Tule Creek West: Sediment-Trap Pond and Habitat Enhancement
Background
The Tule Creek watershed drains areas of the city of Rockport and the town of Fulton. The area population and impervious cover are expected to increase in the next two decades, causing an associated increase in stormwater runoff.
Scientists have identified polluted stormwater runoff as a principal cause of declining water quality and loss of wildlife habitat within Little Bay, into which Tule Creek flows. Little Bay and its ecological health are important resources for the community. The bay provides recreational activities for residents and visitors, and provides habitat for local wildlife.
Project Description
Aransas County is working cooperatively with local communities to develop a stormwater-management plan for the watershed. The plan emphasizes management practices that protect natural resources and the quality of life for residents.
This project includes several stormwater BMPs along West Tule Creek. Project personnel built a sediment-trap pond along West Tule Creek below its confluence with North Tule Creek to reduce sediment loads downstream.
Also, invasive vegetation with shallow root systems have been selectively removed from riparian areas to allow for natural colonization of deep-rooted native trees, shrubs, and herbaceous plants. These improvements will stabilize the shoreline, improve wetland functions, reduce erosion, and improve water quality.
Documents
For More Information
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.
