WETLANDS MONTH -- MCALLIS POINT, 2: Ownership and public access ... details on Passport to Texas.
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PTT from TPW and the Wildlife Restoration Program

McAllis Point on West Galveston Island has it all -- algal flats, inter tidal marsh, brackish marsh, freshwater marsh, coastal prairie -- making it important habitat for wildlife.

So, if this were not saved for conservation, then, it would be developed into housing, or commercial -- it could be a combination of the two since it does have road frontage. :09

Linda Shead (sheed) is with the Trust for Public Land. In cooperation with federal and state agencies, Congress, local governments, and the private sector, TPL completed the purchase of the first 60 acres of the 127 acres of this environmentally important parcel.

This particular piece of property -- the sixty acres, and then the ultimate 127 -- will be owned by the County of Galveston. In terms of its long-term stewardship, they are looking into the idea of partnering with a non-profit organization that's interested in doing stewardship. :15

While the land is permanently protected from dense development, it's not off limits to the public.

You know, there could be a string of kayak launches on the backside of Galveston island. Bird blinds -- that sort of thing. It's really prime for being able to do that, and being a destination. And consequently, it can contribute to the economics of the island. It is particularly a birding Mecca. And this could be one of the major stops, on tours, that people do of Galveston Island to see birds. :23

Learn more about McAllis Point at passporttotexas.org.

That's our show ... with support from the Wildlife Restoration Program ... providing funding for wetland conservation through the Private Lands Enhancement Program. For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti.