Number: 2009-10
WHEREAS, the Neches River, located in the Texas Forest Country, is a river of great scenic beauty; and
WHEREAS, the Neches River corridor contains the longest contiguous stretch of forested, riparian wildlife habitat left in Texas; and
WHEREAS, the Neches River and its bottomland forests, located in the heart of the North American Central Flyway, provide crucial habitat for wildlife and migrating waterfowl and songbirds; and
WHEREAS, the overbanking flows of the Neches River are vital for maintaining the ecosystems of two national forests, two wilderness areas, several state wildlife areas, and the exceptionally diverse habitat of the Big Thicket National Preserve; and
WHEREAS, the timing and volume of freshwater flows from the Neches River into Sabine Lake estuary are key factors influencing salinity gradient and delivery of nutrients, sediments and organisms; and
WHEREAS, these functions are, in turn, important elements affecting populations of shrimp, mollusks, and numerous species of fish and also affecting recreational and commercial fishing and shrimping in both Texas and Louisiana; and
WHEREAS, the Neches River has played an important role in Texas’ history, providing transportation, food, and shelter to Native Americans, early Texas settlers, and later the timber industry; and
WHEREAS, the Neches River is threatened by various dam proposals that together would inundate a hundred miles of river and 175,000 acres of floodplain forests; and
WHEREAS, the Texas 2007 State Water Plan includes alternative water supply options sufficient to meet projected water needs at reasonable cost and with less environmental damage than new dams on the Neches River; and
WHEREAS, designating the Neches River as a National Wild and Scenic River would protect the river and riverside landowners from unneeded dams; and
WHEREAS, designating the Neches River as a National Wild and Scenic River would increase its visibility as a tourist destination, thus providing more outdoor recreation potential and an enhancement to the local economy; and
WHEREAS, a diverse coalition of groups and individuals in the Neches River Valley, and across Texas, supports designating the Neches River as a National Wild and Scenic River;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the National Wildlife Federation, at its annual meeting assembled April 30 – May 2, 2009, in Pittsburgh, PA, urges a study of the designation of the Neches River as a Wild and Scenic River, and its ultimate addition to the Wild and Scenic Rivers System.