Evaluation of natural resources in Bastrop, Burleson, Lee and Milam Counties
Publication Type: |
Report |
Year of Publication: |
2000 |
Authors: |
Bradsby, D., El-Hage, A., Moulton, D., and P. Sorensen |
Publication/Journal: |
|
Publisher: |
TEXAS PARKS AND WILDLIFE |
Keywords: |
habitat, natural resources, texas, water, water resources, wildlife |
Abstract:
Burgeoning population growth in Texas has increased demand on the limited water resources of the state. Future exports of water from the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer in areas of Bastrop, Burleson, Lee, and Milam counties are anticipated. In response to these activities, the TPWD compiled this inventory of natural resources data for the affected counties to help identify potential environmental threats from increased pumping of the Carrizo-Wilcox aquifer. Increased groundwater use will result in a lowering of aquifer levels and, more than likely, a reduction in flow for the existing springs in the study area. In addition, surface water flows that are presently enhanced by groundwater interactions will be reduced. Additional work is needed to more accurately determine the effects of future pumping on surface waters of the study area. As groundwater pumping exceeds recharge, springs, bottomland, wetland, and riparian habitats are at the greatest risk of impact. Another vegetation-type of concern is the Lost Pines, a unique and disjunct loblolly pine forest found in sandy soils of Bastrop County. A thorough analysis of the relationship between groundwater levels is needed to determine whether and to what extent they will be affected by a lowering of the groundwater table. The flora and fauna of the four counties is typical of the biotic regions and provinces of the area. Aquatic species are generally consistent with their associated drainages. Of the protected species of potential occurrence in the area, two are dependent upon an aquatic environment: the Blue sucker (Cycleptus elongatus) and the Houston toad (Bufo houstonensis). While the Blue sucker is dependent upon flows of the Colorado River, the Houston toad needs ephemeral or permanent pools of water to survive. The impacts to these species from increased groundwater pumping are expected to be small. However, a more thorough analysis of the role of groundwater in the habitats utilized by the Houston toad is warranted.
In general, the role of groundwater in shaping and maintaining the biotic communities of the study area is unknown. Lowering of the water table will probably have localized rather than regional effects. However, these effects could be pronounced, especially if they involve unique or threatened biotic resources of the area. In addition, the potential effects of lowering the groundwater level in conjunction with changing land use patterns, habitat loss, habitat degradation, and urbanization needs to be further evaluated.