As residents of Brazoria County, we are deeply concerned about the silting issues in Bastrop Bayou. Not only is this problem affecting our precious marine life, but it's also impacting our drainage capacity, increasing the risk of area flooding. Our bayou is an integral part of our ecosystem and community; its current state threatens both.

Bastrop Bayou has been a home for diverse marine species for years. However, due to silting issues, we are witnessing a decline in these species' population (source: Texas Parks and Wildlife Department). Furthermore, the reduced drainage capacity due to silt accumulation exacerbates flooding risks during heavy rainfall events - a climate condition not uncommon in our county.

The solution lies in dredging Bastrop Bayou. This process will remove accumulated sediments and restore its depth, improving water flow and creating healthier habitats for marine life (source: U.S Environmental Protection Agency). 60 years ago the Freeport Navigation District (now Port Freeport) authorized the straightening of Bastrop Bayou, presumably for commercial reasons.   They pledged to maintain the existing depth of Bastrop Bayou at that time but no maintenance has been done since. Now the main Bayou and all of the cutouts are experiencing serious silting.  

We call on the authorities of Brazoria County, Port Freeport, various drainage districts,  local city governments and the Army Corp of Engineers to prioritize this issue immediately. By doing so, we can protect our homes from potential flood damage while preserving the rich biodiversity that makes Bastrop Bayou special.

Please sign this petition to urge those officials in charge to take immediate action by dredging Bastrop Bayou.