[From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov]
..,.,.E SOURCES OF THE \TEXAS COASTAL REGION ISM OT T -U.C A, 8 PAD,O the ac te Qlcxch" 91 anau to 0 OA QS wo j GULF COM As inapped, C 6 U -EL ila 1721 107 capu es Courtesy of 742 Texas State T49 Archives 975 C-2 W4411s, AW /Zi RESOURCES OF THE TEXAS COASTAL REGION Ln THE COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM General Land Office of Texas P r--: Bob Armstrong, Commissioner Ron Jones, Director Charles M. Woodruff, Jr., Project Supervisor October 1975 This publication was funded in part through financial assistance provided by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972, administered by the Office of Coastal Zone Management, National Oceanic and Atmospheric, Administration. COASTAL PROGRAM ADVISORY COMMITTEE John B. Armstrong Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association Jay Barnes Texas Society of Architects David Blankinship National Audubon Society Ed Bluestein Attorney, Houston Robert Braden Consulting Engineers of Texas R. J. Christie Harris County AFL-CIO William H. Clark Attorney, Dallas Allen Cluck Tenneco, Incorporated Dr. James Coleman City of Victoria Steve Frishman Coastal Bend Conservation Association John Galley Nature Conservancy Tom Garner Golden Crescent Council of Governments Ed Harte Corpus Christi Caller-Times Bobette Higgins League of Women Voters of Texas Ed Holder Outdoor Writers Association Bud Hopkins Envirodynamics, Incorporated Hon. Bert Huebner Judge, Matagorda County Pearce Johnson Chairman, Parks & Wildlife Commission Louie H. Jones Brazosport Chamber of Commerce Howard W. Kacy, Jr. Union Carbide E. Ward McCown Texas Farm Bureau George McGonigle Friendswood Development Corporation John Mehos Liberty Fish & Oyster Company George Mitchell Mitchell Energy & Development Corporation Kenneth Montague General Crude Oil Company Bob Moore Attorney, Houston Jay Naman Texas Farmers Union Hon. 0. F. Nelson, Jr. Judge, Chambers County Venable Proctor Attorney, Victoria Cecil Reid Sportsmen's Clubs of Texas John Rogers Texas AFL-CIO Royal Roussel Retired Hon. Leo Sanders Mayor, City of Port Isabel Danny Sendejas LULAC D. E. Simmons Houston Lighting & Power John Specht Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority Sharron Stewart Texas Committee on Natural Resources G. L. Suffredini Reynolds Aluminum Harvey Weil Attorney, Corpus Christi L. D. "Bubba" Whitehead Rancher The contents of this report have been reviewed by the Texas Coastal Management Program Advisory Committee, and the program staff have considered their comments. However, the report does not necessarily reflect their views, and the staff of the Coastal Management Program assumes all responsibility for the contents of the report. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page PREFACE ......................................................... 1- 2 INTRODUCTION ................................................... 3- 4 AREA INCLUDED IN STUDY ....................................... 5- 6 PREVIOUS WORK AND CURRENT 013JECTIVES ....................... 7- 8 INVENTORY FORMAT: THE MAPS .................................. 9-10 THE INVENTORY: Part 1 - Physiography/Climate .................................... 11-12 Part 2 - Substrate .............................................. 13-14 Part 3 - Water Resources ........................................ 15-16 Part 4 - Natural Processes ........................................ 17-18 Part 5 - Soils ................................................. 19-20 Upland Natural Areas .................................... 21-22 Part 6 - Biologic Resources ...................................... 23-24 Habitats and Environments ................................ 25-26 Part 7 - Potential Mineral Resources ............................... 27-28 Part 8 - Historical-Archaeological Overview .......................... 29-30 Part 9 - Current Land Use ....................................... 31-32 TENTATIVE BOUNDARY FOR COASTAL WATERS .................... 33-34 COMPOSITE NATURAL AREAS OF COASTAL WATERS -A TENTATIVE MAP VIEW ................................ 35-36 NOMINATION OF AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN ................ 37-38 AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN -A TENTATIVE MAP VIEW ....... 39-40 CONCLUSIONS .................................................... 41-42 REFERENCES ..................................................... 43-45 A suite of 22 maps accompanies this report. PREFACE The Texas Coastal Management Program was initiated in questions about the natural resources of the Texas Gulf June, 1974, as a joint undertaking by all the state's natural Coast. The report presents a general inventory of major resource agencies. Leading this program at Governor resources and natural processes. It is intended only as an Briscoe's request, the General Land Office has secured assis- introductory document prefatory to an analysis of coastal tance under the federal Coastal Zone Management Act of problems and their component elements. This report does 1972. not attempt to present an exhaustive technical discourse on The federal coastal act is not mandatory, nor does it all important coastal resources, because detailed studies in overshadow or significantly restrict the state's activities. such diverse disciplines as geology, biology, hydrology, and With only two restrictions, it offers an important political soil science could fill volumes. The purpose of this report is incentive; that is, federal law will require all federal activi- to give an overview of coastal resources in a concise textual ties or assistance affecting the Texas coast to conform to manner. the program developed by Texas. The two limits are that The format used herein is designed to maximize the visi- federal air and water quality standards cannot be changed bility of important points. The report is divided into 20 by the program, and that national interests, such as defense, thematic sections, each of which covers a two-page spread must be taken into account as the coastal program is devel- (fig. 1). The left-hand page contains a title denoting the oped. subject matter of the section followed by a headline sum- The objectives of the Coastal Management Program are, marizing the contents. The body of the text occupies the through interagency cooperation and extensive public par- rest of the page. The right-hand page presents graphic mate- ticipation, to develop and recommend to the Legislature: rial illustrating salient points discussed in the text. Eleven 1. an improved and flexible policy-planning process sections are further augmented by map displays accom- which will ensure a continuing balance among future panying the report. The maps depict the geographical rela- social, economic, and environmental needs along the tions among various types of coastal resources. Most of the coast and displays also cite references for additional data concerning 2. the steps for implementing such a process. the respective resource subjects. In order to develop these recommendations, the program By reading the section headlines and viewing the accom- must review the coastal resources of the state and identify panying graphics, a reader may grasp the main points of the the demands which make these resources important. This report. However, the report has been designed as a unit, information must, in turn, be presented to the public for with text, graphics, and maps that are complementary in full discussion and choice. describing the many facets of resources in the Texas coastal In this report, Resources of the Texas Coastal Regiori, region. the Texas Coastal Management Program attempts to answer ATJ .5v ;.N, s@- 16, 4 GIRIAIPHIICS@,@@,, t P RT]; INT @T T 4 4 Ic NDER@S,EPARATE QW@l R) EXPLANATION OF REPORT FORMAT E T INTRODUCTION An understanding of the natural resource base and its complexity is a first step in the prudent use of lands and waters. The resources of the Texas coastal region are many and Finally, human activities affect other actual or potential varied. They include natural resources such as minerals, human uses of the land and waters (fig. 5). A certain type rivers, bays, tidal marshlands, scenic beaches, forests ' abun- of resource use may preclude others, although there are dant wildlife and fish, expanses of open space, and fertile notable examples of concurrent multiple use. How lands soils. They include cultural resources such as industrial and waters are used is largely determined by economic de- complexes, populous urban centers, highly productive agri- mands, and locally, by the vagaries of human preference. If cultural lands, ranches, transportation corridors on land and land is more valuable for housing than for agriculture near water, recreational facilities, and a treasure trove of histori- rapidly expanding cities, then agricultural land will gen- cal and archaeological sites. These resources, both natural erally diminish there. Certain problems arise where the and man-made, interact in many ways. No resource exists complete value of a resource is not accounted within the apart unto itself. market system. An example might be the overuse or misuse Natural systems affect each other in complex ways (fig. of the atmosphere as a free waste-disposal medium without 2). For example, upland game depends on vegetative cover paying the cost of the effects on human health that result that depends on soil conditions that depend, in turn, on from breathing polluted air. Air is only one resource we use local bedrock, climate, and the lay of the land. Climate is a as if it were free, whereas actually a social cost results from function of the lay of the land which, in turn, is dependent its misuse. on the geologic setting, vegetation, and (to come full circle) In summary, the natural resource base-land, water, climate. The amount of water in a river is dependent on biota, and minerals-is finite. Problems result from human river basin size, climate over the whole basin, and bedrock demands on' these natural systems, because all land and conditions all along the river course. waters are not equally suited for all uses. For example, Natural systems affect man (fig. 3). The courses of rivers homeowners may be unwittingly subjected to natural haz- and the locations of natural channels into bays have com- ards because they are not aware of the hazardous processes. monly influenced the locations of early settlements, many. The public has a right to know whether their homes lie in a of which have grown into modern cities. Cataclysmic pro- floodplain or along an active fault. The problem here is that cesses such as storms and floods have acted to curtail local of providing the necessary information. The planner and human expansion. Soil conditions and the availability of public policyrnaker must, in their respective spheres, under- water have determined the locations of agricultural lands. stand the diversity of lands and waters in order to encour- The presence of mineral resources has generally predeter- age sound and balanced development of multifaceted mined the lo 'catipn of great industrial complexes. human systems. One of the responsibilities of public plan- Human actiAiiks affe"df-patural systems (fig. 4). Cities ners and policyrnakers should be the collection and dissemi- nation of information regarding the complexity of natural encroach upon pr irip an .@ninish wildlife habitats. Ports and ship channels c6-m'p.'r'qte.'witWtsh and shellfish for the resources. Heretofore, projects in both the public and pri- use of tl*bays. Resourice@s@'9@rie 6@[email protected] mineral extrac- vate realms have too often been undertaken without an tion. [email protected] are upset,",:Vh.d,unf'61eseen natural pro- adequate knowledge of constraints imposed by local land cesses are iietivated. For exai p6Tee;Jrii0rFased beach erosion and water conditions. To contribute to the dissemination of construction, and may occur downcurrent from jetw!@- information on the location of natural resources and se- ground subsidence 4;ommonly occurs as a result of large- lected human resources is the purpose of this report. This scale groundwater liulliping. On the other hand, equilibria information should aid in the prudent use of the lands and also exist in many area?"where natural and human systems waters of the coast. coexist without apparent problems. 3 I 7@ 4- "k 4R@ * Ft,@ @4] FIGURE 9 Y -B 0 1@1 ATER SCHEMATIC 'D I AG RAI 'XIF'INTER AMGNZ'.@@ SELEICTERIN' s, -i; Jj _@L 'A. & P X IIE "TUR I ARBORS III C@IINNEL5 NIA- NiANS USEAD TERRAIN FEATURES ON .E "."Z USE D, FERTILE RESOURCE @SOILS FOR AGRICUL URE SE LEE WATER ALSDI FIGURE 3 \t@,MTI I *4TER OILS B.c. L AGRAM SH SCHEMATIC D:I" OW I MG L NTERA C-T-IONS, OF ELE NAT V@RAL S C TED-, BEDRorK j S_ BEDR E 'OUR YSTEMS, ON MAW--- MAN'S A77RACTIDN 70 A 'MINE LGCALE,BECAU5E OF NATUR4L ANEW E5 r MAN'S DEPENDENCE ON MINERALS TO SUPPORT INDUSTRIAL URBAN SOCIETY WATER DWERSION 'IA111 IIN.EETC.N@, P, @'T T@ DEPLETION CRoEZI T@ LA FIGURE-_@;V -InI7 5!1 OGR A 1"!Y!, @NATER P", B'O A SCHE ATIC DIIAGR VY LI 7 Bj!E@ D R @OC K) UR 4, ComPETMON FOR LIVING SP MAUNn NATURE 7 7 CON5TRUCTION f LAND MrD- IV-, :DNFLICT COMPLEMENTARY -TEP USE. FACTORS S@ C.HEM Ar@l Q@ @D1410 RAK -rS!i,'OW, IN G-_ -T Wt EA WOT I ON S -0 F` SEDECTED @ H U W&N@ -34 1@4 Vt -1 CONFL.CT TESP 1TH-7 q C tT I v I ,Tx I' EA i@KU - T H@E MA,1N_AiijV 4F IFANIION C :AVT1V I V Q I J 1:E !_.@ING 'L "lIoU'C' .@T T. j P a 77 4@41t4 4 AREA INCLUDED IN STUDY A tentative coastal region is established that includes 27 counties. The Texas Coastal Man- agement Program will focus its attention on these counties in order to properly define a subarea in which the state has the need for management. At the inception of the Texas Coastal Management Pro- boundaries (such as an elevation above sea level or river gram, 27 counties were designated as part of the tentative basin limits) because counties are easily recognized political coastal region.* The counties included are: Aransas, Bee, units. This ensures that there will be no doubt as to the area Brazoria, Calhoun, Cameron, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galves- initially included for consideration by the program. The ton, Goliad, Hardin, Harris, Hidalgo, Jackson, Jefferson, designated counties include all bay and estuarine areas as Kenedy, Kleberg, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, well as those inland counties that are closely tied economi- Nueces, Orange, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, cally or politically to the areas directly adjacent to the bays Wharton, and Willacy. or open ocean. This larger coastal region encompasses approximately The larger (tentative) coastal region serves as an -arena for 27,000 square miles (fig. 6), including all submerged lands presentation of interactions between natural and human of the bays and offshore to the three-league limit of state- systems. The areas ultimately recommended to be covered owned lands. 'the delimitation of this area as the tentative by an ongoing management program will probably be a coastal region was based partly on political criteria and small fraction of this larger region. For example, coastal partly on natural or economic interactions within the waters constitute an area upon which attentions may be region. County boundaries were chosen rather than natural logically focused (fig. 6). *For the sake of completeness, the companion coastal eco- nomic report includes two additional counties (Brooks and Jim Wells) for a total of 29. 5 TENTATIVE BOUNDARIES OF THE TEXAS COASTAL REGION HARDIN MONTGOMERY\ @--@ORANGE L LI B ERTY iJEFFERSON, HARRIS ,CHAMBERS, I FORT BEND A ESTON /< WHARTON BRAZORIA JACKSONNr MATAGORDA VICTORIA GOLIAD I-- I-, @" , -,@C ALHOUN BEE REFUGIO z SAN RANSAS.z PATRICIO WELCS NUECES KLEBERG GO c@ ,,,BROOK Of 3 LEAGUE KENEDY LINE WILLACY HIDALGOL-1 CAMERON ITEXAS COASTAL WATERS FIGURE 6 6 PREVIOUS WORK AND CURRENT OBJECTIVES The presentation of a natural resource inventory by the Texas Coastal Management Program is based on a search of current data files. The program will result in map depictions showing geographic relations among various resources. It will also present selected references to current state or federal resource analysis programs. The collection of technical information necessary for en- Management Program, initiated by the 63rd Legislature lightened planning is an ongoing process. Researchers in under the sponsorship of the ICNRE; the Texas Water Plan state and federal agencies, universities, corporations, and prepared by the Texas Water Development Board; the private individuals have collected a wealth of information Texas Coastal Basins Study by the SCS; the Texas Outdoor on resources in the coastal region. New data are constantly Recreation Plan by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Depart- being added to the basic reservoir of knowledge, but the ment; and the Texas Coastal Management Program of the picture is always a tentative one. It depicts the coastal Rice Center for Urban Design. The U.S. Bureau of Land region, its natural resources, and its societal and economic Management conducted a supra-regional planning effort in interactions at one point in time. The picture changes for its inventory of the resources affected by outer continental two reasons. First, more complete knowledge changes one's shelf petroleum development. Subregional studies for man- perception of an area, and the acquisition of knowledge is a agement purposes included the National Science Founda- continuing process. Second, the coastal region is a com- tion-Research Applied to National Needs (NSF-RANN) posite of dynamic systems-complex areas that change from study of the Corpus Christi area, carried out by a research day to day and year to year. Likewise, human demands on team from The University of Texas; the NSF-RANN Pro- (or interactions with) resources change. Thus, studying such gram in Chambers County effected by the Southwest a dynamic area is like shooting at a moving target-only Center for Urban Research (SCUR) at Houston; river basin more difficult. Researchers dealing with coastal systems can plans by the Texas Water Quality Board; watershed manage- only approximate the real world. They can never make the ment plans by the SCS; water resource and water-related systems stand still. They can never gain complete and final transportation plans by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; knowledge. county highway plans; and planning studies done by various Because of time constraints, the Texas Coastal Manage- COGs, counties, and municipalities. ment Program has relied largely on existing information for In short, the concept of planning and coastal manage- the inventory of resources in the coastal region. The princi- ment in Texas is well-travelled ground. Likewise, attempts pal data reservoirs are those of the various state agencies. at inventorying resources of the region have been made by Texas is fortunate to have several detailed studies of coastal various agencies and institutions. Thus, this program does resources that predate the inception of this program. Many not purport to present fundamentally different concepts, member agencies of the Interagency Council on Natural nor (at the outset at least) does the program purport to Resources and the Environment have contributed basic data present new technical data. Still, there is a clear justifica- to this natural resource inventory. They include the Bureau tion for yet another overview of coastal resources; namely, of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin, that despite all the extant information regarding coastal the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the Texas Water resources, there are still glaring data deficiencies. It is part Development Board, the Texas Water Quality Board, the of the purpose of the Texas Coastal Management Program Texas Historical Commission, and various research branches to present a complete (if generalized) depiction of the cur- at Texas A&M University. Federal entities that have fur- rent state of knowledge regarding coastal resources, giving nished data are the Soil Conservation Service (SCS), the due credit to the agencies, institutions, or persons who National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),. originally collected the data. Second, based on this depic- the U.S. Geological Survey, and the U.S. Army Corps of tion, judgments will be made on technical deficiencies in Engineers. the information ba@e that hamper enlightened decision- In addition to basic data collection that predated this making regarding resource allocation. Third, the depiction program, there have been numerous projects concerning should reveal the geographic and conceptual areas where "planning for coastal management" with attendant inven- overlap in information-gathering has occurred because of tories and summaries of resource data (fig. 7). Some of the failures in communication and coordination among various planning ventures have been regional in scope, covering the groups. entire Texas coast, whereas others have concentrated on a Ultimately, management decisions can be made by the single county or on a council of governments (COG) area. state only where the state has a clear mandate for manage- The inventories associated with these planning endeavors ment and where an information base adequate for manage- have different objectives. For instance, some have concen- ment purposes exists. At this time certain areas owned by trated primarily on water resources, soil and agricultural the state and critical to the state's interests may be inad- resources, or marine fisheries resources, while others have vertently lost-not because of lack of willingness to manage, covered the entire range of coastal resources. Previous but because of a lack of information that clearly demon- regional planning endeavors include the Coastal Resources strates the criticality of these areas. 7 THE TEXAS COASTAL REGION AS VARIOUSLY DEFINED BY; 1. Rice Center for Community Design 2. SCS Coastal Basins Study 3. Coastal Resources Management Program 4. Texas Outdoor Recreation Plan, TPaWD A6@ HARDIN MONTGOMERY, LIBERTY 'AN IJEFFERSON, HARRIS 514AiIiERSI I FORT BENI - -@6 ESTON T I -ALV Vo- 's \, . WHARTON BRAZORIA JACKSON MATAGORDA' VICTORIA, GOLIAD < @C lk---^, ALHOUN BEE SAN@O' RAN ffi'M, FATR IWEL NUECES KLEBERG @aB R 10 IS @UA-E 0,11 KENEDY COASTAL REGION @_WILLACY HIDA GO I AS DEFINED BY CAMERON THE TEXAS COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM WVENTORY FORMAT: MAPS A suite of maps graphically depicts the location of coastal resources. These maps show landforms, substrate, water resources, physical processes, soils, biologic resources, potential mineral resources, historical-archaeological sites, and current land use. A synthesis of these maps shows an approximate boundary of coastal waters and composite natural resource areas within these waters. Another map depicts geographic areas of particular concern nominated by various state agencies. A map is a scale model of a part of the earth's surface. burgeoning cities, involve continuing battles against time Maps show areal relations among (and variations in) a num- and change. An extreme illustration of mapping dynamic ber of subjects or themes. There are geologic maps, soil boundaries is seen in the daily weather telecast where a maps, topographic maps, hydrographic maps, maps showing satellite "map" of cloud formations is viewed and inter- the locations of oil fields or mineral leases, property maps, preted. The system changes minute by minute and yester- political boundary maps, and many other kinds of map day's map will not show today's weather. In this instance, displays. space technology has come to the rescue of the meteorolo- How much information a map can impart is largely a gist, and a new map is constructed on a daily basis. Fortu- function of map scale, the ratio of the size of the map to nately for our purposes, marsh changes and beach adjust- the total land area covered. Large-scale maps generally show ments are not as abrupt as the vagaries of clouds and frontal more detail than those of small scale (fig. 8). The maps systems. Still, problems exist, and data presented on maps presented herein are at a regional (relatively small) scale of are almost always obsolete to some degree at the outset. 1:500,000, which means that one unit of distance on the To produce the enclosed maps, resource information was map equals 500,000 equal units on the ground. For in- compiled at a scale of 1:250,000 on 7 sheets depicting the stance, one inch on the map equals 500,000 inches on the entire coastal region. This base was constructed especially ground, so that at our working scale, one inch on the map for the Texas Coastal Management Program by the Bureau equals about 8 miles on the ground. of Economic Geology at The University of Texas at Austin. Using a set of maps for a regional inventory of the land, The base maps show natural and cultural features, including water, culture, and other resources has advantages and dis- bay and Gulf shorelines, stream courses, intracoastal water- advantages. One advantage is the ease with which different ways, and major highways and railroads. Names of major resource systems may be viewed. Maps of the same area physical and cultural areas are also included. These maps showing geology, soils, and vegetative assemblages are a have an approximate dateline of 1968. graphic aid in understanding the interaction and inter- A variety of data were compiled from various sources dependence among these natural entities. Likewise, re- onto the working base: topography and landforms, geologic source conflicts can be readily envisioned by viewing maps substrate, potential mineral deposits, generalized soil capa- showing the conflicting features. For example, maps depict- bilities, natural processes, water features, biota, current ing both cultural features and potentially active natural land use, and historical-archaeological sites. In addition, a processes may reveal dangers, such as where cities lie in map was constructed showing a composite of natural sys- flood-prone areas. tems within coastal waters. Also, areas of particular concern A disadvantage of using maps in such a regional overview nominated by state agencies were compiled onto a single is the necessary oversimplification of complex natural sys- map base. tems because of scale and the inability to adequately depict The information compiled onto the scale of 1:250,000 dynamic systems. The point is that natural systems7- was then transferred by skilled cartographers onto the final whether they be biologic, geologic, or hydrologic-are map base of 1:500,000. The 7 sheets composing the work extremely complex, and at a scale of one inch to 8 miles, base have been condensed onto a new base depicting the much of the complexity is necessarily lost. To retrieve the entire coastal region on 2 sheets. These sheets have been picture of complex systems underlying this regional syn- termed the "upper coastal region" and the "lower coastal thesis, one must refer to the basic data source from which region," with the dividing line being arbitrarily set in the the regional maps are derived. The citation of original data vicinity of San Antonio Bay. sources is an integral part of this regional presentation. In summary, the maps presented herein show compiled The inability of mappers to "capture" dynamic systems and synthesized information on 11 themes. Each theme presents problems. Maps can present a picture at a point in includes a map of the lower and upper coastal region so time, but in a dynamic system-as the coastal region largely that a total of 22 maps are presented. The purpose of the iR--the static (map) picture sooner or later becomes out- map presentation is to illustrate graphically the complex dated. Attempts to place static boundaries on eroding or ranges of natural and cultural interactions. accreting shorelines, expanding or waning marshes, or 9 @@P L ARANSAS PASS AS MAPPED AT DIFFERENT SCALES r T s .... ... Port Arans iBm6i mrw cien % .... tut4! F ra 'r A nsas c' ark SCALE= 1: 24,000 1 i n.