# Brazos River Project Ideas

ProjectName:
Sugar Land Area Habitat Education Trails

Location:
Along Sugar Land, Missouri City, Sienna Develop.

Activities_Facilities:
Use of this area will be heavey due to population. Signage, QR Reader, observation areas from planned parks

History_CurrStatus:
Sugar Land Recreation Dept has asked Master Naturalists to assist. DAR currently has similar project at Kitty Hawk Park

Partners:
Sugar Land Garden Club, Alexander Hodge Chap Daughters of the American Revolution, Prarie Cons Groups, Coastal Prairie Partners.org


ProjectName:
Flyway Corridor for birds and pollinators

Location:
2.5 mile zone on each side of the Brazos River (undetermined length)

Activities_Facilities:
Get a commitment from schools, homeowners and property  owners to certify their property as a contiguous habitat for bees, birds, bates, butterflies, etc that megrate through the Brazos River corridor as part of the coastal flyway.

Partners:
Lady Bird Johnson grants for schoolyard, roadside, and highway wildflower seeding. I would be willing to lead this activity if necessary

Affiliation:
BBSPVO Director of Development and Fundraising


ProjectName:
XYZ Railroad Hiking Trail/Rails to Trails

Location:
For any inactive railway, convert land to use for hiking trails

Partners:
Boy scout troups can help with this project and can help with funding


Location:
Adjacent to parking lot is several acres of prairie that could used as educational/restoration prairie, could teach prairie ecology & restoration

Activities_Facilities:
hiking, butterfly & bird habitat, native grasses, kid activities--insects, birds, flowers, reptile programs

History_CurrStatus:
Currently there are a few signs, but prairie is full of invasives

Partners:
Texas Master Naturalists, Brazos Bend Vol. Org., Coastal Prairie Partners


Location:
At river edge of Sugar Land Memorial Park

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
Currently Sugar Land Memorial Park (north side of river)


Location:
Beginning at Sugar Land Memorial Park & running along river and ending at Brazos Bend State Park

Activities_Facilities:
nature path for wildlife viewing w/wayside exhibits

Partners:
TX Parks & Wildlife, Sierra Club, Texas Environmental


Location:
From Sugar Land Memorial Park to Brazos Bend State Park

Activities_Facilities:
viewing/observation points of river wildlife

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
Sugar Land Memborial Park, Brazos Land Park, FBMUD 126


Other:
River acces for camping use from SE Fort Bend County

Location:
Access to the river from university to allow visitors access to the river for fishing, camping, & trip to the state park

Activities_Facilities:
fishing piers, trails (biking and walking), camping facilities


ProjectName:
Missouri City Land Trail annex to river access for biking, walking

Activities_Facilities:
hiking, biking land trail that connects existing trail near Oilfield road to new launch/river access point (B25)


Activities_Facilities:
access to the river to launch canoes and kayaks


ProjectName:
Pedestrian, bicycle river crossing @ Missouri City


Activities_Facilities:
Increase size & height of existing overlook platform allowing for gatherings & observation of river & wildlife

Partners:
Tx Parks and Wildlife, Sierra Club, Texas Environmental


ProjectName:
Conservation/restoration of existing coastal prairie

Location:
SE corner of Fort Bend and bordering Brazoria Cty

Activities_Facilities:
wildlife viewing area, some parking area, restroom

Jurisdiction:
The Nature Conservancy and Brazoria County and Nash Prairie

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
The Nature Conservancy holds approx 1200 acres. Nash Prairie approx 400 acres

History_CurrStatus:
Project is active, development rights have been purchased and plans to acquire additional land as it becomes available

Partners:
Coastal Prairie Partnership, Gulf Coast Master Naturalist Chapter


Location:
South of Elkins High School on University Blvd near the Brazos River

Activities_Facilities:
To be used for observation by students to study wildlife & water flow on the river

Jurisdiction:
School district, city, level districts, and county

Partners:
School district, city, county , and level operators


ProjectName:
New river launch site for paddling vehicles

Location:
Down stream from FM1489 Launch site (upstream from launch site near 36)

Activities_Facilities:
day camping, educational, canoeing, kayaking


Other:
Boat ramp. Convert proposed canoe launch to boat ramp

ProjectName:
Convert proposed canoe launch to boat ramp. Fort Bend Natural Resources & Development

Activities_Facilities:
River access, fishing, and river viewing

Partners:
Fort Bend County, City of Sugar Land, City of Richmond


Location:
Fort Bend County and Brazos Bend State Park; ~2 acres; locate at end of Sawmill Rd

Activities_Facilities:
Boating--motorboat/canoe/kayak. Fishing, wildlife viewing. Parking area/restrooms

Jurisdiction:
Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept/Fort Bend County/USACOE


Location:
End of Sawmill Rd. Create a boat ramp & parking area using Sawmill Rd right-of-way and State Park property

Activities_Facilities:
Boating, fishing, canoeing, kayaking, hiking, wildlife viewing

History_CurrStatus:
No prior history; current status: proposed.

