From Houstonchronicle · · 1m 40s
Texas Adds 7,500 Acres to Powderhorn WMA
Texas expands Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area by 7,500 acres, boosting coastal habitat for rare species.
In brief
Texas expands Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area by 7,500 acres, boosting coastal habitat for rare species. Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved adding 7,500 acres to Powderhorn WMA, making it the third-largest coastal WMA in Texas with 22,650 acres total. Originally reported by Houstonchronicle.
Powderhorn WMA Expansion
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved adding 7,500 acres to Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area.
New Size and Significance
The WMA will now cover 22,650 acres, becoming the third-largest coastal WMA in Texas.
Acquisition Details
The new tract, part of original Powderhorn Ranch, will be conveyed to Texas Parks and Wildlife Department by Conservation Fund.
Habitat Restoration
Approximately 7,200 acres have been restored to native grasslands through herbicide treatments and prescribed burning.
Wildlife Diversity
The area supports over 500 bird species including whooping cranes, sambar deer, and feral hogs.
Whooping Cranes
The WMA now hosts up to 12 whooping cranes daily, up from one per winter season previously.
Hunting Opportunities
The WMA offers white-tailed deer hunts for adults and youth through public-draw system.
Historical Context
The Powderhorn WMA was acquired by Texas in 2014 as a monoculture of live oaks with minimal wildlife.
Ecological Significance
Grasslands are imperiled habitats supporting species like northern bobwhites and meadowlarks.
Future State Park
Another 2,253 adjacent acres will become a state park once the acquisition is complete.
Habitat Management
Fire and grazing are essential for maintaining grassland ecosystems in the WMA.
Conservation Impact
The expansion increases habitat for whooping cranes and other grassland-dependent species.
Long-Term Vision
The Powderhorn WMA serves as a model for coastal habitat conservation in Texas.
The bottom line
Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission approved adding 7,500 acres to Powderhorn WMA, making it the third-largest coastal WMA in Texas with 22,650 acres total.