=2,000 f f. AREA COVERED= 3.25 Sq. mi. ..... ..... ---- --- ------- 4r raq ilk A: T.:] i:E A&::T F SCALE 1: 62,500 1 inxl mile AREA COVERED=27.5 Sq. mi. T Te nv ano N es ni owe @Terv ine 11 Fie4l le gear 6 1 0 1 Ar sas ss 0 te 4 W ngil fa a er TPJ fpj Oil Gas c6rnp st Harbor 0i Ingleside Island on the 8 urnping st n OP e one Out Maus SCALE: 1: 250,000 1 inP4milss AREA COVERED=340 sq. mi. 10 THE INVENTORY, PART I-PHYSIOGRAPHY AND CLIMATE Physiography (terrain) and climate interact in the Texas coastal region so that eleven major river systems cut across a gently sloping coastal plain and empty either into a series of bays or directly into the Gulf of Mexico. Climate is progressively more and along the Texas coast from the n,ortheast to the southwest. Climatic factors influence the size of respective river basins, bay systems, and the presence of mobile, windblown sand sheets in South Texas. Physiography is the description of terrain-hills and Texas coast. The diminishing size of bay systems from the valleys, watercourses, shorelines--in other words, the "lay upper to the lower coast reflects decreasing quantities of of the land." Climate is a long-term composite picture of river inflows associated with decreasing rainfall. Another weather conditions and atmospheric processes in an area. physiographic feature directly related to climate is the pres- Climate and physiography interact. Landforms affect cli- ence of mobile, windblown sand sheets in the lower coastal mate by the geographic positions of water bodies and shore- region, where hot, dry, prevailing winds blow across reaches lands with respect to prevailing winds, or by the location of of sparse vegetation, transporting sand and silt and deposit- topographically high areas that may induce rainfall or block ing the material over a large area. the movement of moisture-laden air (fig. 9). Climate affects The primary physiographic features of the Texas coastal landforms by means of different erosion and weathering region are eleven major river systems. These are the Sabine, rates that are functions of the amount and temporal dis- Neches, Trinity, San Jacinto, Brazos, Colorado, Lavaca, tribution of rainfall, degrees of insolation, wind activity, Guadalupe, San Antonio,* Nueces, and Rio Grande. In freeze-thaw frequency in winter, and other factors. addition, there are numerous smaller streams that drain the The interaction of climate and physiography along the "coastal basins" adjacent to lower courses of the major Texas coast creates distinctly different regimes as one systems. Of the major rivers, only three-the Brazos, moves southwest from the humid upper coastal region to Colorado, and Rio Grande-flow directly into the Gulf of the lower coast (Pl. 1, A and B). The overall climate of the Mexico. These three rivers have filled their respective Texas coast is subtropical with long, warm to hot summers, estuaries and exhibit a prominent delta plain. The other and short mild winters (Kane, 1970). As one moves south- eight rivers flow into a series of bays separated from the west along the coast, the climate becomes progressively open Gulf by barrier islands and peninsulas. more arid, and four climatic belts are apparent: humid, wet The major bay systems along the Texas coast include subhumid, dry subhumid, and semiarid (Thornthwaite, Sabine Lake, the Galveston-Trinity Bay System, the Mata- 1948). Mean annual temperature increases and rainfall de- gorda-Lavaca Bay System, San Antonio Bay, the Aransas- creases from the upper to the lower coast. In the vicinity of Copano Bay System, Corpus Christi Bay, and the Laguna Matagorda Bay, there is a significant climatic boundary Madre-Baffin Bay System. Major barrier islands include below which the potential evaporation exceeds the average Galveston Island, Matagorda Island, St. Joseph Island, annual rainfall. South of this boundary fresh water is a Mustang Island, and Padre Island. Bolivar and Matagorda wasting asset. That is, water is in short supply within the Peninsulas are the major peninsulas. lower coastal region. In the lower reaches of river systems and along bay An important climatic factor along the Texas coast is the margins there are broad expanses of wetlands, including recurrence of extraordinary climatic events such as hurri- saltwater marsh, freshwater marsh, and tidal flats. Astro- canes, tornadoes, or rainfall of high magnitude that may or nomical tidal ranges are very low (less than 2 ft.), but ex- may not be associated with hurricanes or tropical storms. tensive areas of low-lying lands are periodically inundated Hurricanes strike the Texas coast on the average of once by wind-driven tides and storm surges. every 1.5 years (Price, 1956). Thus, a climatic hazard exists The coastal uplands consist of a plain that slopes gently in the region, resulting in activation of various processes to sea level. Farther inland the sloping plain displays steeper (geologic hazards) on the ground. slopes and more relief. The highest altitude in the coastal Physiographic features reflect climatic changes along the region is 540 ft. above mean sea level (msl), in Bee County. *The Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers flow together a few miles upstream from Guadalupe Delta and flow as one river into San Antonio Bay. PHYSIOGRAPHIC AND CLIMATIC INTERACTIONS IN THE TEXAS COASTAL REGION @RAIN P HIJMID PLATEAU A ET UBHUMID L.C, DRY,SUBHUMID Nueces Pt-AIN $EMIARID s MEXICO FIGURE 9 12 THE INVENTORY, PART 2-SUBSTRATE Substrate of the Texas coastal region consists predominately of river-laid sand and mud that occur in deposits of complex three-dimensional geometry. In addition to these sand and mud sediments, there are modern and ancient sediments reflecting various geologic settings and processes. Substrate is, rock or sediment material underlying an The sand and mud deposits generally display an interlacing area. The upper limit of substrate is the soil zone in which pattern both on the surface and at depth. These deposits, bacterial activity, water, and other agents of weathering which trend roughly perpendicular to the present coast, have interacted to produce a surficial medium capable of result from river and delta deposition in the past. These supporting plant life. Strictly speaking, the entire solid depositional processes account for the bulk of the rocks earth (beneath the soil zone) is substrate. However, for a and sediments along the present Gulf coastal plain. Local practical purposes the concept of substrate is valid only exceptions to the river-laid sands and muds are windblown insofar as man can reach (and use) earth materials at depth. sand sheets along the lower Texas coast, and remnants of Uses of substrate include support of foundations, mineral ancient barrier and beach deposits. Modern, bay.rnarsh, extraction, and waste emplacement. barrier-beach, and offshore areas are currently loci of sedi- The substrate display (Pl. 2, A and B) is a modified ver- ment deposition. sion of a geologic map. Basically it shows three things: (1) The intricate, interconnected surface expression of areal variations in materials occurring beneath the soil zone former stream courses and ancient river deltas indicates that but near the ground surface, (2) clues regarding three- the precise demarcation of underground sediment geometry dimensional rock geometry, and (3) a historical presenta- is impossible. The stream courses at depth occur in com- tion of earth materials in terms of their geologic ages. The plex, interconnected or isolated lenses and strata (fig. 10). first two are the most important for evaluating land re- Although modern instruments give trained geologists clues sources. regarding subsurface sediment geometry, the best these The depiction of areal variations in materials assists the scientists can offer is qualified guesses based upon deep engineer or planner who must know about ground strength cores, well cuttings and logs, and geophysical profiles. Thus, for foundations, about ground permeability for ponds and drilling for groundwater or oil always involves an element landfills, or about locating minerals at shallow depth. The of guesswork. There is always uncertainty regarding geome- three-dimensional view is of particular interest to one drill- try, composition, or other properties of subsurface earth ing water wells or seeking mineral deposits. The historical materials. view of the earth is a more academic subject, although the The substrate maps show major trends of sand, mud, and age of materials has bearing on both areal engineering other sediments. However, at any given point within one of properties and the location of underground mineral de- these localities the actual material may be at variance with posits. the unit description. This variation might result from prob- The substrate maps of the Texas coastal region are highly lems of scale, or it might be because of deficiencies in data generalized. The predominant materials present are sand at hand, such as in offshore areas where geologic surveys and mud intermixed in all gradations from pure sand to have not yet been conducted. Thus, these substrate maps pure clay. These sand and mud deposits are generally soft should not be applied to site-specific problems. The maps and uncemented, although locally there are lenses or strata are intended to focus attention on the major substrate com- of hard rock. In the more and reaches of the coastal region, ponents in an area, but more detailed mapping would be a surficial cement of limy material (caliche) is common. required to address local problems. 13 SCHEMATIC BLOCK DIAGRAM SHOWING COMPLEXITY OF SUB- STRATE RELATIONS AT THE SURFACE AND AT DEPTH IN THE TRINITY BAY AREA. C@ X@z \a 1b\X 0 1b qbk .% 11 V 'Ate .:1. ix-A if TO rr' -Y-u- riNt CD .4 L goal r a, - I rt n 1121 Z- j "Fl.- 51- NI Cr V - Ck ste ound i-I 2 T,10 5 LI UE CD "I Living 81 buried ..Lir.a If 9 - F 45 Lli_i L mn li-d- qcmrb t 'r, Ll 11-11;;IP 116 1 ... liz ME L (r k=1 J=Ll i-1 it it LAI _u LIZ 0 _az Ll ICL _91 U U U@z Ancient river-delta sands, Q 3 n I COP .I Ancient delta muds FIGURE 10 14 THE INVENTORY, PART 3-WATER RESOURCES Water resources of the Texas coastal region are dependent on climate and substrate. Because of climatic vagaries, there are extreme variations (both geographically and through time) in quantity and quality of surface water. Substrate controls the locations of aquifer recharge, as well as water-yielding properties of aquifers at depth. The oceans are the ultimate water resource; they contain expenses. This uncertainty is partly a result of the vagaries the bulk of the earth's water. However, the total water of climate, whereby an area may be subjected to years of resource picture is complex and dynamic. The oceans sup- drought only to have a flood of record occur overnight. ply much of the atmospheric moisture, which eventually The "capital stock" or "savings" of this water budget falls as rain or snow, is used by plants and animals, flows in includes groundwater and freshwater "stored" in lakes, rivers, or seeps underground. The interchange between rivers, and within fresh to slightly brackish wetland areas. oceans and atmosphere, and between atmosphere and land, Along the Texas coast, there are shallow aquifers on barrier is all part of a cycle in which water is not "lost" but islands and within river valleys, but these can supply only changes form or locality (fig. 11). The irony of the water local water needs. A large volume of potable water occurs cycle is most apparent along the southern Texas coast within the extremely complex sand deposits known collec- where one is surrounded by water, but where potable water tively as the Gulf Coast aquifer. However, knowledge re- is scarce. garding this water source is not highly refined. The aquifer Ocean waters support transportation, commercial fishing, is so complex that its geometry at depth, its hydrologic and recreation. However, ocean water cannot be used for properties, and the extent of its recharge area have not been most human needs without costly desalination. Thus, the adequately defined. Safe withdrawal rates have not been freshwater resources of the coastal region are of special established for this aquifer. Without this knowledge "over- concern. Fresh water occurs in surface water bodies, such as drafts" might occur that would deplete this groundwater rivers and lakes, and in subsurface rock or sediment de- supply or instigate deleterious effects such as subsidence. posits, termed aquifers. Variations in quality and quantity The remainder of this "capital stock" of fresh water-that of freshwater resources occur as a result of climatic and is, surface water-is more easily assessed, although it, too, is geologic interactions. In an area of high rainfall, strearnflow part of a dynamic system that also changes continually. will be greater than in a similar area with less rain. In areas "Income" from this water budget consists mainly of re- underlain by permeable substrate, surface water tends to charge and strearnflow of major river systems. However, seep into the ground. In hot dry areas, evaporation from there is also transfer between accounts by groundwater surface waters may represent a sizeable water transfer. pumping, spring discharge, and direct recharge from stream- Locally, vegetation may consume significant quantities of flow. Recharge rates are only vaguely understood, whereas water. Consequently, water resources are not equally dis- streamflow is documented by quantitative data collected tributed geographically, nor are they of equal natural over many years. These data indicate that streamflow is quality. variable and is dependent on climate. The greatest volumes In the Texas coastal region a dynamic interaction occurs of strearnflow in the Texas coastal region are the discharges between fresh and saline waters (Pl. 3, A and B). Fresh of a few rivers that flow across the humid upper coastal water flows into tidally-influenced reaches of water courses, plain. Bay size, like streamflow, generally reflects climatic called estuaries, where it mixes with salt water. These regimes. mixed water bodies comprise bays, estuaries, and tidal wet- Annual (or long-term) salinity values in the bays and lands. Although the brackish waters contained in these estuaries indicate the quantities of "expenditures" in the tidally-influenced areas are no longer potable or usable on water budget. In a sense, water that reaches the salinity crops, these waters are important as sustainers of habitats levels of ocean water is "spent." It is still a resource, to be for finfish, shellfish, birds, and other wildlife. Fresh water sure, but to meet man's and the wetlands' needs for fresh that flows into estuaries is an ecological resource of consid- water, ocean water must be recycled through the processes erable importance, because estuarine areas are the bases for of evaporation, rainfall, and runoff. much of the marine food chain. Thus, water requirements Fresh water is the limiting natural resource in the coastal for estuarine areas need to be considered just as are the region. There are competing demands for this vital resource needs for fresh water on the uplands. However, these among various systems-both natural and human. Conflict- "needs," like economic needs, cannot be readily computed. ing systems include agriculture, industry, municipal- An inventory of water resources in the Texas coastal residential, and natural biotic. Further refinement of the region can be viewed as a "water budget," drawing a rough water budget is needed for allocation of this resource. Espe- ,analogy to financial accounting for income and expendi- cially needed is a more detailed accounting of the "capital tures. Unlike a family account, certain aspects of the water stock" occurring in the large but ill-defined Gulf Coast budget can be assessed only in terms of probabilities, as aquifer. there are no certainties such as assured income and known 15 SALIENT POINTS OF THE WATER CYCLE -T AIR MOIS ' W 16 PRECIPITATION, A ON LAND VAPORATION PRECIPITATION f"Y OVER WATER lk V, USE/'CONSUMPTION' BY PLANTS, HUMANS EV APORATION INF L I TR "RECHARGE F RES HWATER MIXED W/SALI F N :::.