The Neches River is an irreplaceable asset. Its bottomland forests provide timber to area mills and
terrific recreational and scenic opportunities to Texans. The Neches is the heart of the Central Flyway, with millions of waterfowl depending on the river on their yearly migrations. The River sustains the Big Thicket National Preserve, national forests, state parks, and wildlife refuges on its way to the Sabine-Neches estuary.
► The Neches – Wild and Scenic
Texas Conservation Alliance and numerous other citizen groups are proposing that the stretch of the Neches River from below the Lake Palestine Dam to the upper flood pool of B.A. Steinhagen Reservoir be added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System. Designating this 225-mile segment would protect the river from proposed reservoirs and enhance its value as a tourist destination.
Designating the Neches as a Wild and Scenic River would prohibit further dams while allowing other uses of the river to continue. Use and management of private land along the river would not be affected. Timber, agriculture, hunting, fishing, and other recreational uses would continue as before. Projects within the bed and banks of the river which already require a federal permit would be reviewed for potential impacts on the Wild and Scenic values of the river as part of the permit process.
► Benefits of Designating the Neches as a Wild and Scenic River
The most immediate and obvious benefit of designating the Neches would be protecting private landowners from land condemnation, and the timber and agriculture industries from interruption of their commerce. Wild and Scenic Rivers in other parts of the country have significantly enhanced tourism, improving local economies. The Neches River provides outdoor recreation for East Texans and tourists alike.
