( Eco-Areas ) within the 8county region (see map below). The Gulf-Houston RCP contains two phases. Projects and initiatives in Phase One include 285,000 acres of land acquisition, 15,000 acres in land easements and restoration, and development of over 250 recreational trail miles for the long term health, welfare and quality of life of all its residents, visitors and wildlife. Phase Two includes projects that concentrate on restoration, public access, maintenance and education.4 The Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan will: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7) (8) Increase funding opportunities for Gulf-Houston Plan projects, and leverage conservation/recreation dollars from multiple sources; Enhance and protect the natural benefits of our region; Provide flood mitigation and hurricane-preparedness solutions; Serve as a vehicle for other regional environmental collaborations and initiatives; Demonstrate multiple green infrastructure benefits to serve the region s growing population; Rapidly increase ecotourism; Attract businesses and employees seeking natural amenities and high quality of life; and Significantly boost economic development. 3 The Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan includes 8 counties: Brazoria, Chambers, Galveston, Fort Bend, Harris, Liberty, Montgomery and Waller County 4 For more information, see or info@houstonwilderness.org. 2 October 17, 2016

3 Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan Fact Sheet Background: The Gulf-Houston Region includes three major rivers and over 15 major waterways leading to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. From these waters, an amazing complex set of ecosystems comprising freshwater forests, prairies and bottomlands, brackish estuaries and saltwater marshes and forests including 1 million acres, or 1,562 square miles of wetlands in early 1900 s. This area represents 7 percent of the nation's coastal wetlands in the lower 48 states. Over-arching Conservation Goals: The 8-County Gulf-Houston Region still contains numerous acres of pristine and diverse ecologic habitats, but these intact ecological areas are becoming increasingly threatened and fractured due to land and water development, expansion of the region, and built infrastructure to accommodate the growth of the region. The result has been a reduction in forests and wetlands of 40 percent currently. The Gulf-Houston Regional Planning Group aims to (1) preserve and protect these best remaining habitats, (2) improve water quality and quality of life and (3) ensure economic health and vitality for future generations in the greater Houston Region and Galveston Bay watershed. These goals are being achieved by RCP members and organizations in the following four ways: a. Creating a Regional Conservation Plan for multiple land and watershed conservation and restoration efforts in the 8-county region. Included in Phase One is 300,000 acres of land acquisition, land easements and restoration, and 250 trail miles. Later phases will include additional acquisition, restoration, public access and education (See Eco-Area Map below). b. Preserving and protecting the ecological values of land/water ecosystems and habitats that provide billions of dollars in environmental and infrastructure benefits by implementing the RCP. (See Benefits on next page) c. Enhancing economic development and natural recreational opportunities in the watersheds leading to Galveston Bay and the Gulf of Mexico within the 8-county region. In Phase One, investing $1 billion dollars to acquire and restore 300,000 acres and 250+ trail miles will result in $3 billion given back to the community in economic development dollars.1 d. Providing flood mitigation and hurricane-preparedness solutions through inland and coastal conservation projects that serve as natural land and water buffers and storm-surge protection. 3 October 17, 2016