-SEA WATER. ....... ... PRECIPITATION MVAPortA-rio" L 111111116,111'r-- .. . t 7. EVAPoQA-rlot4 ilk, p LANT V Sr= G-RlCuL.-rust 7. WMAI NC@ xc> t4 Ei -AN Tlow:. LAC 5, NFILTRATION pot SK A (Z? %-j I F e Ft YVAMUR .... .. . @0"DCf@101TATI^kl IGU E 11 16 THE INVENTORY, PART 4-NATURAL PROCESSES Natural processes are responsible for many of the continual changes on land and in water. Coastal processes include stream runoff, sediment deposition, shoreline erosion, storm surge, ground subsidence, faulting, and sand dune movement. Many of these processes pose haz- ards to human activities; yet rates, recurrences, and precise locales of hazardous processes remain uncertain. Natural processes continue to shape the Texas coastal They occur on a large scale only in the absence of adequate region. These processes include river discharge of water and rainfall that supports stabilizing vegetation. sediment into the bays or directly into the Gulf, wave ero- Some processes are recurrent and some are continually sion of barrier island and mainland beaches, compaction active, although rates may be so slow that the processes are and settling of newly deposited sediments, storm surges, discernible only over a long time period. Some processes wind activity, and river flooding resulting from high rainfall combine both recurrent and continuous (incremental) on the uplands. (Pl. 4, A and B) These processes art, the factors. For example, a reach of a river may be eroding at agents of change. They ensure that the coastal region re- small yearly incremental rates only to have an extraordi- mains a dynamic area7-that changes continue for shorelines, nary natural event, such as a storm, cause more erosion in a bays (in both areal extent and depth), marshlands, and river single day than in decades preceding. The hazards of recur- courses (fig. 12). These changes are vital to the maintenance rent processes are often difficult to demonstrate until it is of various biologic and physical systems. Floods flush the too late. A river may appear placid and not overflow its bays, and although this flushing may seem to have short- banks significantly for years. Yet, given one extreme cli- term adverse affects on biota, it is followed by increased matic event, it can become a raging torrent. Recurrent biologic productivity. Hurricane-related rainfall supplies processes in the Texas coastal region include storm surges approximately 25 percent of the total precipitation to con- and river flooding. The principal incremental processes are tinental areas. Marsh changes ensure the continued cycling ground subsidence and faulting.* Recurrent-incremental of nutrients essential to marine life. However, some of the processes include erosion and sediment deposition. changes conflict with human uses of the land. The conflicts There is a continuing debate about the precise limit of usually occur where man has gotten in the way of natural hazardous areas. If the process is recurrent, some precise processes, or where he has unwittingly upset balances statement of recurrence is demanded. These problems can- which, in turn, have activated certain other processes. not be resolved with certainty. Hazardous processes result Ground subsidence because of extensive groundwater with- from the interactions of multiple variables, each one of drawal is an example of man initiating processes. which-climate, substrate, soil conditions, prior river flow In some instances the impacts of processes can be ar- conditions or tidal conditions, and ambient human activi- rested or mitigated, but generally the wisest action is to ties-is extremely complex. The complexity of natural avoid areas that may be hazardous. A key point is that systems has prevented their being adequately modelled, and these processes are a result of natural interactions of cli- it is impossible to predict exactly where or when future mate, substrate, and water systems. The understanding of catastrophic events will occur. Certain areas are more prob- these interactions aids in delineating areas subject to natural able loci of hazardous processes--the river bottomland is processes, so that protective measures can be taken or haz- the likely locale for flooding, whereas uplands are relatively ardous areas can be avoided. secure. Still, the exact limits of areas subject to hazardous Many physical processes are water-related, presenting a processes cannot be drawn. For example, flood-prone areas duality in the nature of water. Water is a vital resource, but can be delimited based on the fact that they have been it may also be the agent of process and thus an agent of flooded in historical time, or that they show features in- harm to human life and endeavors. Storm surge, river flood- dicative of past flooding. However, delineating an area that ing, shoreline erosion, compaction of sediments, and will flood within a presumed time interval is beyond the ground subsidence are all water-related processes. Even limits of scientific and engineerirjg precision. A historical some instances of faulting (breakage and displacement of judgment can be made-an area can be marked as flood- rock material) and ground failure (landsliding) are in- prone because it has been flooded in the past. However, directly related to the water content of sediments or soils. future projections of exact process boundaries must be Indeed, the processes of wind activity and subsequent largely speculative. movement of mobile sand sheets (dunes) are water-related. *Fault movement along the Texas coast does not result in earthquakes, a recurrent hazard in California. Instead, the soft sediments merely slide slowly and continually along the plane of breakage. 17 (D Q; I (@) 0 LINE-1908 SHORELINE - 1908--,'- 0 Matagorda vr JF -0 0 SHORELINE - 1908 SHORELINE-1908 (10 Matagorda 0 Matagorda SEQUENTIAL CHANGES IN SHORELINE-190 MATAGORDA DELTA SHOWING ,-Matago MAN'S EFFECTS ON NATURAL UO rda PROCESSES (AFTER McGOWEN AND BREWTON-1975) 1, COLORADO RIVER MOUTH (IN MATAGORDA BAY),IN 1929,BEFORE LOG JAM WAS REMOVED. 777 @@_ 2. COLORADO DELTA-1930 3. COLORADO DELTA- 1936 4. COLORADO DELTA- 1941 Q, 0 5, SCHEMATIC PRESENTATION OF COLORADO RIVER MOUTH AS IT PRESENTLY EMPTIES INTO THE GULF OF MEXICO, -4p FIGURE 12 THE INVENTORY, PART 5-SOILS Soils constitute the base for agricultural endeavors, and in the coastal region, agriculture is a significant economic sector. Soils are also indicators of general environmental interactions among substrate, climate, topography, processes, biota, and human influences. Soil is solid, surficial earth material that is capable of crementally augmented (ahd locally damaged) by sediments supporting plant life. As such, soil-along with air and deposited during floods. Soils lying in humid regions are water-is one of the basic sustainers of life. It directly or progressively more leached of nutrients than soils occurring indirectly supports all terrestrial life, including man. in more and areas. Soil originates as a result of dynamic interactions among Soils are derived mainly from an underlying geologic sub- several factors: substrate, climate, topography, and biota strate. The surface processes of weathering, acting through (fig. 13). The result is a complex mixture of solid inorganic time, combine climatic and biologic factors and tend to materials, fluids (solutions of minerals and gases in water), rearrange the original substrate components. Soluble mate- and biologic components (both living organisms and dead rials are carried away'in solution, and fine-grained residue is organic matter). Soils change continually according to segregated from coarse-grained detritus. Biologic factors af- water availability, nutrient cycling rates, kinds and extent fect soils as both ingredients and as processes in soil forma- of plant cover, human activities, and many other factors. tion. Thickness, texture, structure, and composition are the Most soil changes are slow in relation to human experience, bases for soil classification and ultimately for mapping soils. perceptible over decades rather than days. However, certain The maps can be used to infer environmental conditions events such as floods, droughts, and fires can markedly that result in a certain suite of soils, or they can be used to change soil conditions in a brief span of time (for example, interpret the history of soils in a given area. More impor- by accelerating erosion). Regeneration of a soil lost because tantly, a soil map can show areas best suited for producing of natural processes or depleted by unwise land use prac- food and fiber. Soil maps are also commonly used for judg- tices is a slow process-so slow that soil is, in effect, a ing other constraints or possibilities regarding use of the nonrenewable resource. Man can rapidly deplete the soil, or land. he can mitigate some of the damaging processes (whether The specific crops grown in a locale are largely deter- naturally-occurring or man-induced). It is clearly in his best mined by the type and quality of soil present and by cli- interest to practice stewardship regarding this resource. Soil matic factors. The Texas coastal region produces the bulk will continue to support mankind only insofar as mankind of the U.S. rice crop (in the middle and upper coast) and sustains the soil. significant portions of the nation's citrus (in the Lower Rio Soils function as indicators of environmental potentials, Grande Valley). In addition, assorted other fruits and vege- pressures, and adversities. Soils riven by gullies or depleted tables are produced throughout the winter from the lower of,nutrients indicate that demands are being imposed be- coast; cotton and grain sorghum are produced from the yond natural sustaining capabilities. Slightly saline soils lower and middle coast; and the entire region supports an near the coast indicate the effect of tidal influence, shallow important cattle industry. Thus, the soils of the Texas saline groundwater, or the activity of wind-driven salt coastal region (Pl. 5, A and B) are a notable agricultural spray. Saline soils in upland areas may reflect extreme and resource. climatic conditions. Soils along active river courses are in- X 19 rg- 7z" Ve 9 00 'n T 00 ws -4-m- D 'G- R,, v AAV fs RR EN17,1MR, a- SOIL PROFILE HORIZON OF ORGANIC ACCUMULATION HORIZON OF LEACHING HORIZON OF ACCUMULATION WEATHERED PARENT MATERIAL INV. I M E SOIL DEVELOPMENT MAJOR FACTORS AFFECTING SOIL FORMATION FIGURE 13 20 UPLAND NATURAL AREAS Soils afford a means for synthesizing diverse environmental influences and for grouping major types of land on the uplands. The upland natural areas in the coastal region include tidelands and coastal lowlands, windblown sand sheets, river bottomlands, prairies, dissected prairies, and woodlands. Several major classes of soil can be combined according in the Lower Rio Grande Valley. to their capabilities for potential agricultural uses.* Major Prairie terrain is the largest natural area in the coastal soil groups such as those presented herein re -fleet certain region. Prairies are natural grasslands with local inclusions environmental factors, namely climate, substrate, natural of trees or brush. The landscape is gently rolling or consists vegetation, and terrain features; the composite of soils and of nearly level topography above river courses and tidal other factors results in the designation of a series of upland influences. Soils occurring on this terrain support some of Ctnatural areas" (fig. 14). the most intensive agricultural activity in the region. Soil One natural area includes the lowlands directly adjacent units comprising the prairie region (Pl. 5, predominantly to the open ocean or bays. These lands are characterized by units I, H, and IV) have variable properties, but they are saline, sandy, or muddy soils. They include the barrier generally clayey to loamy in texture. The high water- island complexes (sandy soils), and tidally-influenced wet- -holding capacity and low permeability of certain prairie lands and adjoining areas that are poorly drained and have a soils are important criteria for coastal rice production. high organic content. This land type is marginally accept- Prairie soils commonly present problems for nonagricultural able as an agricultural resource and is used sparingly as uses. Poor drainage and a high shrink-swell potential com- rangeland. However, it may be more important not as an bine to inhibit many construction activities unless extensive agricultural resource, but as wildlife habitat (especially in and costly mitigation attempts are undertaken. marshy areas), or as the supporter of grasses that stabilize The remainder of the coastal region consists of dissected dunes on barrier islands. This natural area comprises three prairie lands and woodlands. Dissected prairies include major soil units (Pl. 5, units V, IX, and X). some of the premium rangelands of the region, partly be- Another natural area is the broad expanse of loamy soils cause slightly higher slopes make the terrain less amenable (Pl. 5, unit III) occurring mainly along the inland part of to cultivation. Soils in this natural area (Pl. 5, mainly units the lower coast in Kenedy, Kleberg, and Willacy counties. VI, VII, VIII, XI, and XIV) are commonly clayey and This soil unit corresponds to windblown sand sheets, These loamy (less commonly sandy, stony, and loamy). Lime soils are subject to wind erosion an 'd locally to salt spray. accumulations (caliche) are a widespread component of the The climate is semiarid, and the land is only marginally soil profile in the lower coastal region. suited for cultivation, although it is important range coun- The woodlands of the upper coastal region make up a try. If more water were available, this land might support a distinct natural area based mainly on native vegetation. greater variety of uses. These soils (Pl. 5, chiefly units XII and XIII) are commonly River bottomlands constitute a natural area consisting of loamy and locally clayey at the surface or at depth, so that one major soil unit (Pl. 5, unit XV). This area is character- poor drainage conditions may pose problems in some areas. ized by periodic flooding with attendant siltation on the Woodlands support mainly forest biologic assemblages, floodplain and local erosion of stream channels and banks. although the land is used locally for range, cultivation, and The characteristics of this land type change as one moves urban-residential-industriat activities. from the humid upper coastal area to the semiarid lower In summary, soil resources of the Texas coastal region coast. In its natural condition, this land type is commonly are highly varied and basic to the upland natural food covered with trees. Along lower stream reaches, tidal marsh- chain. Composite natural upland areas based largely on lands are prevalent. Except for periodic flooding and locally major groups of soils also demonstrate the numerous en- poor drainage conditions, much of this land is arable. vironmental factors that interact in the coastal region: sub- Although it is not the best agricultural land in the region, it strate, processes, climate, topography, and vegetation. is generally adequate. It is intensively cultivated, especially *The description of soils characteristic of specific areas along the Texas coast is derived from the Coastal Basins Study by the U.S. Soil Conservation Service (SCS). Soil unit classes (denoted by Roman numerals) correspond to units presented in the SCS study. 