Project Description:

The Matagorda Bay Foundation, in collaboration with the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory and support from the Texas General Land Office, is working to protect an ecologically important dune system near the LCRA Nature Park on Matagorda Beach. This area provides critical nesting habitat for coastal bird species like Wilson’s plover—but is currently under threat from off-road vehicle traffic, including 4x4s and ATVs that damage dunes and disturb nesting birds. 

The Vision: 
Our goal is to preserve this sensitive dune ecosystem by placing bollards and cables around the habitat to prevent vehicle access while allowing continued public enjoyment of the beach. If successful, the project will also include outreach and educational programming in partnership with TGLO to raise awareness about protecting shorebird nesting areas. 

Project Highlights: 

• The dune area was formed from newly accreted land after jetty construction at the mouth of the Colorado River (2010–2011). 

• Extensive coordination has taken place with TGLO, LCRA, Matagorda County Precinct 2, USACE, and private landowners. 

• MBF worked with surveyors and legal experts to resolve complicated property ownership questions; no recorded owner has been identified to date. 

• A real estate attorney has advised MBF on the legal pathway for protection efforts to proceed. 

• Cost estimates have been requested, and discussions are ongoing with TxDOT and contractors for possible use of repurposed materials. 

• MBF is pursuing CMP grant funding and exploring the use of remaining funds from the Matagorda Bay Mitigation Trust (MBMT) as matching support. 

Despite challenges in ownership documentation and funding, the project remains a high priority for MBF and its partners due to its strong ecological value and potential to serve as a model for future coastal conservation.