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In 1989, Mr. Clive Runnells, Jr., of Houston, donated 3,148 acres of land near Mad Island Lake, to The Nature Conservancy of Texas (TNCT). The area, now known as the Runnells Family Mad Island Marsh Preserve, is a portion of the renowned AP Ranch, originally owned and managed by Abel Head Pierce “Shanghai Pierce” and his brother, Jonathan, who founded the town of Blessing. Mr. Runnells is a son of Clive and Mary Withers Runnells and great-grandson of Shanghai Pierce. The mission of TNCT is to preserve plants, animals, and natural communities that represent the biodiversity of Texas and manage those resources in a way that ensures their long-term existence for future generations of Texans. Partners which are assisting our efforts concerning Mad Island Marsh are the North American Wetlands Conservation Council, Ducks Unlimited, Dow Chemical, Inc., and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation. Other supporters include the Trull Foundation and the Communities Foundation of Texas, as well as numerous individuals. At Mad Island Marsh, TNCT staff have been involved with major restoration projects in the wetland and prairie portions of the preserve. Restoration efforts to date include construction of 6900' of levee (14,000 cu. yds.) and installation of water control structures which will allow water management on a 90 acre wetland as well as the reestablishment of freshwater inflow into Mad Island Lake. Collegeport area farmers were contracted to do the tractor work involved with this project. Wintering and resident waterfowl as well as many other species of wildlife and fish will benefit from this project. Other wetland restoration projects are being planned for 1993. Coastal prairie restoration was initiated by combining prescribed burning with selective use of herbicides to control brush encroachment into the grasslands. In the future, we will integrate rotational grazing into our management plans. A long-term objective for the preserve is the eventual release of the endangered Attwater's Prairie Chicken (only 424 left in the world!). We are also transforming the former Dresser Hunting Lodge into our Coastal Texas Headquarters. The Nature Conservancy of Texas is proud to be a part of the Collegeport Community!!!
Jim Bergan |
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