4 Regionally Significant Natural Resources for the Houston-Galveston area: Prairies (upland and coastal) grasslands, wet meadows, hill prairies, native vegetation Forests upland piney wood, bottomland hardwood Coastal Shorelines estuaries, tidal marshes, oyster reefs Riparian Corridors major bayou systems, significant rivers of watershed systems The Benefits of Implementing the Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan: Improved and sustained human health Purification of air and water Water filtering, absorption and reduction of stormwater runoff Improved the functioning of public and private water systems Carbon sequestration Pollination of crops Nutrient cycling Decomposition of wastes Generation, stabilization and renewal of soils Reduction of extreme weather events Mitigation of droughts and floods Food production Recreation Cultural values Noise buffers Enhanced and sustained wildlife habitat Ecotourism birding, fishing, hunting, etc 1 Crompton, John L. "Impact Of Parks & Open Spaces On Property Values."Impact Of Parks & Open Spaces On Property Values. California Parks & Recreation Society, Winter October 17, 2016

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8 Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan Working List of Projects in 8-County Region 5 The Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan contains two phases. Projects and initiatives in Phase One include 280,000 acres of land acquisition, 15,000 acres in land easements and restoration, and development of over 250 recreational trail miles for a total cost that s under $1 billion dollars for the long term health, welfare and quality of life of all its residents, visitors and wildlife. Phase Two includes projects that concentrate on restoration, public access, maintenance and education. 6 Major Initiatives in Phase One: Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative(HBI) protect acreage along riparian corridors (forests and prairies), in a holistic approach, for each of four Galveston Bay sub watersheds (Lake Creek, Cypress Creek, Spring Creek, Buffalo Bayou, Clear Creek and the two major rivers San Jacinto and Trinity) and develop plans to improve habitat for birds migrating between the coast and inland areas. Prairie Conservation Initiative(PCI)- restoration and preservation of tens of thousands of acres of coastal prairie remnants that comprise the One Prairie throughout the eight counties in the RCP. Bayou Greenways Initiative(BGI) - Collaborative trail and open space projects along entire 250+ mile stretch of 10 bayou arteries from Spring Creek in the north to Clear Creek in the south. Galveston Bay Habitat Acquisition & Easements Initiative(Galv. Bay AEI) - restoring habitat (coastal wetlands, bottomlands and estuaries) from multiple counties leading into the Bay & Gulf Coast. Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Creation & Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative (Galv. Bay OBI) - restoration, creation and preservation of Galveston Bay oyster reefs, inland rookery islands and other bird habitat within the lower Galveston Bay watershed. I. PHASE ONE Regional Conservation-related Projects by Ecological Area (Mainly land acquisition, conservation easements & nature trails) NOTE: Most of these Projects have been submitted to the NRDA Gulf Restoration Project List on NOAA site & RestoretheTexasCoast.org Aqua Fully Funded Projects Green Projects w/ some Gulf Restoration from NFWF Orange Funded By NAWCA Grant Mint Other Funding Yellow Projects with some Gulf Restoration funding from NRDA Purple RESTORE Funded Priorities List (FPL) Blue- Gulf of Mexico Research Initiative (GoMRI) + - Multi Phased Projects A. Bayou/Riparian Zones Eco-Area Initiative - Collaborative projects along the major waterways for land acquisition, conservation easements, nature trails and restoration 1. Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative a. Buffalo Bayou Land Acquisition (BBP) b. Clear Creek Linear Park Project (TPWD) c. Cypress Creek Greenway Project - Targeted large acreage along Cypress Creek for land acquisition, easements and riparian forest restoration (Cypress Creek Flood Control Coalition) d. Greens Bayou Water Trail and Eco-Restoration Project (GGBC) 5 October 17, For more information, see or info@houstonwilderness.org. 8

9 e. Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative A Planning & Implementation Plan for the Acquisition & Restoration of Riparian corridors in the San Jacinto Watershed (KPC) f. Lower Clear Creek Preservation and Flood Hazard Reduction (HCFCD, Harris County Precinct 1 & GBF) g. Spring Creek Greenway Project - Targeted large acreage along Spring Creek for land acquisition, easements and riparian forest restoration h. Upper Armand Bayou Preservation, Restoration and Flood Hazard Reduction (HCFCD and Harris County Pct 2) 2. Prairie Conservation Initiative a. Acquisition of Remaining Undivided Interest in the (Warren Ranch Buyout Program)(KPC) b. Armand Prairie Land Acquisition Project (ABNC, ABWP, Harris County Pct 2)*HBI c. HCFCD & KPC Land acquisition within the Cypress Creek Overflow zone d. Katy Prairie Project, Phase 1 & 2 Targeted large acreage in the Katy Prairie for land acquisition, conservation, and restoration expansion including Cypress Creek watershed [Partially Funded by NAWCA, September 2015] e. Katy Prairie Project, Phase 3/ Preserve System Acquisition Project Targeted large acreage in the Katy Prairie for land acquisition, conservation, and restoration expansion including Cypress Creek watershed f. Warren Ranch Preservation Project (KPC) 3. Bayou Greenways Initiative a. Bayou Greenways Initiative Collaborative projects along 10 bayou arteries from Spring Creek north to Clear Creek (Harris County only) i. Clear Creek Riparian Corridor Acquisition Project (land acquisition and habitat restoration) (RESTORE Funded Priority List - Category 1 & 2) B. Columbia/Brazos Corridor Eco-Area Initiative - Collaborative projects allowing for large land acquisitions along the Brazos River including 1. Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative a. Brazos Woods Preservation Project (Brazos River Conservation/Recreation Master Plan ( Fort Bend Green)*Galv Bay AEI b. Columbia Bottomlands (Friends of Brazoria Wildlife Refuges) 40K acres c. Columbia Bottomlands (The Conservation Fund / USFWS) 28K acres d. Columbia Bottomland Tract 122 a(friends of Brazoria NWR & USFWS)3.2K Acres e. Columbia Bottomland Tract 152 a(friends of Brazoria NWR & USFWS)360 Acres f. Foster- Harrison Ranching and Wetlands Preservation Area Project (Fort Bend Green) g. Fulshear Red Bird Lane Wetland Area Land Acquisition Project (City of Fulshear) h. Land Acquisition at Nannie Stringfellow WMA in Brazoria Co (TPWD) 2. Prairie Conservation Initiative a. Damon/Nash Prairie Project - Land acquisition of 30,000 acres (Texas A&M Sea Grant) b. Fulshear Nature Preserve on the Hill Land Acquisition (City of Fulshear) c. Prairie Conservation Initiative: Acquisition for Katy Prairie and Damon Prairie Conservation (KPC, NPAT, CPP, HW) d. San Bernard Woods Preserve (The Nature Conservancy)[Funded By BHP Billiton] 3. Galveston Bay Habitat Acquisition & Easements Initiative 9

