Big Thicket National Preserve
A nature-based solution to dealing with extreme coastal storms and flooding
In 2017, Hurricane Harvey dropped up to 60 inches of rain in parts of coastal Texas. The resulting devastation drew attention to the need for better floodwater mitigation and management.
Hurricane Harvey brought historic amounts of rainfall to coastal Texas, with some areas receiving up to 60 inches of rain.
Just 90 miles east of Houston lies Big Thicket National Preserve, which was designated in 1974 as a "string of pearls" to protect a unique group of ecosystems and the species endemic to them in a landscape fragmented by commercial forestry and fossil fuel extraction. These ecosystems span 4 distinct ecoregions and include longleaf pine savannas home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, cypress wetlands, and biodiverse hardwood hammocks. All told, the preserve is home to 900 species, 14 of which are considered threatened or endangered by the state or federal government.
Big Thicket National Preserve encompasses 4 distinct EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) Ecoregions (L4), which the EPA defines as "areas where ecosystems (and the type, quality, and quantity of environmental resources) are generally similar." Ecoregion descriptions adapted from EPA definitions. Images © NPS
Big Thicket plays a vital role not only in conserving important ecosystems and wildlife, but also in providing critical flood control services for neighboring communities. The preserve did not escape the storm unscathed - to the contrary, it experienced unprecedented flooding. However, the ecosystems and habitat within the preserve acted like a massive sponge, helping to contain flood waters, slow them down, and infiltrate them into the soil. This helped reduce devastation from flooding in the downstream community of Beaumont.
"None of the park buildings were damaged, [and] although damage to the preserve’s infrastructure was significant in some areas… three days later, the park opened to the public with limited access." Big Thicket Association Bulletin 136
Hurricane Harvey washed out infrastructure in Big Thicket National Preserve. Images © NPS
The ability of these natural ecosystems to manage and buffer floodwaters stands in contrast to traditional flood management techniques that seek to concentrate and move water. When you combine these traditional techniques with impermeable surfaces in developed areas that don’t allow water to enter the ground, flooding can quickly get out of control.
Nature-based flood mitigation at Big Thicket involves reconnecting the rivers and streams with floodplains and wetlands so that when extreme events occur, the landscape can store and slow water. Graphic © NPS
Climate models show that the climate in southeast Texas is already experiencing stronger and intense storms each year. Over the last 50 year, the amount of rainfall on the wettest days has increased 15% (1). Scientists predict heavier precipitation and rapid development will increase urban flooding in southeast Texas 30-50% by 2036 (2). To deal with this increased flooding risk, we need to invest in resilient nature-based solutions.
Just the increase from a category 1 hurricane to a category 2 storm would dramatically increase storm surge impacts at Big Thicket. Move the slider bar back and forth to see how the change in storm surge could affect the park. Maps © Caffrey and Beavers (2015)
Natural areas like Big Thicket exemplify nature-based solutions to mitigate impacts of flooding for the region, while providing economic benefits through recreation. In its current, narrow, “string of pearls,” configuration, the preserve is not able to meet its full potential. For more than a decade, NPCA (National Parks Conservation Association) has led volunteer efforts to restore the Big Thicket floodplain by planting more than 200,000 native longleaf pine trees in the preserve and conserving thousands of acres. Together, these actions make the park more resilient to extreme weather and provide flood mitigation benefits to neighboring communities.
Longleaf pine restoration activities at Big Thicket National Preserve. Images © NPS
