3/31/25 – In the first two parts of this “Wastelands to Wetlands” series, I presented a vision for restoration of the San Jacinto West Fork and listed all the various parties who have an interest in the effort and could help. But how do you coordinate them? Who would take responsibility/authority for ensuring restoration? And how would you measure their success? That is the focus of this post.
My purpose is to start a dialogue that gets people moving in the direction of a solution. I don’t claim to have all the answers. Nor do I believe that this is the only way to get to a solution.
Need for Leader to Guide Restoration
Right now, no group or leader exists for such an effort. But restoration will never happen unless someone takes the initiative (or has the responsibility) to turn ideas into action.
In business, I learned that if you put two people in charge of a project, no one is in charge. Right now, we have more than a dozen groups theoretically in charge of permitting various aspects of restoration. But none is in charge of oversight and coordination. That’s a problem.
Do We Use Existing Group or Start New One?
Several contenders for the job already exist. But do they have the knowledge, skills, funding and desire to take on the additional work?
The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) theoretically has the authority. And they have established a flood management division. But do they have the desire to take on the environmental restoration job? They architected a massive Master Drainage Plan for the entire river basin. But after more than four years, they have yet to implement one recommendation from it. SJRA seems focused on capturing water in Lake Conroe and selling it.
Further downstream, the Coastal Water Authority has the responsibility for managing Lake Houston. But no one has given them responsibility for fixing upstream issues between the two lakes that pollute their water.
Unless one of these two groups accepts restoration as a mission and dedicates the resources to achieving it, we need to create another authority responsible for the area between Lake Conroe and Lake Houston – a West Fork Restoration Authority.
Mission Defined
Their mission: turn wastelands into wetlands. How? 1) Restore abandoned mines using a combination of grants and matching funds dedicated to the effort by the state legislature. 2) Monitor active mines to ensure they comply with their abandonment plans when the time comes. 3) Coordinate the efforts of all affected parties to ensure they are additive and contribute to the long-range plan over time.
Creating such an authority would require action by the state legislature in 2027. It’s too late for this session.
Board Structure
A board appointed by the governor and affected parties, such as the City of Houston, Montgomery County, the mining industry, and residents, could manage the West Fork Restoration Authority.
Suggested Success Metrics
How would they measure success? Here’s a list of major needs, metrics, and milestones.
A) Completion of business plan
B) Acquisition of staff
C) Completion of engineering study
D) Design of solution and component parts
E) Costs estimates
F) Publication of long-term plan with stages/tasks outlined
G) Successful grant applications, funds raised
H) Permits obtained
I) Acres revegetated
J) Linear feet of trails installed
K) Reduction of erosion
L) Water-quality improvements
M) Publication of quarterly and annual progress reports
N) Creation of case study that communicates knowledge gained to guide similar efforts elsewhere
Time Limited
The State’s Sunset Commission would review the Restoration Authority at regular intervals (currently 12 years) and dissolve it after completion of its job or for lack of progress.
Need
Do we need such an Authority? In my opinion, YES! The economic future of the region depends on eliminating the blight that contributes to flooding. The West Fork has:
Approximately 20 square miles of sand mines, many abandoned, between Lake Houston and I-45
Become completely blocked in some areas
Broken through the dikes of at least five sand mines.
Hallett Mine on West Fork. Picture taken March 19, 2025.Pit in foreground has been captured by river, cutting off normal channel to right.
We need the area’s elected leaders to work together to restore the West Fork as mines like the one above play out and the miners move on to other areas.
We need their help in turning Wastelands into Wetlands. Otherwise, the next generation will be stuck with the situation below.
Confluence of Spring Creek (left) and West Fork (right) with its 20 square miles of sand mines. Photo taken in January 2025
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/31/25
2771 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20250319-DJI_20250319102634_0380_D.jpg?fit=1100%2C619&ssl=16191100adminadmin2025-03-31 15:26:012025-03-31 15:27:27Wastelands to Wetlands, Part III: Turning Ideas into Action
West Fork Sand Mine illustrates need for vegetative controls to reduce erosion.