Partners:
Brazos Bend State Park/Texas Parks & Wildlife

Affiliation:
Brazos Bend State Park, Assistant Superintendent


Location:
East bank of Brazos at US 59. Probably owned by TXDOT

Activities_Facilities:
1. Parking  2. Trail to river  3. Launch point

History_CurrStatus:
Area is used as an impromptu launch currently


Location:
ramp located inside Brazos Bend State Park to better control safety of location

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
one private residence across Sawmill Road


PrivateLand_AdjLU:
I believe a church owns the property across Highway 99


Location:
Location is the sandbar in Camp Sienna Park

Activities_Facilities:
Canoe/kayak launch, fishing, birding. Trail to river, canoe launch, picnic facility

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
Sienna/Johnson Development may own the Park

History_CurrStatus:
Has been used as a launch/landing for groups in the past


Location:
The property appears to be privately owned--it is located on the north side of the river, east of 90A

Activities_Facilities:
This property may hold significant conservation values & it could be further investigated to create a public preserve, or at the very least have a conservation easement

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
It appears to be private and surrounded by mixed residential and agricultural lands


Location:
probably north shore of river from Camp Sienna to Brazo Parkland Site A


Location:
@ proposed Hillwood and/or Riverstone parks; @ 59 and/or 90 highways boat launches (or nearby)

Activities_Facilities:
Provide restrooms, tables for picnic/river viewing, kiosks showing natural features - show habitat zones (marsh/swamp, bottomlands, hardwoods, prairies); if closed/at river photography, bird watching

Jurisdiction:
Highways - TxDOT; Proposed Parks - County

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
George Observatory - use low levels of lighting to prevent/reduce light pollution so star viewing is not affected


Location:
There does not appear to be public lands or access - between Weston Lakes and Richmond

Activities_Facilities:
Conservation easement or public preserve that will protect natural resources. Also provides a critical canoe launch linking existing launch sites


Other:
Boat ramp for easy accessibility to the boat/kayak

Location:
Highway 59 and Hwy 90 (at below bridges). Boat ramp/launch to accommodate entry/exit to the boat. TxDOT should have land use for these areas.

Activities_Facilities:
Allow sr. citizens access to boats for "touring" the river. Bird/wildlife viewing. Restrooms @ these locations would be beneficial


ProjectName:
Fulshear Habitat Protection through comprehensive planning


ProjectName:
Accessibility improvements to canoe launch @ FM1489

Location:
Intersection of Brazos River and FM 1489


ProjectName:
Future canoe/kayak site ramps & planned trips on the river

Location:
Location for launch sites at future crossings, 35' width x ?

Activities_Facilities:
activities would be planned canoe/kayak trips defined by time or miles. No facilities required

Jurisdiction:
Rosenberg, Richmond/George Foundation, Sugar Land

Partners:
Parks and Recreation directors for each city


Location:
Along winner-Forster/Bois D'Arc to Brazos River, 5.75 sq mi

Activities_Facilities:
ranching heritage, nature observation, bird watching, outdoor classroom, scientific research, education outreach

Jurisdiction:
Private landholding, City of Fulshear, Ft Bend, State

Partners:
City of Fulshear, Ft Bend Co, Economic Dev Corp


ProjectName:
Walking trail from Brazos Park to George Park

Location:
connecting the parks in existence in Rosenberg & Richmond


Location:
Felwellen and Bessie Creeks confluences approximately 35 miles in length

Activities_Facilities:
walking, exercising, nature observation, biking, picnicking, restroom facilities

Partners:
Economic Dev Corps/City Fulshear/Co Ft Bend


Location:
FM 1093/FM1463 along sides of road where roads are to be expanded

Activities_Facilities:
Nature plants can be taken from these areas and placed back into other parks/natural areas such as the Katy Prairie Conservancy, Fulshear's Park Areas, Seabourn Creek Nature Park


Location:
The end of Pumping Station Rd on the Brazos

Activities_Facilities:
A wildlife bridge with a canoe launch underneath

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
City intends to discuss with future developers

Partners:
Fulshear Parks Comm, City of Fulshear, Ft Bend County


Activities_Facilities:
Sports, wildlife viewing, community events

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
Ag and single family housing (large lot)

Partners:
City, EDCs, private developer, foundation


Jurisdiction:
City of Fulshear, FB County, Brazos River Authority, Gulf Coast Water Authority, ACOE

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
Hiamaus Ranch/Gulf Coast Water Authority


