Ecologically Significant River and Stream Segments

San Bernard River

Figure 44. Map Location of the San Bernard River

Map Location of the San Bernard River
Adapted from Texas Map. Gulf Publishing, 1998.

Figure 45. (a)(b) San Bernard River at FM 1301

San Bernard River at FM 1301

 

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

San Bernard River at FM 1301

 

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

San Bernard River

The San Bernard River begins near New Ulm in Southwest Austin County and flows southwesterly for 105 miles into western Brazoria County where it flows into Cedar Lake and ultimately the Gulf of Mexico. North of SH 35 the banks are lined with bottomland hardwood forest and cypress swamps, while south of SH 35 they are lined with interspersed pasture land and houses. The river provides habitat for a diverse fish community comprised of gars, minnows, river carpsuckers, smallmouth buffalos, channel catfish, and several sunfish species among others.11 The ecologically significant segment is from the confluence with the Intracoastal Waterway in Brazoria County upstream to the Austin/Fort Bend County line. This is TNRCC stream segment 1301 and part of segment 1302.

(1)  Biological Function- displays significant overall habitat value considering the high degree of biodiversity.11

(2)  Hydrologic Function- wetland habitats perform valuable hydrologic functions relating to flood attenuation and water quality.

(3)  Riparian Conservation Area- fringed by the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge and the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area.

(4)  Threatened or Endangered Species/Unique Communities- significant due to the presence of unique live oak, water oak and pecan bottomlands1 and the diamondback terrapin.13

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