The idea: create a mile-wide, 20-mile long natural recreational area between I-45 and I-69 with lakes and ponds, all connected by hike-and-bike trails. It would be called the Montgomery County Lake District. And it would connect to the West Fork and Spring Creek Greenways.
Together, we could restore the natural beauty of the area, increase its recreational potential, improve water quality, reduce flooding, reduce erosion and attract responsible development. If successful, the plan would improve home values and also bring back wildlife.
Thousands of snow geese fill the sky near Galveston Bayduring their fall migration.
It could be a win-win for all parties involved. People would rather live near nature than an abandoned sand pit.
Of course, a vision is just the glue that guides the efforts of many different parties as they work together for years to achieve common goals. The first step in achieving such a vision is to identify and enroll stakeholders.
Collaborating with local communities, environmental organizations, and government agencies will ensure the project aligns with regional needs and regulations.
Who Are The Stakeholders?
Several different groups have a stake in the restoration of the San Jacinto West Fork. In addition to those who benefit directly, other groups could help with funding, permits and sweat equity.
Stakeholders That Benefit Directly
Sand Miners – They own or lease the land that needs restoration and they have the equipment onsite to do it. They have profited from the land. And they want to continue profiting from other natural resources in fast-growing Montgomery County.
City of Houston – Reducing sedimentation will improve water quality, reduce water treatment costs, reduce dredging costs, and help maintain the volume of Lake Houston.
Montgomery County – Wants to attract responsible development, increase its tax base, and provide a lasting legacy for future generations.
Residents – In surrounding communities, especially residents who flooded.
Permitting Authorities
The Army Corps of Engineers requires Clean Water Act Section 404 Permits for most work in wetlands or navigable waters, especially if filling or reshaping pits.
If federal funds are used, a National Environmental Policy Act assessment may be required.
TCEQ Water Quality Certification (401 Permit) often goes with the 404 permit, especially if water discharge or sediment transport is involved.
Sand and Gravel Reclamation Permit – If the mine was never officially closed, you may need to coordinate with the Railroad Commission of Texas or TCEQ for reclamation compliance.
Montgomery County Floodplain Development Permit – Required for any earthwork, construction, or grading in a floodplain area.
San Jacinto River Authority – May need to review plans that affect the river channel or hydrology.
State of Texas Agencies
Texas Parks and Wildlife provides local park grants for turning reclaimed land into public parks or recreation areas.
Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) manages the Clean Water State Revolving Fund. It offers low-interest loans (and sometimes partial forgiveness) for water quality-related projects, like constructed wetlands or erosion control.
FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) For projects that reduce risk from natural disasters, especially flooding.
EPA Wetland Program Development Grants Supports planning, monitoring, and restoration of wetland areas.
USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) Offers funding for conservation easements or habitat restoration, especially on flood-prone or riparian land.
USFWS Partners for Fish and Wildlife Program Great if you’re turning pits into wildlife habitat — offers funding and technical help.
Conservation Groups and Non-Profits
Bayou Land Conservancy – A powerful environmental group in this area that works with land owners and manages conservation easements. Several sand miners have already donated land to them.
Mitigation banking: You can restore floodplain/wetland habitat and sell credits to developers who need to offset their impact elsewhere.
Eco-tourism partnerships: Partner with outfitters, RV parks, or fishing shops to co-invest in recreation-focused sites.
Corporate sponsorships: Regional companies (e.g., energy or construction) might fund park or conservation work as part of their environmental and social commitments.
High Schools and Local Colleges
Restoration could involve outdoor classrooms for students from local high schools and colleges. Teachers could give natural science credit to students who helped on the project, i.e., with planting wildflowers and trees. Students also provide an efficient way to reach and motivate their parents.
Next Steps
Clearly, a wide range of people, companies, agencies and non-profits have an interest in working together to transform the San Jacinto wastelands to wetlands.
The San Jacinto West Fork has been named one of America’s most endangered rivers because of sand mining. We need to fix it. And sooner, rather than later.
