Impact/Purpose:

08/18/2005 NFE requested to 09/30/2006 - Received Approval on 08/19/2005(No Signature Required) Within Galveston Bay, habitat loss is the priority problem being addressed by the Galveston Bay Foundation. One of the system’s most important habitats – coastal wetlands – have decreased in size by more than 30,000 acres since the mid-1950's. One area that’s been specifically identified is Dickinson Bay, an ecologically important secondary bay on the western shore of Galveston Bay. Dickinson Bay is relatively shallow, but is a significant contributor to the marine fisheries in the area. It is designated by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as a secondary nursery for shrimp as well as an important nursery habitat for other marine species. Negative environment impacts occurred when subsidence and erosion resulted in the elimination of shoreline marshes in the Dickinson Bay ecosystem. The impact of this was a reduction of nesting sites for at least six bird species. To restore Dickinson Bay Island, clean clay was used for fill, clean concrete rip-rap and new vegetation helped to reduce erosion, placement of substrate used by ground-nesting birds encouraged their return, and enhancement of an oyster reef contributes to improved water quality. The restoration of Dickinson Bay Island has been a learning experience to work out the design and functionality of subsequent islands. Following the success of this project, other island restoration projects are planned based on the encouraging environmental benefits and the knowledge gained from this experience. Copies of Final FSR, MBE/WBE Form, and Lobbying Certificate received on Mar. 13, 2006

Description:

The restoration of three islands in Dickinson Bay will be accomplished by transporting clean clay to the designated sites. The islands will then be sculpted to the prescribed slopes and elevations. Vegetation will be transplanted along slopes and in the intertidal zones of each island. Two of the islands will provide four different types of habitat for nesting rookery waterbirds, nesting terns and gulls, intertidal marsh and oyster reefs. A third island will be available for public access. Each island will use clean riprap concrete material for added stability and approximately 1,200 cubic yards of oyster shell will encourage the establishment of oyster reefs.

Record Details: