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“Consistent with the United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Texas Chenier Plain Refuge Complex (Refuge Complex) Final Environmental Impact Statement, Comprehensive Conservation Plan and Land Protection Plan (USFWS 2008), USFWS is proposing to improve reservoir management and marsh conditions within Big Reservoir and the Star Lake Unit of McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge (MNWR) by restoring freshwater flow into Star Lake with a siphon. A set of inverted siphons will be installed under the GIWW from Big Reservoir on the north side of the GIWW into the MNWR on the south side of the GIWW. A water conveyance ditch would be constructed within the refuge on the south side of the GIWW to connect the siphon outlet to the Star Lake Unit of MNWR and facilitate water inflow and outflow. Water will be diverted east from the Star Lake Unit via an existing water control structure structure
Something temporarily or permanently constructed, built, or placed; and constructed of natural or manufactured parts including, but not limited to, a building, shed, cabin, porch, bridge, walkway, stair steps, sign, landing, platform, dock, rack, fence, telecommunication device, antennae, fish cleaning table, satellite dish/mount, or well head.

Learn more about structure on 5-mile cut and on into Clam Lake which feeds into the rest of the Salt Bayou watershed or can be diverted west across the Star Lake Unit near the western end of the watershed. This project will result in significant flows of freshwater being reintroduced into the Salt Bayou watershed at its upper end and flowing its way through the watershed, mimicking historic flows and restoring historic salinity gradients.

The Draft Environmental Assessment analyzing potential effects of the proposed project on the natural and human environments is enclosed for your review and comment.  The comment period ends on August 18, 2025. Please send comments to DESCO at P.O Box 1490, Magnolia, TX 77353 or [email protected] and include “RE: MNWR Star Lake Siphonâ€� on the envelope or in the subject line of your email.â€