Texas Parks and Wildlife

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Dr. Lloyd H. Saunders
Page 2

where this mitigation might be performed. The USAGE will be researching the
viability of these potential mitigation sites. Therfore, TPWD recommends that a
mitigation plan be developed through coordination with the resource agencies
prior to completion of the Final Environmental Impact Statement (FE1S)

The DEIS mentions that although the proposed Packery Channel Project is
expected to impact 5.2 acres of seagrass, the channel design would allow for the
devclopment of 5.4 acres of shallow water seagrass habitat These shallow water
areas would he located on the side shelves between the channel and the proposed
bulkheads. During the July 8, 2UU2 meeting the resource agencies indicated that
it was unlikely that these shelves would support seagrasscs due to water
velocities, currents, boat wakes, reflected wave action from the bulkheads, poor
stability, etc. TPWD staff pointed out the fact the the DEIS contains several
references to these shallow shelves as being compensation for the 52 acres of
seagrass impacts. The USACE stated that the shelves were never to be considered
as mitigation and would be making the appropriate corrections in the FEIS.

The DElS also states that seagrasses could he planted in a beneficial use (BU) site
which would be located on the northern end of Corpus Christi Bay. The Corpus
Christi Ship Channel-Channel Improvement Project may result in the construction
of several BU sites, however, that particular project is still in the planning and
Feasibility stages and has not been authorized yet. The resource agencies
provided several reasons why transplanting seagrasses into one of the BU sites
would not be considered as appropriate mitigation for the Packery Channel
projects. The USAGE agreed to remove references regarding the BU .sites from
the FEIS and will focus on developing an appropriate mitigation plan for the
Packery Channel Project.

The USACE is currently evaluating several mitigation options, including
excavating 28.4 acres of the Coyote Island .site in order to create estuarine habitat.
TPWD staff would like to offer another potential mitigation option. This
mitigation option would involve the acquisition and preservation of land This
property is located immediately adjacent to the southern side of Paekery Channel
(on the west side of the SH 361 Bridge) The shoreline portions of this property
contain smooth cordgrass marsh and seagrass beds. Tlie upland areas contain
small dunes with native barrier island grasslands and a significant amount of live
oak-red bay habitat. The live oak habitat is extremely important for bird life and
particularly for neotropical migratory birds. This area is well known among
birders as one of the State's premier birding sites during migration. If the other
options currently being considered for mitigation are proven to be unfeasible, then
TPWD staff would like the acquisition and preservation of this diverse and
ecologically significant parcel of land to be considered as a mitigation option.

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