Ecologically Significant River and Stream Segments
Caney Creek
Figure 14. Map Location of Caney Creek
Adapted from The Roads of Texas. Shearer Publishing, 1995.
Figure 15. Caney Creek south of FM 1485
Caney Creek
Caney Creek begins in Walker County northeast of New Waverly and flows southeasterly through Montgomery County to the confluence with the East Fork of the San Jacinto River where they empty into Lake Houston. The creek is narrow and runs shallow over a sandy substrate through pine and hardwood forest lined banks that provide habitat for many of the typical Eastern woodland birds. Abundant woody debris within the creek channel helps support a diverse community of macroinvertebrates and fish including several species of minnows, sunfish, largemouth bass, and perch.11 The ecologically significant segment is from the confluence with the East Fork of the San Jacinto River in Harris County upstream to its headwaters in Walker County.
(1) Biological Function- bottomland forest displays a significant overall habitat value considering the high degree of biodiversity.11
(2) Hydrologic Function- performs valuable hydrologic functions relating to flood attenuation, water quality, and groundwater recharge of the Chicot Aquifer.20
(3) Riparian Conservation Area- fringed by the Sam Houston National Forest and Lake Houston State Park.