21 _55zi, UPLAND NATURAL AREAS] 'R RZA, :1- A, fA PRAIRIE NATURAL AREA AL 17 CLIMATIC PROCESS... ...moderate-low rainfall- X A *..Agricultural use OINK O..Natural grassland TERRAIN... ... gently sloping land SOIL ... deep; shallow organic layer; not leached; mixing by deep grassroots... swelling clays. CLIMATE S U BSTRATE.. MUD. SAND6* BIOTA SOILS TE RAIN WETLAND NATURAL AREA SUBSTRATE WOODLAND NATURAL AREA, CLIMATIC PROCESS CLIMATIC PROCESS... ...periodic inundation- .-..mode rate- high rainfall- salt and fresh water. erosion prevented by vegetation. TERRAIN... TERRAIN... ...coastal lowlands slope and relief SOIL... -,'SOIL... ... saturatedi poorly filly [email protected],ick;,organic\_., drained ... commonly (hu'Mus) layer at sallne...highly organ-, .'surface; hIghly ic and muddy. hed''tayer over :g M -4 ye@ v ay py@ ta, r 041 SUBSTRATE... Up LAI R @EA7 SAND - MUD- le RECENT SEDIMEN SUBSTRATE... MUD, SAU'D FIGURE 14 22 THE INVENTORY, PART &-BIOLOGIC RESOURCES Biologic resources of the Texas coastal region include plants and animals occurring on land and in water. Man tends to designate certain "key" organisms as important, either as food resources (e.g., fish and shellfish) or as recreational resources (e.g., game, sports fish, and fowl). However, man must also understand the total ecologic picture in which these "impor- tant" species are only a part of an interconnected "web of life. " Biologic resources encompass the total array of organ- marine food chain. All environments (that is, composite isms (plants and animals) native to any area. This definition natural areas) are linked together through time in a physical distinguishes "wild" (or "natural") biota from such "tame" sense, via processes, materials, and energy transfers. Like- living systems as crops, livestock, and man. Biota interact wise, organisms from one habitat can markedly affect with and adjust to all other elements of the local environ- organisms in a different and seemingly unrelated habitat. ment: different climatic zones, different soil types, differ- Such an effect can be direct, as by periodic incursion of a ent terrains, different water conditions, and different pro- predator; a pelican temporarily entering the fish's habitat cesses. Biota also adjust to environmental extremes such as (the ocean) is a good example. Or the effect can be indirect storms, floods, droughts, fires, and intensive human modifi- and subtle, such as prairie grasses abating upland erosion. cation of the land. The "adaptation" to the multifaceted This can decrease stream sediment, which may ultimately array of environmental conditions simply means that some benefit oysters in a coastal bay. This flow of energy and species survive and prosper in a given set of conditions, material is all part of continuing biogenic cycles that tran- whereas others (under identical conditions) die out or move scend both plant and animal kingdoms, both terrestrial and elsewhere. Over extremely long time periods, specific life- aquatic environments (fig. 15). forms have adapted to almost all kinds of conditions, estab- Living things in all their diversity affect man and his lishing "ecological niches" that reflect a complex interplay endeavors. Human survival depends on organisms that com- among diverse natural factors. The study of these inter- monly escape notice. They include microbes that ensure actions is what the discipline "ecology" is all about. continued soil fertility, algae and planktons that form the There are ecological niches for organisms living on moun- base of the marine food chain (and continually augment the taintops and ocean floors, in swamps, forests, and plains, atmosphere's oxygen supply by means of photosynthesis), and in rivers and bays. The same holds true for assemblages grasses that stabilize both sand dunes and soils and also aid of organisms living in soil, on bare rock, in water, in air, and in moisture retention on land, and fungi and bacteria that within other organisms. There are living systems built upon decompose organic wastes. Man also depends on larger, other systems--parasite-host, predator-prey, primary pro- more visible biologic entities, such as fish, wildlife, fowl, ducer-consumer, scavengers, and autotrophs (organisms that and their respective habitats. These larger entities are the synthesize their food from inorganic sources). There are bases for commercial fishing and many other outdoor sport- fragile life forms, and there are those that are extremely ing activities including merely "enjoying scenery." Not sur- resilient and persistent. In short, within an area there is an prisingly, these larger biologic entities also depend on the intricate "web of life" that consists of the interaction above-mentioned lower life forms. among various components--both living and nonliving, both Finally, it is true that man impacts biota. Knowledge of organic and inorganic. these impacts and their effects, both benign and adverse, is In a large sense, the various habitats and occupants there- critical to the proper management and to the assured sur- of also interact. For example, there is an energy flow and a vival of many types of key organisms. Maps showing areal cycling of nutrients and other material from upland prairies extent of these biologic resources (Pl. 6, A and B) aid in and forests into the water courses and ultimately into the understanding and managing these resources. 23 ENOIGY,(11-4,HT) @7 NT 't _'OMPOS'E0_'-0-IV f0t` EIA -MAT- TER' (E I ail lkKI TERRESTRIAL ENVIRONMENT UR AGRICULT 0/0 Is PHOTOSYNTHESIS AN. NATURAL T - -SU T 01 ICROBIAL -M -,,,,N ACTIVITY V 1W @,t D"N'T REDA I 4t "to NlC f @pZQRQ -A "A'A' Flivul, z____ 0 f @@ E ARA _5 MCA RUNOFF _OIXRCZ@ KiAl* 5" A"Fli tlA1 Rt-K -PA _1 &4 10,@ WDS AND 'OR _0 Ll 5" - - - - 1?7@14_ 'T N F D CHAI AN I'MIAIT "GRAT P 'o -Y ut, WHE DETRITUS 10 DETRITAL ORGANIC MATTER (NUTRIENTS) FLOW TO RUNOFF DIRECT TO MARINE FOOD CHAIN. MARINE ENVIRONMENT WETLAND ENVIRONMENT... HIGH PRIMARY BIOLOGIC PRODUCTIVITY YIELDING BOTH FOOD AND HABITAT. SC 1E JC fL _KMAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . s FIGURE 15 24 HABITATS AND ENVIRONMENTS Environments are areas in which natural factors-climate, water, soil, substrate, physical processes, biota, and human activities--interact to produce a diagnostic set of ambient conditions. These conditions provide the basis for habitats for species adapted to their environments. Habitats for specific organisms may comprise all or part of any given environ- ment, or they may include all or parts of numerous different environments. An animal's living-space is its habitat, and organisms can- natural areas. These aquatic environments are defined by not be divorced from their habitats and survive. Humans diagnostic salinity ranges, bathymetry, substrate, or by may espouse a policy to ensure continued natural produc- characteristic biologic entities. For example, the presence tivity of a species. Such a policy might entail regulation of of certain salt-tolerant grasses is indicative of salt marshes, harvest, or limitations of kills in terms of numbers of organ- whereas other grass species imply the presence of other isms or allowable seasons for harvests. However, if the habi- marsh types. tat of the organism is lost, then the organism cannot sur- A distinction should be made between the terms environ- vive. Although biota are considered a renewable resource, ment and habitat (fig. 16). The habitat of a species is the the habitat necessary for sustaining a given species may be kind of environment(s) in which the species occurs. Habitat (for all practical purposes) nonrenewable. Thus, there are for juvenile brown shrimp is often found in grassflats, salt basic information needs for managing biologic resources: marshes, brackish to freshwater marshes, and river- (1) To identify the life-forms that are deemed important to influenced bays. Thus habitat for one species can span sev- man (these can be the "visible" or direct assets, such as eral environments. However, a habitat does not necessarily game and fish). comprise the entirety of an environment. Usually, juvenile (2) To relate these "important" biologic entities to their shrimp found in a river-influenced bay do not occupy the habitats. whole environment. They are found close to the land-water (3) To understand the interrelationships among these desig- interface and near the river mouth. nated life-forms and the total environment, especially Habitat for a species may be described as all or part of a regarding the complete food chain and the linkages natural environment or environments. Habitat is specific for with inorganic systems and energy sources. the ecological niche of a species. It depends on the physical, These information needs are being addressed by the Texas chemical, and biological needs of the organism, and the way Coastal Management Program, drawing initially upon the in which the species population is specialized. Habitat may expertise of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. change seasonally or annually because of chemical or bio- The biologic resource inventory of the Texas coastal logical fluctuations in the environment, or because of the region (Pl. 6, A and B) involves a complex array of map developmental stage or age of the organism. units showing environments and habitats for both upland It would not be useful to speak of a shrimp environment. and aquatic areas. Wherever practicable, both floral and There is no one naturally occurring environmental unit faunal (plant and animal) assemblages have been included. where shrimp are found most of the time. It is useful to Environments represent a composite of ambient charac- speak of grassflats as environments, since seagrasses occur teristics of the land-involving specific conditions or ranges almost exclusively in these areas during much of the year, in conditions of climate, water supply (both quality and and the environmental characteristics of the area are closely quantity), substrate or soil, physical processes, human ac- linked to the presence of these plants. tivities, and biotic interactions. Examples of upland (terres- The complexity of migrations and the numerous life trial) environments include different kinds of prairies, river stages within many species result in a complex habitat bottoms, forest types, and chaparral or deserts. Examples array. Thus, the habitats of only selected biota are pre- of environments occurring in submerged or transitional sented on the maps and are superimposed on environments areas include various types of marshes, grass flats, algal of uplands and aquatic areas. encrusted tidal flats, different bay regimes, and offshore 25 7 az 0@ 0 DISTINCTIONS BETWEEN HABITATS AND ENVIRONMENTS :1 111.0 1 ALL. - 0 .0 -44 %to op, o @pljl fill 1! 