Photo Credit: Rachel Gibson, US Army Corps of Engineers
General Information
The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), Galveston District, is revising the Wallisville Lake Project Master Plan. The Master Plan is intended to serve as a comprehensive land and recreational management plan with a life span of 25 years. It guides the stewardship of natural and cultural resources and the provision of outdoor recreation facilities and opportunities to ensure sustainability of federal land associated with Wallisville Lake Project.
About the Wallisville Lake Project
The Wallisville Lake Project was originally authorized by Congress for five purposes: navigation, salinity control, water supply, fish and wildlife enhancement, and recreation. The project now serves primarily as a salinity barrier on the Trinity River to protect the City of Houston’s and several smaller communities’ freshwater supply for both drinking and agricultural purposes. With that said, Parks, Recreation Areas, and the Visitor Center provide opportunities for picnicking, hiking, birding, primitive camping, fishing, canoeing and kayaking, and other activities for visiting families. Fishing can be enjoyed year-round and during waterfowl season hunters can try their luck and aim on the many waterfowl that migrate through the project. Lastly, the project serves as stop along the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail as it’s widely known for its important birding habitat that attracts a diverse population of birds to the Trinity River Delta.
What is a Master Plan?
The Master Plan is the strategic land use management document that guides the comprehensive management and development of all project recreational, natural, and cultural resources throughout the life of the water resources project.
What is a process of updating a Master Plan?
The general process can be seen in the below flowchart and takes several years to complete:
Why Revise the Wallisville Lake Project Master Plan?
The current Master Plan for the Wallisville Lake Project was prepared in 1996 and it has exceeded its useful life. Management of project and the Trinity River today differs significantly from management in 1996. Moreover, land classifications in the 1996 Master Plan need to be examined and revised in accordance with current USACE regulations. Lastly, the continued growth eastward of the Houston Metropolitan population has dramatically increased over the past twenty years. Due to increased visitation and use, project purposes and land classifications need to be re-examined to ensure the best use of the project both from an environmental stewardship and recreational standpoint.
What Can Members of the Public do to Help?
For more information about the Wallisville Lake Project Office, call (409) 389-2285 or visit the Project Office at 1140 Army Corps Rd, Wallisville, TX 77597.
For questions pertaining to the proposed Master Plan revision can be addressed to: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, 1140 US Army Corps Rd, Wallisville, TX 77597 or sent to WallisvilleMasterPlan@usace.army.mil.