PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION Promote awareness of Lake Creek floodplain - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION • Promote awareness of Lake Creek floodplain as an asset for nature study, hiking, boating and ecosystem services. • Seek support for coordinated effort to promote area as destination for outdoor activities including hiking, nature viewing and canoeing. • Seek support to develop a nature/community center on the Lake Creek Natural Area.

REGIONAL CONSERVATION PLAN (Gulf-Houston Regional Conservation Plan) OBJECTIVES • Preserving and protecting the ecological services of land/water ecosystems • Enhancing economic development and natural recreational opportunities. • Provide flood mitigation and hurricane-preparedness solutions

BENEFITS OF REGIONAL CONSERVATION PLAN • Strategic Approach to Conservation • Improve Recreational Opportunities • Enhance Flood Protection • Protect/Improve Water/Air Quality • Protect Wildlife • Promote Ecotourism • Promote Lower Impact Development

MONTGOMERY COUNTY NATURAL RESOURCES • Sam Houston National Forest • Jones State Forest • Western Extent Big Thicket • High Quality Major Stream • Quality habitats on private lands. • High Quality Habitats in Floodplains

POTENTIAL GREENWAY AREA

MONTGOMERY COUNTY 100 YEAR FLOOD PLAINS LEGEND GREENWAY LOCATION 100 YEAR FLOODPLAIN MONTGOMERY CONROE LAKE CREEK MAGNOLIA

VALUE OF LAKE CREEK & RELATED BOTTOMLANDS • Recreational/educational opportunities  Big Thicket habitats  Canoeing/Kyaking • Ecosystem services  Flood mitigation  Water quality  Air Quality • Health

Cook’s Branch Conservancy Goodrich Jones State Forest Watershed Boundary

LEGEND COMPLETED TRAIL TRAIL TO BE DEVELOPED COMPLETED BOARDWALK TRAIL AS OF 11/27/2014

A1 A4 A6

SITE F8

BETWEEN FG2.5 AND FG 3

VIC FG 4

Between G7 and G8

CREEK LOOP

Creek Loop

Creek Loop

POTENTIAL 20+- MILE CANOE TRAIL ALONG LAKE CREEK & BIG THICKET BOTTOMLANDS

INITIAL PHASE BETWEEN FISH CREEK POTENTIAL 7+ MILE CANOE EXPERIENCE THOROUGHFARE & WEST FORK SAN JACINTO RIVER THROUGH SOME BIG THICKET BOTTOMLANDS

PROPOSED PCT 2 NATURE & CONFERENCE CENTER LEGEND Figure 3 Possible Nature Center Site Outline of Nature Preserve County Preserve Wetland Nature Trails

VALUE OF LOCAL CONFERENCE/NATURE CENTER • Attraction to draw new residents and visitors. • Education center for local schools • Conference center with a natural setting • Recreational opportunities on adjacent preserve

PROXIMITY TO AREA SCHOOLS LEGEND ELEMENTARY SCHOOL INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL MILES 0 1 2 PRIVATE SCHOOL

MODEL: SPRING CREEK NATURE CENTER Pct 3 • NATURE CENTER • CONFERENCE/MEETING CENTER • SHERIFF SUBSTATION

WHERE TO FROM HERE? • Establish non profit with 501 c(3) status: Lake Creek Greenway Partnership • Complete Strategic Plan  Complete guided nature trail on county Pct2 Lake Creek Preserve  Clear first section of canoe trail (Fish Creek Thoroughfare to West Fork SJR  Integrate into HGAC watershed protection plan  Identify potential easements and/or aquistions • Recruit members and supporters including: • Local businesses and organizations • Houston Wilderness • Mitchell Foundation • Bayou Preservation Assciation • Houston Galveston Council of Governments • Identify potential sources of funding/grants  Local  Foundations  Government