In my next Wasteland-to-Wetlands post, I will outline a plan for achieving the vision. We need an organization that can bring all of these groups together and a path to success.
Transforming sand to sanctuaries, and wastelands into wetlands, won’t be simple or quick. But we can and must restore the river. It will make a huge difference for our children and grandchildren.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/30/25
2770 Days since Hurricane Harvey
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/20081214-Snow-Geese-2972.jpg?fit=1100%2C731&ssl=17311100adminadmin2025-03-30 12:59:552025-03-30 12:59:56Wastelands to Wetlands, Part II: San Jacinto West Fork Stakeholders
3/29/25 – Every time I fly over the San Jacinto West Fork, I wonder, “What would it take to transform all the wastelands to wetlands again?”
Typical scene along banks of San Jacinto West Fork between I-69 and I-45.
That burning question has guided much of my research for the last eight years. I don’t have all the details worked out, but I would like to share a vision for restoring the area’s:
Natural beauty
Recreational potential
Ability to:
Reduce flooding and sedimentation
Attract economic development.
The restoration would be incremental and generational. It will not happen overnight. And the timing will, no doubt, depend on how much sand remains.
All the more reason for all parties to agree on a vision that can guide future restoration and redevelopment. So, let me propose a vision to start the debate and stimulate ideas. All of us are smarter than one of us.
The Vision
I would like to see a mile-wide, 20-mile long recreational area between I-45 and I-69 with lakes and ponds, all connected by hike-and-bike trails. It would be called the Montgomery County Lake District. And it would connect to the West Fork and Spring Creek Greenways.
Dense forests/wetlands in Lake Houston Park on East Fork represent potential of nature to reduce flooding and sedimentation.
Such an area would feature kayak launches and fishing piers. It would also feature covered pavilions, restrooms and parking lots in the higher elevations near the edges of the preserve.
Constructed wetlands would filter runoff from nearby developments.
Image of great egret in breeding plumage captured at High Island
The floodplains would be planted with native grasses, wildflowers, and flood-resilient trees such as willow and bald cypress.
Some of the pavilions might even have educational exhibits that explain about restoration efforts and the native wildlife.
To put this concept in perspective, Lake Houston Park – not far away on the East Fork – is already the largest urban nature park in North America. The area in the floodplains and floodway of the West Fork between 59 and 45 could be TWO TO THREE TIMES LARGER. Restoring and preserving it could draw national attention to Montgomery County and Houston as a role model.
What Would It Take?
From an exclusively physical point of view, turning old sand mines into sanctuaries would likely require the actions below. (I’ll discuss financial, permitting, legislative and other needs in future posts.)
With effort, the sand pits could be transformed into giant detention basins that hold hundreds, if not thousands, of acre feet of stormwater during floods. They could also intercept sediment carried downstream by the river during floods.
The design would likely incorporate overflow weirs to accommodate flood pulses.
For safety and flood resilience, we would need to regrade the pits. The edges should be shallow and gradual. Avoid sharp drop-offs that could challenge young swimmers or waders.
Gradual slopes also help with replanting native vegetation. We should use dense plantings of native trees and wildflowers to create visual buffers.
The area would also feature educational signage along trails to encourage outdoor activities, environmental awareness and collective action.
We should collectively buy and preserve any not-yet-spoiled land between the mines also, so trails can be continuous along the entire length of the river.
Make Miners Part of the Solution
Prior to a mine’s closing, miners should re-contour any high, steep pitwalls, overburden piles, or embankments. Slopes should not exceed a 2:1 (50%) grade, with gentler 3:1 slopes preferred to enhance stability and allow vegetation to take hold.
Avoid long, continuous slopes to reduce erosion and break them up with terraces to facilitate seeding and maintenance.
Where runoff concentrates, install lined channels or rock chutes to convey water safely downslope without gullying. Use riprap to protect outlets, dissipate energy and prevent scour.