ProjectName:
Improved acces to Brazos River in Rosenberg

Location:
Riverbend Park, 0.5 mile from park to river, 3588 right of way

Activities_Facilities:
Access of vehicles and trailers for launching

Partners:
Rosenberg, Fort Bend Green, Richmond, TPW


ProjectName:
Foster-Harrison Ranching and Wetlands Preservation Area

Location:
Between Winner Foster Road and Foster Creek on Foster Farms/Harrison Ranch intersection (160 acres)

Activities_Facilities:
Education/interpretation, community gathering, local history perspective

Partners:
Foster/Harrison families, Conoco-Phillips (has many gas wells in this area)


Partners:
Another advertising point for the HOA. River access for recreation


Partners:
City, Co, Economic Dev, Conoco Phillips Family


Location:
gentle bend straight down blaisdale rd off of FM 359; city-owned property


Location:
Brazos Parkland - adjacent to NT Sports Complex

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
probably owned by NT homeowners association


Location:
park that is river adjacent city-owned property


History_CurrStatus:
This was discussed with the former developer


Location:
at the Hwy 99 and Brazos crossing; public park by river


Location:
along FM 1093 on S Side coming into Fulshear in the railroad corridor

Activities_Facilities:
display area artists' sculpture, sidwalk art


ProjectName:
Bikeway along river from FM 1489 to Bessie's Creek. Also section from FM 1489 to FM 1093

Location:
Bikeway along river from FM 1093 to Bessie Creek

Jurisdiction:
Land owners - FB MUD 204; City of Simonton, City of Fulshear

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
Simonton - Valley Lodge; Weston Lakes - Fulshear; Fulshear Creek Crossing; Fullbrook


Activities_Facilities:
wildlife preserve & education facilities


Activities_Facilities:
canoe launch/takeout - boat ramp; some parking would be needed

History_CurrStatus:
May be a launch ramp on Brazoria Co. side


Location:
West of Rosenburg in the "thumb" of the river

Activities_Facilities:
trails, passive park uses, canoe launch, parking


Activities_Facilities:
add road and small parking area to near river at lowest point

History_CurrStatus:
already proposed but want to make sure it happens soon


Location:
Sugar Land Memorial Park; trail that follows the river across the entire park

History_CurrStatus:
There is one small bike trail that goes along the river


Location:
Continue River Park trails along river (south side) with connection via utility easement back to Winding River Road (New Territory trails along north side of river to west)

Activities_Facilities:
shared use trail, 10'+ wide for peds & bike

History_CurrStatus:
Proposed trail in draft Sugar Land Pedestrian & Bicycle Master Plan


Location:
Missouri City, Sienna Plantation, Camp Sienna/Park - park owned by Sienna LID, full access available

Activities_Facilities:
trail exists to Brazos River & already known as a launch but it is undeveloped

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
beneficial to Sienna Plantation community (HOA - SPRAI)

History_CurrStatus:
funds not identified at the time; potential funding assistance from Sienna Foundation; needs design & construction plan to be done

Partners:
SP LID, SPRAI (Sienna's HOA), Sienna Plantation Community Services Foundation


ProjectName:
Metro ROW rails with trails bike (multi-use) trail from Simonton to 99 along 1093

Location:
@ 9 miles from MF 1093 Simonton to intersection of FM 1093 & 99

Activities_Facilities:
bicycling, walking, skating, multi-use trail

Jurisdiction:
Rails to Trails - Houston Metro owns the right of way; could be incorporated into plan for future light rail next to bike trail

History_CurrStatus:
It used to be a railroad and tracks were removed

Partners:
Houston Metro--Fulshear, Katy & Simonton; neighborhoods along FM 1093--Cinco Ranch, Cross Creek, Westheimer Lakes


ProjectName:
The Hidden Lake nesting area. Would like to see a wildlife survey along the corridor to preserve other important areas.

Location:
Between the Brazos river and the Avalon levee

Activities_Facilities:
Birdwatching. We have seen large numbers of nesting waterbirds here. Also nesting bluebirds. Anhinga, red-shouldered hawk, green heron, great egres, snowy egrets, great blue herons

History_CurrStatus:
No history - just us going down there. Concerned about nutrient overload killing the lake. We have photos, video & personal experience


Activities_Facilities:
Minimal facilities. Dirt road parking to river access, but small to the extent that it's not for boats.

History_CurrStatus:
Was started, but apparently stopped. It would be easy to finish in a minimal way

Partners:
Paddle trails orgs. Don't know specific name


ProjectName:
Santa Anna Crossing; historical rocks--south of 1093

History_CurrStatus:
Santa Anna needed a low river crossing going to San Jacinto


Location:
1093 @ Brazos River, 59 @ river, 1462 @ river

Activities_Facilities:
hard surface power boat type ramp, gated down to limit use to canoes and kayak. Gates can be secured by knox lock

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
General community safety be providing for emergency access

History_CurrStatus:
Fire departments for years have had limited access for drownings and evidence recovery. Additional personnel are required to carry boats.

