Cedar Bayou Pass and Politics

Vinson Slough was 1100 feet wide and Cedar Bayou was almost 900 feet wide in 1968 before it was closed in 1979 by the General Land Office.
Note the water through St. Jose Island. These wetlands are vital to numerous species survival. These passes were migration paths that connected the gulf to Mesquite, Aransas, Carlos, and San Antonio Bays. The closest access point to the gulf now is some twenty miles south in Port Aransas.





This is the 22,000 acres of wetlands that we have lost. Note the sand when there should be water. Lynn Edwards with Save Cedar Bayou Inc. wants to correct this wrong that was created by man, but there are several agencies bent on preventing it from happening. While all elements of our environment are important, the grass wouldn't be there if these passes hadn't been closed. The very agencies entrusted with protecting our resources have literally requested that the permit be denied until more research is done to protect grasses that have grown where water used to flow.





Save Cedar Bayou Inc. was formed in 1984 by Mr. Mac McVay, Lynn Edwards now heads it up and has made it a mission to see these passes reopened. She and engineers have worked tirelessly with all agencies concerned to meet their specific requirements in order to obtain the permit from the USCOE to begin dredging.

I think Dr. Larry McKinney said it best in a issue of the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine July 2002.
"The passes are critical to fisheries of all kinds. The mixing of fresh water from river inflows with sea water entering the bays and estuaries though the passes creates differences in salinity levels that are necessary for completion of the life cycle of 90% of our recreational and commercially important fish. If you put a cork in the bottle and the developing fish can't get into and out of the bays, they can't complete their life cycle."

I concur with Mr McKinney, but I'm puzzled by his comment letter to the USCOE in response to the application which you can read below. I also think it's a bit suspicious that on June 13th 2007 there was an on site survey conducted with all these agencies and two land managers that represent the private landowners on St. Jose Island, and no one from Save Cedar Bayou Inc was informed or invited to attend. The land managers stated that Vinson Slough is open during high tide periods and was open as recent as early June, I'd like to see proof.

• The original permit application.
• Dept. of the Army's response.
• Dept. of Commerce comment letter.
• Dept. of Interior comment letter.
• Texas Commission on Environmental Quality comment letter.
• Texas Parks and Wildlife comment letter.
• US Environmental Protection Agency comment letter

There are several conservation agencies that fully support and have contributed to the effort including CCA, SEA, and RFA to name a few. With so many in support of this project I'd like to know how our entrusted officials made one site visit with the land owners representatives and decided it was a bad idea to go forward.

Right now Save Cedar Bayou Inc. is anticipating a grant to do the additional research that has been requested, if you'd like to help, Lynn Edwards can be reached at tinfish@awesomenet.net

To learn more about the issue feel free to visit the Save Cedar Bayou Discussion Forum.

Cedar Bayou Pass and Politics

Vinson Slough was 1100 feet wide and Cedar Bayou was almost 900 feet wide in 1968 before it was closed in 1979 by the General Land Office.
Note the water through St. Jose Island. These wetlands are vital to numerous species survival. These passes were migration paths that connected the gulf to Mesquite, Aransas, Carlos, and San Antonio Bays. The closest access point to the gulf now is some twenty miles south in Port Aransas.





This is the 22,000 acres of wetlands that we have lost. Note the sand when there should be water. Lynn Edwards with Save Cedar Bayou Inc. wants to correct this wrong that was created by man, but there are several agencies bent on preventing it from happening. While all elements of our environment are important, the grass wouldn't be there if these passes hadn't been closed. The very agencies entrusted with protecting our resources have literally requested that the permit be denied until more research is done to protect grasses that have grown where water used to flow.





Save Cedar Bayou Inc. was formed in 1984 by Mr. Mac McVay, Lynn Edwards now heads it up and has made it a mission to see these passes reopened. She and engineers have worked tirelessly with all agencies concerned to meet their specific requirements in order to obtain the permit from the USCOE to begin dredging.

I think Dr. Larry McKinney said it best in a issue of the Texas Parks and Wildlife magazine July 2002.
"The passes are critical to fisheries of all kinds. The mixing of fresh water from river inflows with sea water entering the bays and estuaries though the passes creates differences in salinity levels that are necessary for completion of the life cycle of 90% of our recreational and commercially important fish. If you put a cork in the bottle and the developing fish can't get into and out of the bays, they can't complete their life cycle."

I concur with Mr McKinney, but I'm puzzled by his comment letter to the USCOE in response to the application.

Wade Fishing Essentials

Wade fishing has really exploded over the past few years. There’s something about slipping into the water and becoming “one” with creation, it’s therapeutic in more ways than one. And for those that like to live a little faster, there’s nothing like stepping off dry land and becoming part of the food chain. But I imagine one of the biggest reasons people wade fish would be stealth.

If you're looking to jump in then there are few things you'll need to know before you head to the coast.

If you plan to wade in the colder months you’ll need a good pair of waders. There are a lot of different brands available and I definitely have a preference but the most important thing to consider when shopping for waders is how they fit. You’ll want them to fit snug, and you’ll want to wear a belt. If for some reason you go down, this will prevent them from filling with water and becoming an anchor. For the colder months you might consider neoprene waders to help keep warm. In the warmer months waders aren’t really necessary, but if you prefer to wear them I’d recommend a good pair of breathable waders to help stay cool.

If you choose not to wear waders in the warmer months you will most likely want to invest in a good pair of wading shoes. An old pair of sneakers will work just fine but be sure they are high tops. You will be wading through mud and shell at some point and need something that won’t get pulled off your feet, and will withstand the sharp edges of the shell.

You’ll also want to consider a wading belt to carry your gear. And again there are many different brands and options available. Some things to consider when choosing a wading belt are fit and storage. Wading can take its toll after several hours; you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible, so choose a belt that fits well. Some are even designed to offer back support, and after a couple of long days on the water you will understand why.

You’ll also need to carry extra tackle. Get a belt that has a storage compartment attached. A lot of them come as a package deal, they include things such as pliers and a stringer, and various other items that you’ll need while wading.

You’ll want a long stringer. I use a 10’ stringer when I decide to keep a few for the frying pan. The reason is, if I encounter a shark that wants to eat the fish on my stringer, then I’ll want those fish as far away from me as possible. And although it’s rare, it does happen.

I also carry a small dip net while wading to help land the fish, it’s not always necessary but will definitely come in handy in a pinch.

Remember to slide your feet along the bottom, also know as the sting ray shuffle. To prevent yourself from stepping on the back of an unsuspecting sting ray and getting stuck. And as you move through the water, remember to take it nice and slow to avoid making too much noise. Remember, even if you can’t hear yourself, the fish can. So take it easy to avoid spooking them.

These are just tips but should be a good starting point for anyone looking to “think outside the boat”.

J.Dean

www.texasflats.net