As mines near the end of their producing life, begin revegetating all areas not occupied by water bodies. Reclaim the land progressively in phases, as production ends in one part of the mine and continues elsewhere. Prompt reclamation prevents abandoned pits from becoming illegal dump sites.
Mines need to demobilize all equipment and remove industrial materials, fuel tanks, maintenance shops, debris piles, etc. The final land surface should be free of trash, waste and equipment.
Abandoned dredge, West Fork Sand Mine in Humble.
The goal: a stable site with self-sustaining vegetation, no significant sediment leaving the property, and no uncontrolled discharges into the West Fork or its tributaries.
All these recommendations are consistent with TCEQ Best Management Practices for Sand Mining in the San Jacinto Watershed and case studies from around the world.
Additional Efforts
A vision is just the glue that guides the efforts of many different parties as they work together to achieve common goals. Of course, creating such a transformation takes more than a vision. It takes sweat, money and leadership. So we also need to:
Identify and Enroll Stakeholders
Engage Engineers to Develop a Design
Obtain Permits from Multiple Levels of Government
Initiate Legislative Efforts to Create a Redevelopment Authority/District
Raise Funds and Apply for Grants
Provide for Ongoing Maintenance
I’ll discuss these additional topics in future posts to keep the length of this one manageable.
Please stay with me and share these posts with friends, families and neighbors. Also, please contribute your own ideas through the contact form of this website.
Together, we can turn sand into sanctuaries and wastelands into wetlands again.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/29/25
2769 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.
https://i0.wp.com/reduceflooding.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/20140322-20140322-20140322-_RJR5665.jpg?fit=1100%2C732&ssl=17321100adminadmin2025-03-29 19:38:462025-03-30 12:03:06Wastelands to Wetlands: A Vision for Restoring the San Jacinto West Fork
Wastelands to Wetlands, Part III: Turning Ideas into Action
3/31/25 – In the first two parts of this “Wastelands to Wetlands” series, I presented a vision for restoration of the San Jacinto West Fork and listed all the various parties who have an interest in the effort and could help. But how do you coordinate them? Who would take responsibility/authority for ensuring restoration? And how would you measure their success? That is the focus of this post.
My purpose is to start a dialogue that gets people moving in the direction of a solution. I don’t claim to have all the answers. Nor do I believe that this is the only way to get to a solution.
Need for Leader to Guide Restoration
Right now, no group or leader exists for such an effort. But restoration will never happen unless someone takes the initiative (or has the responsibility) to turn ideas into action.
In business, I learned that if you put two people in charge of a project, no one is in charge. Right now, we have more than a dozen groups theoretically in charge of permitting various aspects of restoration. But none is in charge of oversight and coordination. That’s a problem.
Do We Use Existing Group or Start New One?
Several contenders for the job already exist. But do they have the knowledge, skills, funding and desire to take on the additional work?
The San Jacinto River Authority (SJRA) theoretically has the authority. And they have established a flood management division. But do they have the desire to take on the environmental restoration job? They architected a massive Master Drainage Plan for the entire river basin. But after more than four years, they have yet to implement one recommendation from it. SJRA seems focused on capturing water in Lake Conroe and selling it.
Further downstream, the Coastal Water Authority has the responsibility for managing Lake Houston. But no one has given them responsibility for fixing upstream issues between the two lakes that pollute their water.
Unless one of these two groups accepts restoration as a mission and dedicates the resources to achieving it, we need to create another authority responsible for the area between Lake Conroe and Lake Houston – a West Fork Restoration Authority.
Mission Defined
Their mission: turn wastelands into wetlands. How? 1) Restore abandoned mines using a combination of grants and matching funds dedicated to the effort by the state legislature. 2) Monitor active mines to ensure they comply with their abandonment plans when the time comes. 3) Coordinate the efforts of all affected parties to ensure they are additive and contribute to the long-range plan over time.
Creating such an authority would require action by the state legislature in 2027. It’s too late for this session.
Board Structure
A board appointed by the governor and affected parties, such as the City of Houston, Montgomery County, the mining industry, and residents, could manage the West Fork Restoration Authority.