Partners:
Fort Bend County/possible emergency management grant funding


Activities_Facilities:
Rustic trail for hiking and wildlife viewing


History_CurrStatus:
wooden riparian corridor/former prairie chicken habitat

Partners:
Fort Bend County, Bayou Preservation Association, Texas Forest Service, MUDs, LIDs


Location:
Along levees surrounding Greatwood - no public land

Activities_Facilities:
biking, possibly expand to walking trail

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
Greatwood, Tara, Canyon Gate on the Brazos


ProjectName:
Prairie preservation area; wetlands preservation


Location:
This is a 300 acre proposed park to be dedicated to the City of Sugar Land

Activities_Facilities:
passive walking trails, mountain bike trails, parking lot, wetlands, canoe launch

History_CurrStatus:
Should be dedicated to Sugar Land within the next 3-5 years


Location:
Intersections of Thompson's Ferry Rd & Brazos River; +/- 900 acres

Partners:
Johnson Development, City of Missouri City (ETJ)


ProjectName:
Fulbrook - Outfall Structure - Canoe/Kayak Launch


Location:
Land surrounding oxbow lake; ~800-1000 acres

Activities_Facilities:
River access on south/reforested on north similt to Houston Arbor Hum hiking

History_CurrStatus:
Smith parcel has significant development restrictions so it might be perfect for a nature preserve

Partners:
FB Green, National Park Service, FB County, some "plant more trees" organizations


ProjectName:
Kayak/canoe put-in at Sugar Land Memorial Park

Location:
at Sugar Land Memorial Park. Add road and small parking lot to river at low point. Land is already part of the park.

Activities_Facilities:
Kayak/canoe. No other facilities needed. A deck would be nice but probably not be feasible due to flooding.

History_CurrStatus:
I thought it was originally planned as a future phase of the park but not sure of current status


ProjectName:
Winding Creek Park & Launch site; education site for schools, children, families, for creekside wildlife

Location:
+/- 10 acres, where Grand Parkway crosses Brazos

Activities_Facilities:
biking/hiking/horse trails connecting to Oyster Creek


Location:
The idea is to find passive, forested areas where topography and trees make ideal nature trails for jogging and hiking

Activities_Facilities:
dirt/natural trails, allowing for hiking and jogging

PrivateLand_AdjLU:
This is an attempt to utilize one of the least developed, most natural & forested areas in the study area


ProjectName:
Sienna Brazos Bend Trail/Far South Arcola Trail

Location:
+/- 8 miles, maybe rest stop along shaded watering spot

Activities_Facilities:
biking/horse/ped trail connecting to Camp Sienna, crossing Brazos & along south to Brazos Bend


Activities_Facilities:
Nice wooded area, good to preserve trees


Activities_Facilities:
Stepped concrete landing for launch; parking

Jurisdiction:
Sugar Land, Johnson Development, Taylor Morrison Development

History_CurrStatus:
Dedicated parkland by Johnson Development

Partners:
Johson Development; Taylor Morrison Development


Location:
W. of George Park - Richmond. Near State School.


Location:
access & egress to river; existing park (private subdivision)


ProjectName:
trail user conflicts - user education & etiquette

History_CurrStatus:
Existing trail has mix of mt. biking, hiking & fast biking


Location:
Extends paddle trail to connect to state park


ProjectName:
Clean-up and improvements to river access

Activities_Facilities:
Access to proposed bike trail from proposed rails to trails on FM 1093


Activities_Facilities:
Interpretive signage and landmarks highlighting historic and prominent locations along the river

Jurisdiction:
individual cities, UH, historic preservation groups

History_CurrStatus:
proposed by the Fort Bend Subregional Planning Initiative


Activities_Facilities:
A venue where individuals can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddle boards for use on river. Additional (separate) launch pts would be preferable for individuals that own own canoes/kayaks/SUPs. Would require parking. Could tie into biking trails

Partners:
Small business owners, mountain bike interest groups

Affiliation:
Exec. Admin., Texas Regional, Berkel & Company contractors


Location:
A hike & bike trail along the Brazos going from Sugar Land to Richmond

Activities_Facilities:
facilities- either gravel or paved path; activities - hiking, biking, skateboarding, bird watching

Partners:
Bayou City Outdoors is an activity group in Houston. They are very active kayakers, etc.


Location:
Please consider light pollution, air pollution, noise pollution for all projects


Location:
Higher population density areas. 20+/- mile loop

Activities_Facilities:
Bike trail w/river crossings in a long distance, with shorter loop options & amenity stops, like weekend cafes, rest stop picnic site, & wildlife interp./ed along the way

Jurisdiction:
City of Sugar Land, Fort Bend County, Rosenburg

History_CurrStatus:
Some facilities planned for Brazos River Park Master Plan in Sugar Land. Looking for a popular meeting point & trail loop.


