top of page

Preserving a Key Forested Haven: The Spears Bottomland Hardwood Tract Added to the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge

txcpartners

Oyster Creek on the Spears tract
Oyster Creek on the Spears tract


On December 30, 2005, a crucial piece of the Columbia Bottomlands puzzle fell into place with the successful addition of the Spears bottomland hardwood tract to the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge as a conservation easement donation. A conservation easement on most of the tract was donated to the service by the owners. However, under the terms of the easement donation a portion of the land could still be developed by the fee owners, and an access road through the property could also be constructed. Then in October of 2021 the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service acquired the fee title at a reduced price since the Service already owned the conservation easement to the property. By purchasing the fee ownership, the Service has prevented the possible partial development of the property if continually held in private ownership. The land can now be fully managed and permanently protected by the Service as a unit of the refuge. With fee title ownership by the Service, compatible public access and uses can also be established, including foot and canoe trails, refuge environmental education programs, and compatible permitted use of the land for scientific wildlife research


A Critical Link in a Forested Landscape

The Spears tract, characterized by dense hardwood forests and low-lying wetlands, is more than just another protected property—it’s a link connecting existing refuge units and helping form a more robust ecological corridor. Within these broad canopies of green ash, oaks, and hickories, each season is alive with activity: warblers sing in the spring, wood ducks find nesting hollows, and white-tailed deer forage among the understory.


The Columbia Bottomlands are globally significant for migrating birds that rely on these sheltered woodlands as a layover after crossing the Gulf of Mexico. The Spears tract’s abundance of native fruits, seeds, and insects offers vital nourishment, while its thick foliage provides cover and rest. When unpredictable storms or strong headwinds disrupt migration, habitats like the Spears tract become lifelines for birds that must refuel before continuing their journey north or south.


Bolstering Water and Wildlife Resources

Bottomland forests like this one play key roles in regional hydrology and water quality. Their flood-tolerant trees and understory vegetation capture and store floodwaters, gradually releasing them into creeks and rivers, and ultimately into coastal estuaries. This natural cycle reduces downstream flooding and erosion while enhancing groundwater recharge—benefits that extend to local ranches, farms, and nearby communities.


The Spears property’s protection helps ensure that the delicate balance of freshwater inflows reaching the Gulf of Mexico remains stable, supporting estuarine life and coastal fisheries. In an era of development and habitat fragmentation, each newly protected tract like the Spears property acts as a bulwark against ecological decline.


Collaborative Conservation at its Best

The preservation of the Spears tract reflects the synergy of multiple partners. Federal funding from the Land And Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) combined with contributions from private foundations and nonprofits, enabled this and other purchases. Nancy Unbehaun, Realty Specialist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service on this project, did an amazing job of securing the LWCF funds and guided the project through the Federal purchase process. Each stakeholder brought unique strengths—funding, scientific expertise, long-range planning that together made the acquisition possible.


By working collectively, they ensured that this tract will remain a haven for wildlife and a resource for people who value outdoor recreation, bird watching, photography, and simply experiencing nature’s quiet beauty.


The Power of Long-Term Commitment

Mike Lange—a long-time wildlife biologist and consultant for land conservation, also worked on this project while serving as a biologist for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Through persistent outreach, relationship-building with landowners, and expert guidance on funding sources, Lange and his colleague Tom Smith, who worked for the National Wildlife Refuge Foundation, helped unite public, private, and philanthropic resources behind this acquisition.


Such persistence underscores that these conservation achievements often arise from patient, steady, collaborative effort. The Spears tract acquisition illustrates three pillars at the heart of long-term conservation success: trust-building, collaboration, and effectively communicating the ecological and community benefits of habitat preservation.



Appraiser Jim Jeffries on the Spears tract
Appraiser Jim Jeffries on the Spears tract

A Future for the Columbia Bottomlands

As each piece of the Columbia Bottomlands puzzle falls into place, the long-term vision of connecting these forests into a thriving, resilient network of protected habitats becomes clearer. Each success story—like the Spears bottomland hardwood tract—reinforces the potential of strategic conservation to yield tangible ecological, economic, and cultural benefits.


The addition of the Spears tract secures crucial habitat not only for present-day wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts but also for future generations. As more landowners consider partnering with conservation professionals, the hope is that each newly preserved property will inspire others, ensuring that the Columbia Bottomlands—and all who depend on this ecosystem—continue to flourish.


Map of the Spears tract in the Columbia Bottomlands
Map of the Spears tract in the Columbia Bottomlands

For more information on efforts to conserve bottomland hardwood habitats or to learn how you can support ongoing efforts, please consider reaching out to North American Conservation Partners. Every step toward safeguarding these forests is an investment in the vitality and diversity of our natural heritage.

3 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page