# Texas Adds 7,500 Acres to Powderhorn WMA

> Texas expands Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area by 7,500 acres, boosting coastal habitat for rare species.
- Title: Texas Adds 7,500 Acres to Powderhorn WMA · Houstonchronicle
- Summary: Texas expands Powderhorn Wildlife Management Area by 7,500 acres, boosting coastal habitat for rare species.
- Keywords: powderhorn wildlife management area, texas parks and wildlife commission, coloma creek unit, coastal prairie, whooping cranes, wildlife habitat, state park, hunting opportunities, feral hogs, sambar deer, Houstonchronicle
- Source: Houstonchronicle — https://houstonchronicle.com/sports/fishing-hunting/article/powderhorn-wma-expanding-7500-acres-22514000.php
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: powderhorn wildlife management area, texas parks and wildlife commission, coloma creek unit, coastal prairie, whooping cranes, wildlife habitat, state park, hunting opportunities, feral hogs, sambar deer, news, local
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.