Purpose: To acquire 4,937 acres of bottomland hardwood habitat, thus establishing Old Sabine Bottom WMA. This project will protect one of the largest remaining tracts of bottomland forests in the Sabine River floodplain. The site itself is best described as a wetland complex consisting of riverine habitats, oxbow lakes, and several other bottomland community types that provide suitable waterfowl habitat. The area floods annually during winter and traditionally attracts large numbers of wintering mallards and wood ducks. This project is managed by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department to maintain high quality wetland habitat for wintering waterfowl, while providing additional hunting opportunities.

Sabine River Flood Plain and Forested Wetlands

Location: Approx. 8 miles west of Hawkins, TX (Smith County)

Acres Impacted: 4,937 acres

Habitat Type: Forested Wetlands / Bottomland Hardwoods

Partners: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Texas Dept. of Transportation
Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation
Ducks Unlimited, Inc

Timeline: Acquisition was completed in summer 1994

DU Contact:

Keith McKnight
Regional Biologist
1620 FM 2218
Richmond, TX 77469
(832) 595-0663
kmcknight@ducks.org