East Texas Public Land Enhanced for Waterfowl
Habitat improved on Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area
Habitat improved on Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area
Ducks Unlimited and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) are improving wetland habitat on Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area in Freestone County.
The first phase of the project was completed in July 2017, and the second phase was completed in June 2018. Together, the two phases enhanced 385 acres of wetland habitat through the installation of new levees, spillways and water-control structures. The project was funded by TPWD with State Migratory Game Bird Stamp funds, and this area is included in their annual public hunting program. Ducks Unlimited provided engineering and design services and managed project construction.
Richland Creek Wildlife Management Area (WMA) lies almost entirely within the Trinity River floodplain and is subject to periodic and prolonged flooding. The enhancement work improved management infrastructure so staff can optimize habitat for wetland dependent wildlife, including waterfowl. Numerous marshes and sloughs provide habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, wading birds and shore birds. The area's bottomland hardwood forests are nesting and brood rearing habitat for many species of neotropical birds and wood ducks.
TPWD manages Richland Creek WMA to provide quality consumptive and non-consumptive recreational opportunities for the public. It sits on the southeast side of the Richland Chambers Reservoir about an hour and a half south of Dallas.