1 I'l 61 11 11 loll -'I 4C.10 e@'000' t' Ilit, it 11 0 0 -7 It 1, f I'' I 0 000 It a co 0 0 't., I ( rrrrrp it, I I I t -tily ol 88'610'1@ h"' It-I I b it 44f r fj Q, fill A' cn-- Cv SPECIES ENVIRONMENT A -11' Lo W@::7 MARSH 4' F@ T I JUVENILE SHRIMP At -,v Re M, S 1oW--MA-R 016AT; GRASSFLAT UPPER BAY ",7 ADULT SHRIMP Ullmi WATU GULF OCM 0 C3 CM 0 C30C3 1 1 @4 @ @ k] 4 WATERFOWL MARSH 000000000000 COASTAL PRAIRIE GRASSFLAT M @vb DEER WOODLAND C30=0 0 BRUSHLAND FIGURE 16 CID ASTAL PRAIRIE X@ 26 THE INVENTORY, PART 7-POTENTIAL MINERAL RESOURCES Mineral resources of the Texas coastal region include local occurrences of high-value mate- rials, such as oil and gas. There are also more widespread deposits of certain bulk-rock products necessary for the construction industry. Both kinds of resources are finite. If growth is to be sustained, both types of resources must be obtained and delivered to their respective markets. Potential mineral resources include that part of substrate consists of complex three-dimensional deposits of sand and in an area that may yield a material of economic value to mud. Locally, oil and gas occur within sands. Also, salt has man. Minerals represent a base for modern industrial so- locally intruded overlying sediments, forming salt domes ciety, touching our lives every day in countless ways. Min- with associated occurrences of sulfur, gypsum, and petro- erals are the raw materials from which the bulk of our cities leum. The wedge of sand and mud sediments in the Texas are constructed-aggregate and asphalt for roads and con- coastal region is more than 50,000 feet thick, which is crete, brick, stone, steel and glass for buildings. In addition, much deeper than the world's deepest mine. The minerals minerals provide aluminum, copper, chrome, lead and fuel existing at such great depths cannot be extracted for automobiles; fertilizers for food and fiber; raw materials economically unless, like petroleum, they can be extracted for synthetic fibers and plastics; chemical feedstocks; and by means of well technology. However, the layered aspect many other products. of minerals-with sand and gravel being extracted at the Minerals are nonrenewable resources. Unlike crops, live- near surface, petroleum produced at depth, and perhaps salt stock, fish, wildlife, forests, and water, minerals are not (brine) and Frasch sulfur pumped from a subjacent salt regenerated (or recycled naturally) at a rate approaching dome-demonstrates the complexity and the uncertainty re- the rate of extraction or consumption. Thus, the extraction garding exactly what is beneath the ground. In brief, the of minerals depletes this finite resource. Some recycling of extent of potential mineral resources presented herein (Pl. certain metals by man is possible, but most mineral re- 7) is a simplified depiction of minerals occurring both at sources, once extracted, are effectively consumed. the earth's surface and at great depth. The term "potential mineral resource" is based mainly Whereas petroleum is a mineral that may excite the on prevailing economic conditions. That is, depending on imagination, the construction minerals-bulk rock pro- the market value of a mineral commodity, there is a certain ducts--are not so glamorous and are commonly relegated to lower limit of concentration of the mineral, a limit of depth the status of a second class commodity. This is unfortunate, of burial, or a limit of distance from the place of use that as bulk construction materials--sand and gravel for aggre- dictates whether a particular deposit is economically pro- gate and stone for lime and crushed aggregate-are very ductive. important economically and are demanded in huge ton- There are two broad classes of minerals, based on valua- nages by growing cities. The statewide average consumption tion by society and locational aspects of mineral occur- for construction materials is about seven tons per capita per rence. One class has a high inherent value regardless of loca- year. Yet high quality concentrations of sand and gravel or tion. These are generally low bulk commodities for which stone occur only locally; they are by no means ubiquitous. transportation to market is a small fraction of their total Unfortunately the potential mineral resource map of the value. Petroleum is a good example of this mineral class. Texas coastal region does not fully reflect the occurrence of The other class derives its value partly because of the these essential minerals. This failure is a result of an incom- quality of the material and partly because of proximity to a plete regional assessment of near-surface deposits poten- market. These include the construction raw materials that tially suitable for use as construction material. It is also are mined in bulk and for which transportation costs are a partly a result of the restrictions imposed by the small scale significant part of the price a consumer pays. Examples of map; sand deposits are not discriminated in terms of the this mineral type are sand and gravel, and crushed stone. amount of coarse-grained fractions (an important criterion The Texas coastal region contains minerals of both types to the civil engineer). Also the map does not differentiate (Pl. 7, A and B). Low bulk, high value commodities found "mud" deposits in terms of purity or mineralogy of constit- along the coast include petroleum, sulfur, and salt. High uent clays. Therefore, all sand and mud deposits are bulk mineral commodities in the region include sand and mapped as potential economic resources. However, most gravel, caliche deposits, and local clay deposits (that are such occurrences are not suitable for large-scale production processed into light weight aggregate, brick, or tile). Oyster of aggregate, brick and tile, or any one of a number of shell has traditionally supplied material for aggregate and specialty uses. for the manufacture of lime. However, oyster shell deposits Construction rocks and minerals, upon which the coastal (dead reefs) suitable for mining are now IgAely depleted. metropolitan regions depend, are extracted far from the The areal distribution of these potent A@teposits shows coastal region. Sand and gravel for metropolitan Houston is salt, sulfur, and petroleum seeming to coit.icide or overlap in transported about 100 miles. Crushed stone is shipped map view (Pl. 7) with sand and mud substi-ate..,Th'is. overlap twice that far. For these resources, transportation costs ex- demonstrates the three-dimensional mode ofti4[@cuirence of ceed the basic commodity cost. This is important for esti- minerals (fig. 17). As mentioned in the section&*[email protected]*gtrate, mating future costs of public works. It also affects private the bulk of earth materials present beneath the t6kas coast investment related to growth in coastal cities. 27 SCHEMATIC BLOCK DIAGRAM SHOWING THREE- DIMENSIONAL OCCURRENCE OF MINERALS WITH APPARENT OVERLAP MUD DEPOSITS OF DIFFERENT COMMODITIES. THIS PATTERN ON SURFACE DENOTES PROJECTION OF SALT DOME TO THE SURFACE. OIL WELL ,,,-MAP TRACE OF OIL FIELD (PROJECTED TO GROUND SURFACE) SAND a; 0 Lt%-I@", SUL __U U "STOCKPILE - QN, gll rl 0:1 e411.10 @m tlu A. L-I* LL n' EXTRACTION OF SAND a GRAVEL FROMA SURFACE. OIL SULFUR OIL ALONG FLANKS AND BRINE OF SALT DOME- PRODUCTION OIL, SULFUR AND 'SUM I N C AYR'PO C K ILI I ILI Lil i Ott OIL ALONG FAULT 44 %; aa 013 0 *4 LT DOM 00b 13 fs no : 0 =w'DEEP OIL NOT ASSOCIATED.-.-:. FAULT WITH SALT DOME FAULT FIGURE 17 28 THE INVENTORY, PART 8-HISTORICAL-ARCHAEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW Historical and archaeological surveys cover only a small part of the Texas coastal region. Historical and archaeological sites are relics of history or prehistory which may be valuable to modern man for many reasons. Archaeological evidence suggests that man first came to region lies under several fathoms of water off the coast of the Texas coastal region about 12,000 years ago. At that Padre Island and beneath certain shallow bays. This legacy time, the glaciers of the last great ice age were waning, and is composed of sunken galleons laden with Aztec gold and sea level was several hundred feet below its present stand. silver and artifacts of another age. The Gulf shoreline was many miles from the present coast; Mexican independence opened up the vast reaches of the modern bay systems were broad river valleys; and much Texas to settlers-Austin, DeWitt, DeLeon, and others. of today's shoreline consisted of inland prairies. After the Texans won their independence and formed a Early man was attracted to the water courses. He lived republic, the coastal region became a major artery of com- along the rivers in order to have an assured water supply merce and transportation, and it has remained so. During and transportation route, but also to have a strategic loca- the 150 years that the coastal region has been opened to tion for hunting game attracted to the river courses. The modern man, increasing changes have occurred. Many earliest inhabitants were probably nomadic hunters who de- changes that result from cultural and technological evolu- pleted game in one region and then moved on. They left tion modify habitation patterns, and alter interactions be- scattered artifacts and a few kill sites that mark their pres- tween man and his natural environment. Indications of ence. Many of their remains probably lie beneath the bays these interactions may be found in county records and and offshore beneath the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in other documents, on battlegrounds, in graveyards, in archi- areas that were once dry land. These earliest inhabitants tectural forms, along roads, and locally imprinted on the may have imposed extreme impacts on the environment. It land (where overuse and abuse have been the mode). These is thought that these early hunters used fire to stampede are the records of the past, and, whereas the past is a con- and kill large numbers of'mammoths, camels, bison, and tinually expanding arena of time, relics or remnants of other animals, many species of which subsequently became days-gone-by are nonrenewable. They are another finite re- extinct (Martin, 1967). source, and they are important for cultural, scientific, Later on, other bands of primitive men immigrated and aesthetic, and psychological reasons. Yet archaeological and adapted to a coastal niche. By this time (about 4,000 to historical sites are continually being lost inadvertently by 5,000 B.C.) the sea had risen almost to its present level. The human activities or by natural processes. It is estimated that bays and barriers as we know them were forming. These one-third to one-half of all such recorded sites in this part people were hunters and gatherers who depended on coastal of Texas have already been so destroyed.* resources that were very different from those exploited by Despite our modern technological "insulation" from the earlier big game hunters. They began to develop re- natural processes, many lessons can be learned from a study gional social systems that are reflected in their artifacts, of past interactions between man and nature in the coastal shell middens, and burial grounds, but they probably did region (fig. 18). Indianola might have been Texas' great little to alter the land. There was little technology to im- port city, but it was destroyed by hurricanes in 1875 and pose environmental impact; there was fire, but there were 1886. There is a lesson there and in the Galveston hurricane no horses and no wheels. Impacts, such as existed, were disaster of 1900. There is a lesson in the surmise that early limited to dwelling sites occupied for a time and then aban- man caused the extinction of many large mammal species. doned. After abandonment, the land regenerated naturally; There are lessons to be learned from man's coping with the the impacts were not lasting. drought years of the 1870's, the 1930's, and the early Then, as now, the resources of the coastal region at- 1950's. There are lessons to be learned from the wanton tracted inhabitants who were subjected to recurrent natural exploitation during the boom years of gushers and spills hazards. These early inhabitants were more intimately af- and flaring natural gas in the coastal oil fields during the fected by the dynamic coastal processes, for they were early 1900's. All these lessons show how man exerts im- without the means of coping that modem man has. Still, pacts on the environment and how the environment exerts however harsh certain natural forces may have seemed, the impacts on man. coastal region offered an attractive array of resources: The maps depicting historical and archaeological sites in abundant food sources in game and fish; native vegetation the coastal region (PI. 8, A and B) show that less than one along fertile river bottoms; water courses; a pleasant percent of the area has been systematically studied. A great climate; and adequate dwelling sites away from mosquito- data-gap exists anywhere outside these areas of archaeologi- infested swamps. cal reconnaissance. The submerged areas of the coastal Modest advances in lifestyles were made by coastal in- region are almost totally unexplored. It is difficult to pre- habitants throughout prehistory. Later groups introduced dict where a great new archaeological resource may be ceramics and the bow and arrow. Agricultural practices found on land or where either a historical site, such as a were probably known from neighboring groups, yet most of shipwreck, or an archaeological site may exist on sub- the tribes were still hunters and gatherers when Cabeza de merged lands. The 27 counties of the coastal region contain Vaca landed on the Texas coast in the 1520's. 1,859 recorded historical and archaeological sites. This The Spanish colonial period had little impact on the region contains 818 sites having historical markers and 52 coastal region, except for territorial conflicts with the sites listed on the National Register of Historic Places; French that resulted in the brief establishment of missions It is in the interest of modem man to learn from the past and garrisons at points of French encroachment into Texas. and to profit from past experiences. Thus, a premium exists The Spaniards occupied only a few scattered permanent on any sites that provide a link with other times and other settlements, mainly in and around San Antonio, Goliad, people and the land. and Nacogdoches. A major Spanish legacy in the coastal *All statistics on sites obtained from Warren Lynn of the Texas Historical Commission. 29 @t@4 4 glillil ....... ... ..... MARSH ,01 V, PREHIS c_ Alta, sm r c- 16,00 -8 04 19T" C-ENrL)R--( PORT TowN C>-Eo) R@VER co@RSE ............. .. ------- . ........ ", osr's NEw kt@ER C.ORSE 14 @0!f T 2 Yi rl@@ T I' I j6p-r CHANGES IN HUMAN ACTIVITIES IN A HYPOTHETICAL PART OF THE TEXAS COAST .............. 