Ecologically Significant River and Stream Segments

Trinity River (Downstream of Lake Livingston)

Figure 48. Map Location of the Trinity River Downstream of Lake Livingston

Map Location of the Trinity River Downstream of Lake Livingston
Adapted from Texas Map. Gulf Publishing, 1998.

Figure 49.(a) The Trinity River north of Interstate 10 and (b) a roseate spoonbill

The Trinity River north of Interstate 10

 

 

 

 

 

(a)

a roseate spoonbill

 

 

 

 

 

(b)

Trinity River (Downstream of Lake Livingston)

This section of the Trinity River meanders between gently sloping banks lined with interspersed bottomland hardwood forest, cultivated land, residential housing developments, and commercial development.3 This section of the river provides valuable recreational opportunities such as boating, fishing and swimming and supports abundant wildlife habitat. Adjacent oxbow lakes and marshes associated with the bottomland forest also provide habitat for wildlife such as migrant waterfowl. The portion of the river downstream of IH 10 has many interconnecting sloughs and bayous that provide habitat for alligators, beavers, waterfowl, and other wildlife. Bald eagles have nested in this area for years and are commonly found during winter. Other commonly seen birds include anhingas, white-ibis’, herons, cormorants, egrets, roseate spoonbills, red-shouldered hawks, and numerous migratory songbirds. The ecologically significant segment is from the confluence with Trinity Bay in Chambers County upstream to FM 787 in Liberty County. This is within TNRCC stream segment 0801 and 0802.

(1)  Biological Function- estuarine delta, extensive freshwater wetland habitat1 and bottomland hardwood forest that display significant overall habitat value.21,22,23

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

(3)  Riparian Conservation Area- fringed by the Wallisville Lake Project (COE), the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge and Davis Hill State Park.

(5)  Threatened or Endangered Species/Unique Communities- woodstork and alligator snapping turtle.23

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