Suggested Success Metrics
How would they measure success? Here’s a list of major needs, metrics, and milestones.
Time Limited
The State’s Sunset Commission would review the Restoration Authority at regular intervals (currently 12 years) and dissolve it after completion of its job or for lack of progress.
Need
Do we need such an Authority? In my opinion, YES! The economic future of the region depends on eliminating the blight that contributes to flooding. The West Fork has:
The American Rivers organization named the West Fork one of the most endangered rivers in America.
And we still have not completed a $200 million dredging program that began in 2018.
Back in 2019, I posted 72 pictures that showed the extent of sand mining on the West Fork. Sadly, not much has changed since then. In fact, things have gotten worse.
We need the area’s elected leaders to work together to restore the West Fork as mines like the one above play out and the miners move on to other areas.
We need their help in turning Wastelands into Wetlands. Otherwise, the next generation will be stuck with the situation below.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/31/25
2771 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Wastelands to Wetlands, Part II: San Jacinto West Fork Stakeholders
3/30/25 – Yesterday, I outlined a vision for transforming the San Jacinto sand pits from wastelands to wetlands.
The idea: create a mile-wide, 20-mile long natural recreational area between I-45 and I-69 with lakes and ponds, all connected by hike-and-bike trails. It would be called the Montgomery County Lake District. And it would connect to the West Fork and Spring Creek Greenways.
Together, we could restore the natural beauty of the area, increase its recreational potential, improve water quality, reduce flooding, reduce erosion and attract responsible development. If successful, the plan would improve home values and also bring back wildlife.
It could be a win-win for all parties involved. People would rather live near nature than an abandoned sand pit.
Of course, a vision is just the glue that guides the efforts of many different parties as they work together for years to achieve common goals. The first step in achieving such a vision is to identify and enroll stakeholders.
Collaborating with local communities, environmental organizations, and government agencies will ensure the project aligns with regional needs and regulations.
Who Are The Stakeholders?
Several different groups have a stake in the restoration of the San Jacinto West Fork. In addition to those who benefit directly, other groups could help with funding, permits and sweat equity.
Stakeholders That Benefit Directly
Permitting Authorities
State of Texas Agencies
Federal Government Grants and Programs
For projects that reduce risk from natural disasters, especially flooding.
Supports planning, monitoring, and restoration of wetland areas.
Offers funding for conservation easements or habitat restoration, especially on flood-prone or riparian land.
Great if you’re turning pits into wildlife habitat — offers funding and technical help.
Conservation Groups and Non-Profits
Private Sector
High Schools and Local Colleges
Restoration could involve outdoor classrooms for students from local high schools and colleges. Teachers could give natural science credit to students who helped on the project, i.e., with planting wildflowers and trees. Students also provide an efficient way to reach and motivate their parents.
Next Steps
Clearly, a wide range of people, companies, agencies and non-profits have an interest in working together to transform the San Jacinto wastelands to wetlands.
The San Jacinto West Fork has been named one of America’s most endangered rivers because of sand mining. We need to fix it. And sooner, rather than later.
In my next Wasteland-to-Wetlands post, I will outline a plan for achieving the vision. We need an organization that can bring all of these groups together and a path to success.
Transforming sand to sanctuaries, and wastelands into wetlands, won’t be simple or quick. But we can and must restore the river. It will make a huge difference for our children and grandchildren.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/30/25
2770 Days since Hurricane Harvey
Wastelands to Wetlands: A Vision for Restoring the San Jacinto West Fork
3/29/25 – Every time I fly over the San Jacinto West Fork, I wonder, “What would it take to transform all the wastelands to wetlands again?”
That burning question has guided much of my research for the last eight years. I don’t have all the details worked out, but I would like to share a vision for restoring the area’s:
The restoration would be incremental and generational. It will not happen overnight. And the timing will, no doubt, depend on how much sand remains.
All the more reason for all parties to agree on a vision that can guide future restoration and redevelopment. So, let me propose a vision to start the debate and stimulate ideas. All of us are smarter than one of us.
