City of Freeport Wetland

History and Management
The City of Freeport Wetland Project is located just north of Freeport, Texas at the intersection of Highway 36 and the Brazos River. Prior to acquisition, the site was drained, and used for farming and grazing. The City of Freeport acquired the property and planned to develop the site for wildlife and outdoor recreation. Ducks Unlimited in partnership with the City of Freeport surveyed, designed, and administered the wetland restoration project. The goal of the restoration project is to restore hydrology to the site and allow water levels to be manipulated to benefit wildlife. In addition, the city wants to provide recreational and educational opportunities for visitors at the project site. This management plan will serve as a guide for the City of Freeport in managing and maintaining the wetland for the benefit of wildlife and the public.

Project Activity
The project restored a 38-acre freshwater emergent wetland. Developments included construction of levees and installation of a water control structure to restore hydrology to the unit. In addition, supplemental water will be supplied from the city’s wastewater treatment plant via an irrigation pipeline.

The project objective is to enhance seasonal wetland habitat for resident and wintering waterfowl, migratory shorebirds, neotropical migrant songbirds, and other wetland-dependent wildlife. In addition, the area will be used for recreation and education, and include such activities as bird-watching and hiking. A viewing platform, trail, and parking area will be constructed to enhance these opportunities.

Wetland Management
The wetland is managed for the production of native vegetation, and will remain flooded until at least May 1 each year to provide habitat for waterfowl during the winter and spring migrations. A slow annual drawdown will allow re-vegetation of valuable seed producing wetland plants. Also, exposing mudflats at this time would accommodate use by shorebirds during the peak migration period in April. In most years, a complete drawdown of the wetland should be postponed as late as June 15. Normal evaporation will typically occur by this time precluding the need for a manual drawdown. This will provide valuable wetland habitat for nesting mottled ducks and whistling ducks and encourage habitat diversity. The wetland was designed to incorporate permanent water by excavating sloughs. These areas will provide year round sources of water for various wetland species.