The coastal bend bays and estuaries program (cbbep) is applying for funding to restore and manage upland and estuarine habitats in the texas coastal bend through three individual subprojects: 1)…

The Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 2 awarded $190,000 to the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Inc. (CBBEP) under the Coastal Program (CFDA 15.630) effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2030. The award funds habitat restoration and wildlife management services across three integrated subprojects targeting approximately 1,230 acres in the Texas Coastal Bend region. Deliverables include invasive species removal and restoration of 230 acres of coastal prairie habitat at Fennessey Ranch through aerial treatments and manual removal methods; management and monitoring of 300 acres of waterbird habitat on rookery islands, encompassing exotic plant removal, native species establishment, predator management, protective signage installation, and public education initiatives; and estuarine circulation enhancement across up to 700 acres in Welder Flats through engineering design, permitting coordination, and installation of circulation-enhancing culverts.

The Coastal Program is a voluntary, community-based initiative providing technical and financial assistance for coastal habitat protection and restoration projects benefiting federal trust species, migratory birds, and fish populations. CBBEP's implementation approach involves coordination with specialized contractors, engineering firms, state agencies, and private landowners to achieve ecosystem improvements that benefit both wildlife populations and local economic interests through enhanced water quality and natural resource sustainability.

The coastal bend bays and estuaries program (cbbep) is applying for funding to restore and manage upland and estuarine habitats in the texas coastal bend through three individual subprojects: 1) invasive species removal at fennessey ranch 2) waterbird management and monitoring on rookery islands and 3) estuarine circulation enhancement in welder flats. The overall project goal is to increase the abundance and quality of up to 1,230ACRES of upland and estuarine habitats in the texas coastal bend, benefiting the fish and wildlife that rely on them. A healthy ecosystem in turn benefits local residents and visitors by improving water quality and sustaining natural resources that fuel the economy. Specific project objectives include:1) restoring 230-acres of coastal prairie habitat through invasive species removal. Activities include contracting with qualified specialists to implement fixed-wing aerial treatments over most of the landscape and hack-and-spray invasive species removal in sensitive areas along rivers and creek beds.2) managing and protecting 300 acres of quality habitat for waterbird populations. Activities include: 1) enhance rookery island habitat through the removal of exotic invasive plant species and the establishment of native plant communities 2) monitor and manage rookery islands for predators 3) install protective signage around rookery islands 4) promote waterbird conservation and protection through public education and outreach.3) improving up to 700 acres of estuarine habitat through increased water circulation. Activities include: 1) contract with an engineering firm to provide design and permit assistance 2) obtain a nationwide permit to install the culverts 3) obtain a lease from GLO and 4) obtain an access license or access permission from the private landowner that will provide road access to the project site.