1. PALEO-AMERICAN PERIOD c 10,000 B.C. 2. NEO-AMERICAN PERIOD c. A.D. 1,000 3. COLONIAL PERIOD c 1720 4. NINETEENTH CENTURY c. 1870 5. MODERN PERIOD ;4 THE INVENTORY, PART 9-CURRENT LAND USE Current land use maps help show man's present use of the land in relation to natural regimes. Current land use maps aid the general public in understanding growth patterns and attendant environmental, economic, or demographic factors. These maps require regular updating. "Current land use" is a representation of the type and areas of intensive use that may impose imbalances or may extent of human activities in an area at a certain time. activate processes. It identifies the areal limits of other uses Human activities are part of a dynamic cultural system; uses that do not "pressure" the carrying capacity of the land. of the land are always subject to change, depending on Comparing the current land use display with a map showing prevailing economic conditions and depending on the natural processes, areas can be shown where man unwit- natural capabilities of the land for sustaining uses. For this tingly exposes himself to natural hazards. reason a current land use map is a benchmark from which The current land use map of the coastal region (Pl. 9, A subsequent changes can be gauged and is a tool for evaluat- and B) is generalized because of its relatively small scale. ing kinds of uses amenable to specific kinds of land. The dateline of this map combines work done in 1968-1969 Human use of the land imposes a dynamic cultural sys- with updating based on 1972-1973 Earth Resources Tech- tem onto a dynamic natural base (fig. 19). Man's use shapes nology Satellite (ERTS) imagery. Because of the regional the land, and the land shapes many human uses. For (small) scale of the ERTS information and because of the example, man changes bay and river regimens when he 1968 dateline of the base map (from the Bureau of Eco- dredges channels and emplaces spoil. Natural hydrologic nomic Geology) this map already needs revision in some characteristics are modified by agricultural practices--- areas. Updating such a map requires evaluation of the most replacing natural prairie vegetation with row crops and di- recent aerial photographic imagery available. verting surface waters via irrigation ditches. The paving of A basic data need in the coastal region and elsewhere in large acreages in urban areas changes the flow conditions of Texas is standardized descriptions of various uses of the streams. Pumping large quantities of water from certain land and a coherent classification scheme. Secondly, these types of aquifers results in ground surface subsidence. The uses should be monitored on a large-scale base map (for land, in turn, shapes man's activities in numerous ways. instance, a standard U.S. Geologic Survey topographic Agriculture is practiced where resources will support it. quadrangle map) in order to present a continually revised Mineral extraction occurs only where there are adequate and updated detailed depiction of current land use. Such mineral deposits. Cities generally exist where there are monitoring is especially important in the coastal region, ambient water supplies, natural transportation routes, or where dynamic natural and cultural systems interact and, other factors attractive to settlement. There are many other frequently clash. such examples of interactions between man and the land. The current land use map is a tool for identifying cul- tural "pressure points" on the natural systems. It identifies 31 CHANGES IWLAND UJ CITY LIMITS 1970 AIRPORT 1970 SUPER HI HW Y 1960 C!:T@;;l N." 00 K `P@ 32 TENTATIVE BOUNDARY FOR COASTAL WATERS Coastal waters are those waters adjacent to shorelines and containing measurable quantities of sea water. However, their boundaries cannot be mapped in final form, because they change over both short and long periods of time. Boundaries of dynamic natural systems are, by necessity, tentative. Coastal waters include areas in which a diversity of changes in the various components of coastal waters (fig. public interests converge. These waters are important eco- 20). Marshes change on a day-to-day basis, and over a long nomic assets, supporting commercial fishing, waterborne time period, marsh changes may markedly alter boundaries transportation, recreation and tourism, and mineral produe- of coastal waters. Likewise, storm surges change (albeit for tion. They also provide natural areas that are significant a short time period) the areal extent of waters containing both ecologically and aesthetically. Finally, the border "a measurable quantity ... of sea water." These changes areas to the coastal waters (wetlands) are important for may be partly natural and partly man-induced; it does not human safety, for it is here that much of the impact from matter which. What is important is that the boundaries of storms is absorbed. Because of the importance of these coastal waters are conceptual boundaries that are, in fact, waters for sustaining diverse needs, it is logical to consider parts of dynamic systems. Such boundaries do not lend the coastal waters as a tentative focal point for coastal man- themselves well to map presentation. agement. Moreover, federal legislation (Public Law 92-583) The tentative coastal waters boundary was based on ex- encourages the states to establish mechanisms to assure the tensive mapping by the Bureau of Economic Geology orderly and productive use of "coastal waters." Indeed, for (BEG) at The University of Texas at Austin. All salient the purposes of the federal act, the ultimate extent of the boundaries called for in Public Law 92-583 are proposed. Texas coastal region can include only those "shorelands, However, 1968 is the general dateline of data collection, the uses of which have a direct and significant impact on and mapping of coastal water boundary changes should be the coastal waters." augmented and updated as frequently as possible. This Coastal waters are defined for coastal management pur- natural (coastal waters) system is fully as dynamic as the poses as "those waters, adjacent to the shorelines, which cultural systems depicted on the current land use displays. contain a measurable quantity or percentage of sea water, As suggested regarding the updating of changes in cultural including, but not limited to, sounds, bays, lagoons, systems, it is in the state's interest to continually monitor bayous, ponds, and estuaries." Using this definition as a changes in coastal water systems. This task would entail guideline, a tentative boundary for coastal waters may be periodic aerial photographic missions and periodic field drawn that includes all stream courses within areas of tidal work influences, all salt- to brackish-water marshes, all tidal flats, Perhaps a static map base is inappropriate for this kind of and all perennial or ephemeral water bodies that lie within "monitoring" of dynamic systems. Perhaps digitization of or contiguous to these unit boundaries. In addition, baseline information would offer a partial solution. With 49coastal waters" include all areas of open bay and open such a format, changes could be encoded without the de- ocean seaward to the "three-league line," including tidal lays and expenses of recurrent cartographic processes. A passes and man-made channels. detailed, valid baseline exists for the Texas coast, based on This definition is "tentative," because these boundaries mapping by the BEG. This is the first step in a necessary cannot be established with certainty as a result of dynamic ongoing focus on coastal waters. 33 CHANGES IN EXTENT OF COASTAL WATERS MATAGORDA BAY X,, ax@ COASTAL WATERS INCLUDING DESIGNATED MARSH AREAS 1856-1859 C2@ N EAST.MATAGORDA BAY COASTAL WATERS INCLUDING DESIGNATED MARSH AREAS 1956-1957 FIGURE 20 (After McGowen a Brewton - 1975 34 COMPOSITE NATURAL AREAS OF COASTAL WATERS - A TENTATIVE MAP VIEW Composite natural areas exist within coastal waters as a result of climate, water conditions, substrate, biota, human uses@ and other factors, which converge to support or preclude a specific array of natural systems or human activities. Composite natural areas are mappable entities, either They represent a composite of natural factors, and they natural or man-made, defined by local characteristics of one sustain a certain array of conditions; yet they remain or a combination of physical processes, substrate, land- distinctly "marshlands." They are thus composite natural forms, soil, biota, or other sustaining factors that naturally areas. support certain described levels of human activities without Composite natural areas of coastal waters (Pl. 10, A and disrupting the essential set of sustaining characteristics or B) were compiled based partly on resource capability units without imposing hazards on human populations. Com- (Brown and others, 1971), selected habitat information posite natural resource areas are similar in concept to re- from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, the location source capability units as mapped by the Bureau of Eco- of extractable mineral resource areas (from BEG), and the nomic Geology (BEG). location of certain intensive (or preclusive) human uses of Natural areas on the uplands have been defined herein as the land. a composite of soil assemblages. This differentiation was Composite natural areas of coastal waters include (1) based on the assumption that soils reflect numerous en- tidal marshlands, (2) coastal lakes and ponds contiguous to vironmental factors, including climate, substrate, process, tidal marshlands, (3) tidally-influenced reaches of streams, terrain, biota, and human influences, The "land types" or :(4) bay regimes, including both open bays-either domi- 4cnatural areas" based on soils sustain distinct sets of human nantly river-influenced or dominantly tidally-influenced- activities. Prairies and river bottoms generally represent and restricted bays locally cut off from significant tidal prime lands for cultivation. Poorly drained (saline) areas influence or significant freshwater inflow, (5) tidal flat along the coastal marshlands and barriers are more valuable complexes, including barren land, (6) tidal passes and tidal as wildlife habitats than as agricultural lands. Dissected deltas, (7) areas of submergent grasses, (8) subaqueous (and prairie lands are commonly excellent rangeland but may locally subareal) spoil, (9) various habitats, including living not be prime cropland. The forested areas in East Texas are reef complexes, shrimp nursery areas, and waterfowl feed- typically best suited for forests and serve only locally for ing areas (10) areas of intensive or preclusive human uses range or for cultivation. (such as ship channels), and (il) areas of significant known Natural areas may also be delineated within submerged mineral resources, such as oil fields underlying submerged and intermittently-submerged areas along the coast; that is, areas. within coastal waters (fig. 21). Criteria such as bathymetry, The areas presented herein are tentative, and it may be substrate, local biologic assemblages, and ambient water necessary to refine and further subdivide them after close conditions (salinity ranges, etc.) must be used for the de- examination. This testing will involve the demonstration of lineation of such areas. Environmental factors converge the various component (sustaining) parameters that consti- within certain distinct areas, so that similar sets of natural tute each natural area in order to ascertain whether the conditions exist within a set of discrete boundaries. The areas are valid, whether they should be further subdivided, common boundaries of these environmental factors define and whether the areas within the same tentative unit reflect the general limits of "composite natural areas." similar conditions and constraints coastwide. Testing will ,Composite natural areas exist because of the inter- also indicate the kind and magnitude of impacts that can be dependence of environmental factors. For example, marsh- sustained from various human activities. Testing the units in lands exist because of a delicate equilibrium involving sub- terms of (1) composite environmental factors and (2) the strate type, bathymetry (or topography), frequency of tidal general ability of the units to sustain various impacts will be inundation, freshwater inflow (amount, temporal distribu- a major part of the ongoing study by the natural resource tio,n and chemical quality), and sediment budgeL All of section of the Texas Coastal Management Program. th.ese affect floral assemblages (marsh-grasses), which in Map units showing composite natural resource areas of turn provide a base for the marine food chain. The defini- coastal waters are tentative also, because of constraints im- tion of "composite natural areas" is thus somewhat circu- posed either by map scale, or by continual changes within lar; marshes are defined by component grasses that are one dynamic systems. Thus, with further refinement either by of a number of features "causing@' an area to be a marsh. on-site investigations, or using a more up-to-date data base, However, for all that, marshlands include a different range variations may be found to exist within and among these. of environmental entities and different values of environ- units. Still, the need for future refinements does not negate mental parameters than bays, shoals, fluvial woodlands, or the concept of such natural areas. Instead, these areas pro- prairies. Marshes can be subdivided into distinct subtypes vide a focal point for viewing a diversity of resource inter- (saltwater marsh, brackish water marsh, etc). Also, marshes actions. are part of a dynamic system that changes through time. i "'EXA', Qf,;@@C, 'M ip@ IT, , ATURAL E;t EA @@_,AREA t COAISTXL-r@@,,WATED`c 1JI) it it I It! III I 1ji %t t L%..@@m4t I muU%*1U1LLd11I1 It 111111111111011 1AIIIII IN I III I I kI dMil 1111111111 1111111111114111111 IWO t &%'I:A.% A -------- Yo ',III'lT ;";." I'll! ",:'Wil I"Iq Jill f"f 11 T4*170-11, I its (,r I (it PERIODIC INUNDATION BY RI 'd 1, Ill h. FRESH AND SALT WATER LONG-TERM BALANCE IN Jill lit FRESHWATER AND SEDIMENT ;@. m arvl@ ITI"Illi I I'li I N FLOW VARIABLE SALINITY RANGES -TOLERANT GRASSES RESE,NCE@,OF SALT HABITAT FOR VARIOUS MARINE FAUNA , ED 2A FIGURE 21 36 NOMINATION OF AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN Geographic "areas of particular concern" are tentatively defined based on responses from the member agencies of the Texas Interagency Council on Natural Resources and the Environment One of the objectives of the Texas Coastal Management property rights. Likewise, other governmental entities can Program is to compile and assess problem areas as perceived be "concerned" with historic or natural sites that occur on by various groups. Indeed, Public Law 92-583 encourages private lands, or with hazardous areas, all without any pre- this program to include "an inventory and designation of tense of interfering with private property. areas of particular concern." The guidelines attendant to The method used herein to begin the process of designat- the law further expound on this inventory and suggest areas ing these areas has been to solicit nominations of such areas that should be considered. The "areas" referred to are geo- from the members of the Texas Interagency Council on graphic areas rather than conceptual ones, and should re- Natural Resources and the Environment (ICNRE) (fig. 22). flect consideration of: This council was created by the Governor to act in an ad- 1. Areas of unique, scarce, fragile, or vulnerable natural visory capacity and to ensure interagency coordination re- habitat, physical feature, historical significance, cul- garding natural resource matters. The member agencies and tural value and scenic importance; institutions also speak for a broad spectrum of interests-- 2. Areas of high natural productivity or essential habitat those concerned with development, recreation, resource use for living resources, including fish, wildlife, and the and conservation, education and preservation. The ICNRE various trophic levels in the food web critical to their members include the Bureau of Economic Geology, the well-being; General Land Office, Texas A&M University, the Texas Air 3. Areas of substantial recreational value or opportunity; Control Board, the Texas Department of Agriculture, the 4. Areas especially suited to intensive use or development Texas Forest Service, the Texas Highway Department the and where developments and facilities are dependent Texas Industrial Commission, the Texas Soil and Water upon the utilization of, or access to, coastal waters; Conservation Board, the Texas Water Development Board, 5. Areas of unique geologic or topographic significance to the Texas Water Rights Commission, the Texas Water industrial or commercial development; Quality Board, The University of Texas, the Texas Parks 6. Areas of urban concentration where shoreline utiliza- and Wildlife Department, the Texas Railroad Commission, tion and water uses are highly competitive; and the Texas Historical Commission. 