The Vision
I would like to see a mile-wide, 20-mile long recreational area between I-45 and I-69 with lakes and ponds, all connected by hike-and-bike trails. It would be called the Montgomery County Lake District. And it would connect to the West Fork and Spring Creek Greenways.
Such an area would feature kayak launches and fishing piers. It would also feature covered pavilions, restrooms and parking lots in the higher elevations near the edges of the preserve.
Constructed wetlands would filter runoff from nearby developments.
Islands in the larger lakes and ponds would attract birds and bird watchers, much like the Houston Audubon Society’s Smith Oaks Sanctuary in High Island.
The floodplains would be planted with native grasses, wildflowers, and flood-resilient trees such as willow and bald cypress.
Some of the pavilions might even have educational exhibits that explain about restoration efforts and the native wildlife.
To put this concept in perspective, Lake Houston Park – not far away on the East Fork – is already the largest urban nature park in North America. The area in the floodplains and floodway of the West Fork between 59 and 45 could be TWO TO THREE TIMES LARGER. Restoring and preserving it could draw national attention to Montgomery County and Houston as a role model.
What Would It Take?
From an exclusively physical point of view, turning old sand mines into sanctuaries would likely require the actions below. (I’ll discuss financial, permitting, legislative and other needs in future posts.)
With effort, the sand pits could be transformed into giant detention basins that hold hundreds, if not thousands, of acre feet of stormwater during floods. They could also intercept sediment carried downstream by the river during floods.
The design would likely incorporate overflow weirs to accommodate flood pulses.
For safety and flood resilience, we would need to regrade the pits. The edges should be shallow and gradual. Avoid sharp drop-offs that could challenge young swimmers or waders.
Gradual slopes also help with replanting native vegetation. We should use dense plantings of native trees and wildflowers to create visual buffers.
The area would also feature educational signage along trails to encourage outdoor activities, environmental awareness and collective action.
We should collectively buy and preserve any not-yet-spoiled land between the mines also, so trails can be continuous along the entire length of the river.
Make Miners Part of the Solution
Prior to a mine’s closing, miners should re-contour any high, steep pitwalls, overburden piles, or embankments. Slopes should not exceed a 2:1 (50%) grade, with gentler 3:1 slopes preferred to enhance stability and allow vegetation to take hold.
Avoid long, continuous slopes to reduce erosion and break them up with terraces to facilitate seeding and maintenance.
Where runoff concentrates, install lined channels or rock chutes to convey water safely downslope without gullying. Use riprap to protect outlets, dissipate energy and prevent scour.
As mines near the end of their producing life, begin revegetating all areas not occupied by water bodies. Reclaim the land progressively in phases, as production ends in one part of the mine and continues elsewhere. Prompt reclamation prevents abandoned pits from becoming illegal dump sites.
Mines need to demobilize all equipment and remove industrial materials, fuel tanks, maintenance shops, debris piles, etc. The final land surface should be free of trash, waste and equipment.
The goal: a stable site with self-sustaining vegetation, no significant sediment leaving the property, and no uncontrolled discharges into the West Fork or its tributaries.
All these recommendations are consistent with TCEQ Best Management Practices for Sand Mining in the San Jacinto Watershed and case studies from around the world.
Additional Efforts
A vision is just the glue that guides the efforts of many different parties as they work together to achieve common goals. Of course, creating such a transformation takes more than a vision. It takes sweat, money and leadership. So we also need to:
I’ll discuss these additional topics in future posts to keep the length of this one manageable.
Please stay with me and share these posts with friends, families and neighbors. Also, please contribute your own ideas through the contact form of this website.
Together, we can turn sand into sanctuaries and wastelands into wetlands again.
Posted by Bob Rehak on 3/29/25
2769 Days since Hurricane Harvey
The thoughts expressed in this post represent opinions on matters of public concern and safety. They are protected by the First Amendment of the US Constitution and the Anti-SLAPP Statute of the Great State of Texas.