10 a. Brazoria NWR Habitat Acquisition (Friends of Brazoria NWR & USFWS) b. Coastal Prairie & Marsh Acquisitions (TPWD) c. Follett s Island Conservation Initiative (TPL & TPWD) d. Justin Hurst WMA Land Acquisitions (TPWD) C. Galveston Bay & Gulf System Eco-Area Initiative - Collaborative projects, including large coastal marsh & wetland land acquisitions and habitat creation: 1. Headwaters to Baywaters initiative a. Cotton Bayou Phase 2 (GBF) [Partially Funded] b. Dickinson Bayou Conservation Corridor (GBF) 2. Prairie Conservation Initiative a. Angleton Prairie (GBF) b. Brazos Woods Preserve (The Nature Conservancy ) [Funded By BHP Billiton] 3. Galveston Bay Habitat Acquisition & Easements Initiative a. Austin Bayou Farm (GBF) b. Bastrop Bayou (GBF) c. Bulanek Farms- Texas Farms & Ranch Conservation Program (Texas Agricultural Land Trust) [Funded by CIAP] d. Chocolate Bayou (GBF) [Funded by CIAP] e. Coastal Heritage Preserve Initiative: Bayside Land Acquisition & Easement + (Artist Boat) [Partially Funded by NFWF, November 2014, Partially Funded by CWPPRA] f. Galveston Bay Watershed Wetland and Habitat Protection (GBF, TCEQ- GBEP) g. Gordy Marsh Land Acquisition Project + (GBF) 3,000 acres of acquisition [Partially Funded by NAWCA, March 2013] (*PCI) h. Hitchcock Prairie/ West Galveston Bay Conservation Corridor Habitat Preservation (Scenic Galveston)[Funded by NFWF, November 2013] i. Lone Pine Farm (GBF) [Fully Funded] j. Marquette Acquisition Project (TGLO) k. McAllis Point Phase 2 Land Acquisition (TGLO) l. Oyster Bayou (GBF) m. Protect Coastal Marshlands on Bolivar Partnership (Cade Ranch) (The Conservation Fund / USFWS) Bolivar [Funded by NFWF, November 2014] [Funded by NOAA, 2015] n. San Luis Pass Land Acquisition o. Sweetwater Preserve Expansion (GBF) p. Texas Coastal Wildlife Habitat Acquisition (Texas R.I.C.E.) $200 million to acquire 100,000 acres along the Texas coast for prairie and wetlands restoration. q. Trinity River Delta(GBF) r. Virginia Point Shoreline Protection And Estuarine Restoration (Scenic Galveston, TGLO)[Funded by NFWF, November 2014] Sea Turtle Projects- a. Document stranded sea turtles in Texas (USFWS) b. Evaluating the Status & Habitat Use of Sea Turtles Utilizing Texas Coastal Waters (Turtle Island Restoration Network) c. Expand Texas Sea Turtle Stranding Rescue and Response Capabilities (Ocean Conservancy) 10

11 d. Expansion and Continuation of Kemp s Ridley Sea Turtle Patrols on the Upper Texas Coast- and incubation facility and a rehabilitation and treatment facility (HEART) e. Kemp s Ridley Sea Turtle Restoration TX, MS, FL (TPWD) f. Land Purchase & Construction of Sea Turtle Rehabilitation Facility for the Upper Texan Coast (Turtle Island Restoration Network) g. Sea Turtle Early Restoration Project (Sea Turtle Conservation in Texas, The Nature Conservancy Galveston) 4. Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Creation & Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative. Birds a. Acquisition and Restoration of Gulf Coast Marshes, Prairies, and Woodlots in the Gulf Coast Chenier Plain (Houston Audubon) b. Bolivar Peninsula Habitat Acquisition and Enhancement (Houston Audubon Society) [Partially Funded by NAWCA] c. Colonial Waterbird Habitat Creation and Tourism Enhancements at High Island (Houston Audubon Society) d. Horseshoe Marsh Bird Sanctuary (Houston Audubon Society) e. South Deer Island Acquisition and Restoration (Audubon Texas) f. Texas Rookery Islands (Dickinson Bay Island II, Rollover Bay Island, & Smith Point Island) [NRDA Funded- September 23, 2015] Reefs a. Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary- Northern Coral Reef Expansion (NOAA) b. Freeport Artificial Reef (TPWD) [Funded by NOAA, 2015] c. Galveston Bay Sustainable Oyster Reef Restoration (The Nature Conservancy, Galveston Bay Foundation, TPWD)[Funded by NFWF, November 2015] d. Galveston Bay/Trinity Bay Oyster Reef restoration (The Nature Conservancy & GBF) e. Mid-Upper TX Coastal Reef (TPWD) [Funded by NOAA, 2015] f. Oyster Reef Restoration in East Bay (TPWD, Coastal Conservation Association of Texas) [Funded by NFWF, November 2013] D. Northern Riparian Forests Eco-Area Initiative - Collaborative projects on the following corridors: 1. Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative a. Davis Hill (1700 acres of bottomland hardwood) connections with lower forest areas) b. Lake Creek Project Targeted large acreage along Lake Creek for land acquisition, easements and riparian forest restoration (KMCB) c. Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge Land Acquisition (USFWS, The Conservation Fund, TPWD) II. PHASE TWO Regional Conservation-related Projects by Ecological Area A. Riparian Corridors and Urban Bayous 1. Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative a. Aquaponics and Aquaculture Facility along Buffalo Bayou (BBP) b. Collaborative On-Site Ecosystem Services Studies for Cypress Creek Watershed and Lake Houston 11

12 c. Creation of Bat Roosts for Rare Forest (Bottomland/ Riparian) (TPWD) d. Development of a Riparian Buffer Tool (H-GAC) e. HCFCD and Harris County - Riparian land acquisition along all 22 waterways in Harris County (HCFCD) f. Houston Urban Tree Canopy Project (US Forest Service) g. On-Site Sewage Facility Remediation for Water Quality and Aquatic Habitat (H-GAC) h. Restoration of Houston Arboretum & Nature Center (Houston Arboretum & Nature Center) i. Stanley Preserve Restoration (Greens Bayou Coalition) 2. Prairie Conservation Initiative a. Conservation Crews & Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan Management A Roving Restoration Crew Model for the Greater Houston Region (SCA & HW) *All initiatives b. Lawther-Deer Park Prairie Nature And Education Center (Native Prairies Association of Texas) c. Lawther-Deer Park Prairie Preserve Invasive Plant Control (Native Prairies Association of Texas) d. Native Prairie Seed Nursery Houston-Gulf Coast Region (KPC) e. Next Generation Prairies and Pollinators Project - Greatly increasing availability of native coastal prairie plants and seeds for restoration in the Greater Houston Region and training the next generation of prairie restoration professionals (HA, KPC, Trees for Houston, TNC, SCA, CPP, HANC, NWF, NPAT, Prairie Seed Council of the Upper Texas Coast, HW) B. Columbia/Brazos Corridor 1. Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative a. Cullinan Park restoration and connectivity (Sugar Land, TX) b. Improve Freshwater Management Capabilities on Wildlife Management Areas (TPWD) 2. Prairie Conservation Initiative a. Austin's Woods CP Eagle Nest Lake; 2500 acre prairie restoration from Nash seed source (USFWS) b. Brazoria NWR Habitat & Native Prairie Restoration (Texas R.I.C.E.) c. Non-native and Invasive Vegetation Control on Wildlife Management Areas (TPWD) d. SCA Texas Gulf Restoration Corps (SCA, ABNC & TPWD) e. Texas Mid Coast Complex Invasive Species Control (Texas R.I.C.E.) 3. Galveston Bay Habitat Acquisition & Easements Initiative a. Brazos Bend State Park Environmental Education Center (TPWD/ Brazos Bend State Park) b. Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge Habitat Improvement (Texas R.I.C.E.) c. Brazoria National Wildlife Refuge Water Supply (Texas R.I.C.E.) - $400,000 to establish a large volume water well to supply 2,000 acres of created wetland units d. Gulf Coast Natural Resources Education and Training Center (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) e. Justin Hurst WMA Shoreline Protection (TPWD) f. Mouth of the San Bernard River (Brazoria County, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Port Freeport, San Bernard NWR, Friends of the San Bernard River) g. Near Shoreline Breakwater at Surfside's Beach Drive(Brazoria County Shoreline Restoration Task Force) h. Port Freeport Regional Sediment Management-Habitat Restoration Initiative (Port Freeport) i. Surfside Beach Drive Revetment Extension (Brazoria County Shoreline Restoration Task Force) j. Texas Mid Coast Wetland Initiative (Texas R.I.C.E) 4. Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Creation & Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative a. Coastal Texas Protected Lands Wetlands Development (Texas R.I.C.E) 12

