Some information for you guys who fish Cow Trap off the Intracoastal Canal direct from the powers that be::fish:
Work on an erosion control project for the north shoreline of Cow Trap began on April 29th, 2014. It is the culmination of many years of planning among multiple conservation agencies and is led by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge) and Ducks Unlimited.
The approximate 80 day project’s purpose is to build a series of earthen terraces in Cow Trap which will break wind and wave energy impacting the eroding northern shorelines. The terraces will also begin restoring marsh behind them, and some terraces will be built to provide for nesting birds that prefer islands in our marshes.
Gulf-strength salt water from the GIWW, winds and wave action have compromised this once productive marsh, and the turbid waters inhibit the growth of aquatic plants and oysters. Once the terraces are built, they will be planted to smooth cord grass. Additionally, some slopes and tops may be covered with cultch material (rock or shell hash) to provide substrate for encrusting organisms. Once the work is complete, not only will the erosion be addressed, but fishing should improve as turbidity of the water will be decreased. Once oysters grow on the terraces, the water quality and clarity should improve, and all of the wildlife resources using the area will benefit.
Ducks Unlimited applied for and received a grant from North American Wetlands Conservation Association (NAWCA) for the project. Proper permitting for this project has been executed. Ducks Unlimited is administering the work in Cow Trap on behalf of the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge.
For more information, contact Shane Kasson (Wildlife Refuge Manager) at:
shane_kasson@fws.gov or 979-964-3639.
