*UPDATE* Houston’s Alligator Snapping Turtles NEED YOUR HELP! *comment period extended!*
The Alligator Snapping Turtles of Houston, Texas, and their habitat, Buffalo Bayou, NEED YOUR HELP!
A proposed project by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and Harris County Flood Control District (HCFCD) to reduce the impacts of flooding in the Greater Houston metropolitan area would not only significantly change the natural qualities of Buffalo Bayou, but put its unique population of Alligator Snapping Turtles at risk of extirpation. This is particularly concerning to us at the Turtle Survival Alliance as the Alligator Snapping Turtle population inhabiting Buffalo Bayou is among the largest and most demographically robust populations in Texas, and of paramount conservation value to the species as a whole. We would know, it’s the focus of our long-term population study for this State Threatened species!
See the proposed project and read the Interim Report HERE.
**Note pages: 82 – 87, 115, 142, 152 – 153, and 161 – 162 in the Interim Report, including the below photo of the USACE’s stated impact to the Alligator Snapping Turtle population, for which their projected time of population recovery is grossly inaccurate.**
BUT, YOU CAN MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD and help preserve the bayou’s biological integrity and its Alligator Snapping Turtles.
The TSA has written a formal letter to the USACE expressing our concerns of the proposed project for you to use as a reference. We’ve also crafted an EDITABLE DOCUMENT for download, so you can email your own letter to the USACE.
CLICK HERE TO RETRIEVE DOCUMENTS
In the EDITABLE DOCUMENT, please insert the appropriate information in the yellow highlighted areas, and of course, please feel free to add any additional information you deem helpful. After inserting the appropriate information, please remove the yellow highlights from the document and save as: Attn_BBTRS_USACE Galveston District_(insert your name)
Please send your comment to: BBTRS@usace.army.mil with the Subject Line: Attn: BBTRS – USACE Galveston District
Public Comments DUE DATE: NOVEMBER 1
***UPDATE*** NEW PUBLIC COMMENT DUE DATE NOVEMBER 20
***In response to numerous requests from the communities within the study area, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is extending the comment period for the BBTRS until November 20th, 2020.***
Thank you and please do not hesitate to reach out to us with any questions you might have!
LIVE AND LET LIVE
Please reconsider this is not a militarism society if we fight! I hope to save these mysterious creatures’ habitat.
Alligator snappers are endangered, and very unique in the Houston area – destroying a bayeau will only serve to create more habitat destruction for all other species as well. Preserve Texas’s natural areas
Sent! Thank you.
Sent letter!
Did it.
Nature put turtles on this earth for a reason. We need to protect them and their habitat.
Please look at other flood prevention avenues and spare Buffalo Bayou. There are alligator snapping turtles that could be 70 to 100 years old living in this unique environment. They are an endangered species and deserve our protection! So please think before you do any actions! This bayou holds the largest group of this species in Texas! Praying you will do what is right, man has ruined enough of Texas, keep Texas wild and beautiful. Bob Hathaway
To preserve the ecosystem is to preserve ourselves.
It would be hard to see a creature like this die away. A huge part of Mother nature’s plan.Please do everything you can to protect this animal
Are you crazy? Think of the turtles habitat. DO NOT pave the bayou!
Why? Not only are the turtles affected but the ecosystem is damaged beyond repair. Construction in/on or near the turtles home is not necessary. Im sure there is an alternative remedy. Do not destroy turtle habitat.
Signed! I recently saw an injured alligator snapping turtle on the road who had to be helped by a police officer calling the game warden. I’d hate to think of these majestic creatures having to leave their homes and cross more roads like this guy. I want to live in a world where we take steps to protect animals instead of focusing just on ourselves. They were here before we were.
Don’t hurt the turtles, they need protecting.
done!
thanks!
[…] a notice from the Turtle Survival Alliance (TSA) about the Corps of Engineers’ proposal to deepen and widen Buffalo Bayou for some 22-24 […]
I’ve spent a lot of time along Buff Bayou and have yet to see one, but I’d like to, so, back off eh?
Please no more destruction
Sent!
Throughout our cities we have ruined and run down areas that we should be spending time fixing. Not expanding areas to to ruin. Ruining an area where wildlife thrive is no longer acceptable. We’ve ruined many areas that may be ruined forever. In some areas we have reintroduced wildlife that had been exterminated from the area. Why would someone even consider doing this today ? These majestic creatures of God need to be protected from out stupidity and carelessness.
Beautiful animals deserve to be protected
Part of you eco system look after these turtles
I was surprised to learn of a population of Alligator Snappers in Houston. This unique population should be protected if the resources can be found.
Project should be aborted for the sake of the turtles. Numerous studies have already warned us about biodivervity loss. We don’t need projects that have dire consequences on wildlife and their ecological habitats. The more we pay attention to scientific research, suggestions, and warnings, we have great chance to avoiding future regrets related to species loss and habitats modification.