13 b. Cow Trap Lake Bird Nesting Island Improvements (DU) C. Galveston Bay & Gulf System 1. Headwaters to Baywaters Initiative a. Cedar Gully Education Center (GBF) b. Clean the Park (F. Sausser) c. Property Purchase for the use of water rights (USFWS) 2. Prairie Conservation Initiative a. To reintroduce the natural fire regime and occurrence on Anahuac NWR (USFWS) 3. Galveston Bay Habitat Acquisition & Easements Initiative a. Bolivar Beach and Dune Restoration (TGLO) b. Bolivar Peninsula Salt Marsh Protection and Restoration (TGLO) c. Bolivar Peninsula Habitat Acquisition Restoration and Enhancement (HA) d. Candy Abshier Wildlife Management Area Shoreline Protection and Marsh Restoration(GBF/TPWD) e. East End Lagoon Nature Park & Preservation (GINTC) f. Follet's Island CR-257 Dune System Restoration(Brazoria County Shoreline Restoration Task Force) g. Follett s Island GEMS Shoreline Protection (TGLO) h. Galveston Bay Freshwater Inflows i. Galveston Bay Wetland Trend Analysis for Restoration Prioritization (Bureau of Economic Geology, University of Texas at Austin) j. Galveston Bay Wetlands: Planning for a Sustainable Future (Galveston Baykeeper) k. Galveston Beneficial Dredge Project (Galveston Parks Board/ USACE) l. Galveston Island State Park Bay side tent, tidal and kayak campsites (TPWD) m. Galveston Island State Park Beach Re-Development (TPWD) n. Galveston Island State Park Cabins (TPWD) o. Galveston Island State Park Inholding Acquisition (TPWD) p. Galveston Island State Park Marsh Restoration & Protection (Phase 1) (TPWD, TGLO) [Funded by NFWF, November 2013] q. Galveston Island State Park Marsh Restoration & Protection (Phase 2/ Carancahua Cove) (TPWD, TGLO) [Funded by NFWF, November 2015] r. Galveston Island State Park Mitigation Property In-Holding Parcel Purchase (TPWD/Galveston Island State Park) s. Go Green Galveston (G3) (Galveston Urban Ministries) t. Greens Lake Protection and Marsh Restoration: Engineering & Design- Coastal Marsh/ GIWW Shoreline Protection (DU) [Funded by NFWF, November 2014] u. Habitat Restoration Technology Training Center(Gulf Of Mexico Foundation) v. Hydrological Restoration of coastal marsh (USFWS) w. Management of Galveston Bay Conservation Properties for Enhanced Ecosystem Functions and Resilience (GBF) x. Middleton Wetlands (TX R.I.C.E) y. Moses Lake/Dollar Bay Shoreline Enhancement and Restoration (GBF)- [Funded by NFWF, November 2014] z. Northern Gulf of Mexico Super Project(Force 10 Maritime Services and Marine Research) 13

14 aa. Novel Sensor System for the Early Detection and Monitoring of Offshore Oil Spills (University of Houston) [Funded by GoMRI, 2013] bb. Pierce Marsh: Texas Beneficial Use Marsh Restoration Planning (Pierce Marsh on West Galveston Bay) (GBF) [RESTORE Funded Priority List - Category 1] cc. Pilot Study of Floating Treatment Wetlands as Addition to Stormwater BMP Repetoire (TAE) dd. Restoration of Public Trust of the Natural Resources of Chambers County and the Upper Texas Coast (Chambers County) ee. Rollover Pass Closure/Fisheries Mitigation (TGLO) ff. San Jacinto Footbridge Project (TPWD) gg. San Jacinto North Shore Restoration (TPWD) hh. San Jacinto North Shoreline Repair (TPWD) ii. San Jacinto Santa Ana Bayou Marsh Restoration (TPWD) jj. Seabrook Habitat Island Restoration (GBF) kk. Sustainable Marsh Management (USFWS) ll. Sweetwater Lake Shoreline Protection & Oyster Reef Enhancements (GBF) [Partially Funded by USFWS] mm. Texas Chenier Plain Refuge Complex/ Cade Ranch/ Anahuac NWR Coastal Marsh Acquisition (The Conservation Fund / USFWS) [Funded by NFWF, November 2014] [Funded by NAWCA, March 2010 & September 2015] nn. Texas Coastal Habitat Acquisition and Conservation (TX R.I.C.E.) oo. Texas Coastal Lands Protection (TX R.I.C.E.) pp. Texas Coastal Wildlife Habitat Acquisition (TX R.I.C.E.) qq. University Of Houston Coastal Center (University of Houston rr. West Bay Estuarine Habitat Restoration and Protection Project (TPWD) ss. West Bay Water Quality Protection Project (TPWD) tt. West Galveston Bay Marsh Restoration (TX R.I.C.E.)