The scenic galveston preserve complex is centered around the john m. Oquinn I45 estuarial corridor in the salt marshes flanking the highway approach to galveston island texas

The preserve is expanding to included a number of adjacent bayshore areas with additional habitat types the adjoining virginia point peninsula preserve was added to the complex in early 2004 almost tripling its size. This preserve complex not only offers a stunning natural entrance to the island of galveston but also helps link up the other preserved conservation areas around west galveston BAY.locationthe scenic galveston preserve complex extends from the community of bayou vista and texas city HWY 146 loop 197 southward to the santa FE railroad bridge at I45 and to the tip of virginia point east of the bridge. IT extends across the peninsula from jones BAY highland bayou eastward to galveston BAY relict campbell bayou swan lake.SIZE972 HA 2400 acreshabitatthe combined scenic galveston preserves contains intertidal marshes along I45 and a full complement of coastal habitat types grading from low to higher salt marsh to marsh HAY meadow and undisturbed coastal prairie and freshwater wetlands. Thepreserve complex also includes the undisturbed portions of the historic virginia point peninsula ensuring a permanent habitat corridor between galveston and west galveston bbirdsthis area is an important stopover for migrating shorebirds and wintering habitat for several threatened endangered species and high priority waterfowl. The preserve also hosts vital wintering habitat for grassland birds.conservationin addition to saving this beautiful area from further development the allvolunteer scenic galveston organization is planning and executing extensive habitat restoration and improvement in degraded sections of the preserve. Approximately 80 acres of replacement wetlands have been constructed in the oquinn corridor since 1999. Ongoing efforts of volunteers are directed toward returning the area to its pristine original state to permanent management to protect and sustain these restored and enhanced habitats and to continuing land acquisition work.award purpose the objective if this project is to remove and minimize undesirable woody vegetation from the landscape and to improve habitat for grassland birds and secretive bird species such as rails. Activities may include but are not limited to mechanical and chemical control of undesirable woody vegetation such as tallow mccartney rose and dense stands of baccharis and other woody vegetation that impedes growth of grassland vegetation. Hand treatment aerial spraying or mechanical brush removal are all tools that may be required to attain proper response.deliverables 200 acres of coastal habitat will be treated to enhance prairie and transition zones that will benefit grassland birds such as eastern meadowlark as well as improve potential habitat for blra.subrecipient there are no subrecipients attached to this proposal. Work will be completed under the direction of SG and the FWS. Contracting of aerial application may be required to reach objectives. Rainfall soil and site conditions may dictate best treatment needed to reach deliverables and habitat goals.