7. Areas of significant hazard if developed, due to storms, The polling of this public group seemed an effective slides, floods, erosion, settlement, etc.; and means to begin the designation of these areas. It would be Areas needed to protect, maintain or replenish coastal presumptuous for only the staff of this program to enumer- lands or resources, such areas including coastal flood ate "areas of particular concern" for such broad subjects as plains, aquifer recharge areas, sand dunes, coral and stated in the federal guidelines. Yet, a process of "consulta- other reefs, beaches, offshore sand deposits, and man- tion" could become unwieldy if opened to the complete grove stands. forum of federal, regional, and local governing bodies, spe- It is noteworthy that the law does not require constraints cial interests, and the public at large. All groups should to be placed upon "areas of particular concern." Instead, eventually be able to contribute to the determination of such an inventory is merely a statement of interest and these areas, but a first approximation developed by the concern. Thus, areas on the uplands---on private land-can Texas Coastal Management Program will be used to initiate be stated as being "of concern," without the slightest im- the process. Thus, the designation of areas of particular position upon private property rights. For example, the concern is tentative. It is subject to extensive review and Texas Department of Agriculture can be "concerned" with modification by governmental entities at all levels and by arable lands in the private domain, and it may encourage the general public. Some areas may be added, or others and monitor the state's agricultural productivity as part of deleted as the program progresses. its function. This concern in no way infringes upon private 37 I TYPES OF STATE CONCERNS IN THE COASTAL REGI ON 0 n T I @wr' PROMOTING TECHNICAL PROVIDING FACILITIES, RESEARCH PARKS,ETC. PROTECTION OF RESOURCES PROVIDING HIGHWAY ACCESS COURAGING DUSTRY AND OMMERC So 'U&I voso 11 IN ADMINISTRATION OF STATE-OWNED LANDS 7PR 0 OF S R IDIN Y OV IGHWA CCSS L_AE 38 AREAS OF PARTICULAR CONCERN -A TENTATIVE MAP VIEW Areas of particular concern nominated by ICNRE entities are presented on a common base map. This map demonstrates the complexity of such "nominated areas" by showing (1) overlap (and conflicts) of areas named by different entities for different reasons, and (2) inclusion of broad and sometimes vague areas of concern that cover the entire coastal region. A map showing the composite of "areas of particular limits of recharge, the entire uplands may be of concern, concern" nominated by ICNRE agencies shows an exceed- insofar as groundwater recharge occurs directly within this ingly complex array (Pl. 11, A and B). The complexity is terrain, or insofar as waters are collected and transported partly a result of the breadth of definition of "concern" via natural channels into loci of recharge. Other agencies among various entities. Complex boundaries and interac- may designate most of the uplands as an area of concern in tions (i.e., multiagency overlap) among the nominated areas order to be apprised of new historical or archaeological are also the result of imprecise limits of cultural and natural discoveries throughout the region. Still other agencies may systems. be concerned with all the uplands as habitat for game and Areas of particular concern for each ICNRE entity re- fowl, because the state owns the wildlife, even though it flect one or a combination of (1) statutory mandates for does not own the land on which the wildlife lives. Thus, to control, regulation, or monitoring; (2) areas of focus for grasp the proper significance of the nominations presented research endeavors; (3) areas for which the public entity is herein, one must consider carefully the substance of the an advocate; and (4) other areas perceived to be important avowed "concern" as well as its areal extent. or ancillary to the performance of agency duties. Examples of multiple overlap among agency nominations Some nominations are map-specific, and some are include tidal marshlands. These have been designated and textual. Area designations are based on the loci of natural mapped by the Bureau of Economic Geology as an impor- resources, on the areal extent of cultural resources, and on tant area for sustaining coastal biota, as well as a buffer the extent of hazardous areas. The multiplicity of criteria zone for lessening impacts of coastal processes (Le., the for nomination of critical areas ensures that most of the marshlands are subject to periodic inundation). The same region will be blanketed by one or more concerns. This is areas are designated as being of concern to the Texas Parks partly because of diverse interpretations of "criticality" and Wildlife Department because they constitute important and partly because of the complexity of natural and cul- habitats for waterfowl and selected marine biota. Also, tural systems. Areas of concern include most lands within these same areas may be part of locally designated natural the 27 component counties of the coastal region as well as preserves or wildlife sanctuaries. Marshlands are also desig- offshore areas to the three-league line. There are also some nated by the Texas Industrial Commission as areas critical areas where multiple designation of areas of concern occurs to sustaining the private commercial fishing industry in because of overlap in interests. Some agencies state con- Texas as well as a tourist industry based in part on game cerns based on interests in preservation and restoration. and sports fishing. Some express concern because of a purely academic focus, Submerged lands are designated by the Texas Historical and some agencies state concern because of interest in de- Commission as potential historical or archaeological sites. velopment of resources. Locally, the same areas might be designated by the Railroad Blanket or region-wide designations of areas of concern Commission because of oilfields beneath the coastal commonly reflect the breadth of statutory mandates or re- marshes, or by the Texas Industrial Commission as areas search interests of agencies or institutions. For example, the needed for channel dredging and spoil disposal. totality of coastal waters may be designated "of concern" These region-wide boundaries and areas of overlap (re- by an academic entity, because of multiple research inter- garding what is perceived to be "of concern" by different ests within the waters, transitional areas, and submerged entities) are all tentative. They are merely a first approxi- lands. Likewise, certain agencies may be concerned with the mation and will be revised and updated as a continuing part loci of recharge for the important Gulf Coast aquifer, even of this planning effort. A very important part of this pro- though a precise limit cannot be drawn on the recharge cess will be comments submitted by concerned citizens and zone. Therefore, pending further study to clarify the exact the various interest groups. 39 FIGURE 23 SELECTED AREAS OF CONCERN NOMINATED BY STATE AGENCIES HIGHWAYS... ACCESS (TOURISM), COMMERCE ARTERIES, EVACUATION ROUTES HAZARDOUS AREAS... PUBLIC PROTECTION AGRICULTURAL LAND... AS AN ECONOMIC RE- IMPORTANT HABITATS... SOURCE FISH AND GAME, COMMERCIA FISHING cm, r44 -@BORNE WATER TRA-N;SPLORTATION ROUTES Iff "P Ilk Ll SUBMERGED LANDS-AS, A POTENTIAL HISTORICAL- ARCHAEOLOGICAL I IV JF SITES I A A: 51?1- I MT, 0 40 CONCLUSIONS An overview of resources of the Texas coastal region has a clear and overriding franchise to these waters. Coastal reveals several basic points: waters represent a locus of present and potential conflicts, 1. Coastal resources are complex and interdependent. yet these waters respond to a complex set of conditions 2. Part of the complexity of natural and human systems that are only vaguely predictable. Because the convergence stems from their dynamic interactions. of human demands is coupled with a lack of understanding 3. Composite areas exist on rand and in water; these regarding all the interfacing components of coastal waters, areas reflect the dynamic and complex overlap of these waters are the immediate concern of the Texas natural and human systems, Coastal Management Program. in assessing the resource base of the coastal region, an inven- Focusing upon coastal waters involves several tasks. The tory was conducted based on currently available data. This coastal waters must be tentatively defined. Component inventory covers physiography and climate, substrate, water natural areas should be designated and tested as to their resources, physical processess, soils, biologic resources, min- validity. Finally, examinations should be made regarding erals, and historical-archaeological sites and current land use. sustaining or constraining conditions (either natural or man- The inventory is presented on a suite of maps depicting induced) pertinent to each natural area. To date, the first each component resource. The map format is an effective tasks have been accomplished. Tentative boundaries have means of arraying diverse systems for comparison, and it been set for coastal -waters, and preliminary natural areas allows a more complete understanding of the interdepen- have been designated. The evaluation and testing of these dence among different kinds of resources. This interdepen- designations must await further study. dence is evident in the similar geographic extent of diverse Natural resource areas of coastal waters include various map features. For example, similar map patterns may be bay and estuarine systems, tidal marshlands and other wet- seen in certain areas for substrate, soils, and biota. This lands, areas of submerged grasses, reefs, tidal passes, and similarity occurs because soils are derived from substrate, fish and fowl habitats. In addition, selected important man- and upland biota generally depend on soils. However, there influenced features are incorporated into the natural area are certain problems with map presentations. Detail is com- definitions. These include channels, waterways, selected monly lost because of the necessary use of maps at a dredged-material disposal areas, and locations of offshore regional scale. Also, maps are static documents; they cannot oil production. The final limits of coastal waters and com- adequately portray systems that change rapidly. ponent natural areas will be subject to review and modifica- In demonstrating the convergence of diverse natural tion. systems, maps allow one to tentatively delineate natural Texas state agencies, in addition to providing a wealth of areas for both uplands and coastal waters. These natural information pertinent to the inventory, have stated the geo- areas are defined by specific suites of environmental charac- graphic extent of their respective concerns regarding coastal teristics that render each area distinct, notwithstanding (region-wide) resources. Some of these areas of concern are interactions across natural area boundaries. For example, precisely-defined localities, whereas others are, by neces- upland natural areas may be defined by a grouping of sity, generalized. They reflect regulatory mandates, aca- similar soil types, because soils reflect a diversity of fac- demic interests, concern for the safety of inhabitants, con- tors-climate, biota, substrate, water conditions, and time. cern for continued economic development, and concern for For coastal waters, the designation must especially allow the preservation of selected areas deemed important. These for dynamic interplay among components, because of the nominated areas of particular concern will be submitted for constant changes in flows of water, inorganic and organic public review, as they are merely a first approximation of materials, and migrations of living organisms. The con- the state's attempt to articulate its . interests in coastal re- stantly changing conditions are largely a result of seasonal sources. or climatic factors with attendant variations in freshwater It is important for the people of Texas to be apprised of inflows, tidal ranges, biologic responses, and erosional or the diverse array of natural resources and physical processes depositional processes. These dynamic water systems are that converge in the co astal region. It is also important for extremely complex. Thus, they are difficult to properly areas of concern, as perceived by different groups, to be present and evaluate on a map base. clearly stated. This allows a more complete understanding @ Natural interactions in coastal waters also affect numer- of the resource base and the potentially conflicting interests ous important human activities. Likewise, human uses of that vie for these resources. Information regarding what the the lands and waters commonly affect natural coastal water resources are will contribute to this common understanding regimes. Human activities that may impact or be impacted of salient resource issues and a more rational resolution of by coastal waters include shipping, commercial fishing, min- conflicts. eral resource extraction, and recreation, yet no one activity 41 SCHEMATIC INTERACTIONS AMONG DIVERSE NATURAL AND HUMAN SYSTEMS TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY RAIAI NATURAL AA SYSTEMS A-(S TOURISM AGRICULTURE HOUSING RECREATION FIGURE 21 42 REFERENCES Ambler, J. R. (1967). 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