-[Partially Funded by NAWCA, September 2015] uu. West Galveston Bay Watershed Wetlands (TX R.I.C.E.) [Funded by NFWF] 4. Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Creation & Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative. a. A Landscape Approach to Oyster Reef Restoration in Upper Galveston Bay (TPWD) b. Aggregation and Degradation of Dispersants and Oil by Microbial Exopolymers (ADDOMEX) (Texas A&M Galveston) [Funded by GoMRI, 2015] c. Alligator Point Island Restoration (USFWS) d. Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge Wetlands Creation (Texas R.I.C.E)(*PCI) e. Assist Proposed Lonestar Coastal National Recreation Area (The Nature Conservancy) f. Bay Area Colonial Water Bird Rookery Island Habitat (HA) [Funded by NOAA, 2015] g. Best Practices for Bird Habitat Restoration on the Gulf Coast (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) h. Bird Habitat and Coastal Freshwater Wetland Restoration at Sheldon Lake State Park (Texas AgriLife Extension Service/Texas Coastal Watershed Program) i. Bolivar Nature Trail: Nature-based Economic Development for the Upper Texas Coast (Houston Audubon) j. Coastal Ecosystem Health: Documenting Avian Exposure to Gulf Pollutants (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) k. Coastal Exchange Program (SSPEED Center, Rice University) l. Collaborative On-site Ecosystem Services Studies along the Galveston Bay & Gulf System (HW) 14

15 m. Construction of Multi-purpose wetland for Improvement of Water Quality and Habitat (EIH- UHCL) n. Creating and Restoring Galveston Bay Area Colonial Waterbird Recovery Island Habitat (HA) o. Demonstrating the Utility of Ecosystems Services for Environmental Decision Making in the Galveston Bay Region (HARC) p. Dickinson Bayou Marsh Restoration Project (TPWD) [Funded by GLO] q. Education through Restoration: Galveston Bay Get Hip to Habitat Program (GBF) r. Evaluating the effectiveness of restoration projects as water bird habitat along the Gulf Coast (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) s. Galveston Bay Bird Islands Restoration (Audubon Texas) t. Galveston Bay Bird Nesting Islands Restoration (Audubon Texas) u. Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Restoration and Enhancement (TPWD) v. Gordy Marsh Habitat Protection Project (GBF) w. Jig Saw Island Restoration (USFWS) x. Oyster Lake Habitat Protection - Phase 2 (GBF)- [Funded by NFWF, November 2014] y. Restore Colonial Waterbird Rookery Habitat in Dickinson Bay (TPWD) z. SCA Gulf Bird Protection and Monitoring Corps (SCA) aa. Science-based Restoration of an Oyster Reef in Middle Reef, East Galveston Bay (The Nature Conservancy, TPWD, TAMU-CC) bb. Smith Point Island Restoration(USFWS) cc. Wading Bird Rookery Creation (Anahuac NWR/USFWS) D. Northern Forests 1. Headwaters to Baywaters a. Riparian Corridor Protection for Priority Watersheds in the Houston-Galveston Region (H-GAC) b. The 5- County Lower Trinity River Project: Connecting Ecotourism to Riparian Conservation (The LTR Project) (HW) c. Willow Creek Forest (American Land Conservancy) 2. Galveston Bay Habitat Acquisition & Easements Initiative a. Streamlining Wetland Permitting and Decision-Making Improving Region Mitigation and Building the Capacity of Local Government and Citizens (HARC) 3. Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Creation & Migratory Bird Habitat Initiative. a. Lake Conroe Bird Island Restoration and Preservation (J. Roach) III. Region Wide Projects in Multiple Ecological Areas 1. Assist Proposed Lonestar Coastal National Recreation Area (The Nature Conservancy) 2. Coastal Bend Seagrass Monitoring (The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program) 3. Coastal Ecosystem Health: Documenting Avian Exposure to Gulf Pollutants (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) 4. Coastal Exchange Program (SSPEED Center, Rice U.) 5. Collect Fishery Dependent Data from Fishing Fleets -Charter For Hire Fleet Focus (Environmental Defense Fund) 6. Collect Fishery Dependent Data from Fishing Fleets- Private Recreational Fleet Focus (Environmental Defense Fund) 15

16 7. Conservation and evaluation of limiting factors for American Oystercatchers (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) 8. Conservation Crews & Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan Management A Roving Restoration Crew Model for the Greater Houston Region (SCA & HW) 9. Creating new Black Skimmer nesting areas (Gulf Coast Bird Observatory) 10. Equipment sharing project (Bayou/Riparian Zone stakeholders) 11. Expand and Support Commercial Industry-sponsored Seafood Safety and Traceability Testing (Environmental Defense Fund) 12. Expand Texas Marine Mammal Stranding Network (Ocean Conservancy) 13. Expand Texas Sea Turtle Stranding Rescue and Response Capabilities (Ocean Conservancy) 14. Galveston Bay Bird Islands Restoration (Audubon Texas) 15. Galveston Bay Conservation Properties for Enhanced Ecosystem Functions and Resilience (GBF) 16. Galveston Bay Oyster Reef Restoration and Enhancement (TPWD) 17. Gulf of Mexico planning, monitoring, research (The Nature Conservancy) 18. Gulf Coast Habitat Restoration Program (USFWS) Creation of a funding program directly to state federal agencies to provide funds to NGO s who partner on-the-ground restoration project 19. Gulf Coast Migratory Waterfowl Habitat Enhancement (Ducks Unlimited) 20. Gulf Intracoastal Waterway Shoreline Protection (Ducks Unlimited) 21. Impact of Environmental Criminal Enforcement on Disaster Response (UH Law Center & TAMUCC) 22. Improve and Increase Frequency of Stock Assessments for Gulf of Mexico Offshore Finfish Fisheries (Environmental Defense Fund) 23. Improve/replace aging wastewater infrastructure within the region Project (H-GAC) 24. Lionfish Assessment, Control and Education (The Nature Conservancy) 25. Mapping of seafloor in Texas and EEZ waters (Ocean Conservancy) 26. The Marine Microbiome as a Sentinel for Ecological Health and Resiliency (UTMB & TAMUG) 27. Middle Texas Coastal Marsh Improvements (DU) 28. Native Prairie Seed Nursery for Houston-Gulf Coast Region (KPC) 29. Native Prairie Restoration (The Nature Conservancy) (see III -1) 30. Northern Gulf of Mexico Super Project (Force 10 Maritime Services and Marine Research) 31. Restore Texas coastal wetlands, seagrass beds, and bird nesting-islands (The Nature Conservancy) 32. Species Identification Training for Effective Monitoring and Management of Harmful Algal Blooms (TAMUG & Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System) 33. Student Conservation Association region wide project (SCA) 34. Texas Coast Migratory and Shore Bird Habitat Restoration (RCP Related Projects Listed) a. TPWD Urban Conservation Program (Armand Bayou Nature Preserve) b. Coastal Prairie Seed Increase (The Nature Conservancy) c. Prairie Seed Council (The Nature Conservancy) d. Migratory and Shore Bird Habitat (USFWS) 35. Texas Colonial Waterbird Habitat Restoration and Enhancement (Audubon Texas) 36. Texas Mid-Coast/ Inland Rice Prairie Acquisition (DU) 37. Texas Upper Coast Wetlands Restoration (DU) 38. Texas Mid-Coast Wetlands Restoration (DU) 39. Upper Texas Coastal Marsh Improvements (DU) 40. Raising Texas 87 along Bolivar Island (TxDOT) 41. Restoring Structurally Complex Nursery Habitat to Enhance Early Life Survival, Genetic diversity & Recruitment of Reef Fish Populations (Texas A&M University) 16

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