Infrastructure

In a significant step toward future management of two of Houston’s most vital flood control assets, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Galveston District has announced the release of the 2026 Draft Master Plan for Addicks and Barker Reservoirs. The draft plan, Environmental Assessment (EA), and Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) will be made publicly available starting January 21, 2026, kicking off a 30-day public comment period through February 20, 2026.

Community members are encouraged to attend an in-person open house on Wednesday, January 21 from 4–6 p.m. at the Glazier Community Center (located at 1600 Pine Forest Lane, Houston, TX 77084) to learn about the proposed updates, ask questions, and offer feedback on the long-range vision for this vital public land.

Why This Master Plan Matters

Addicks and Barker Reservoirs, located about 17 miles west of downtown Houston, serve a primary purpose: flood risk management. However, the land within these reservoirs — spanning parts of Harris and Fort Bend counties — also provides recreation, wildlife habitat, and natural resource protection, making their stewardship critical to both environmental and community wellbeing.

The 2026 Draft Master Plan follows the previous version from 2009, integrating updated land use classifications, ecological concerns, and recreational needs that have emerged over the past 17 years. Key updates in the plan include:

• Revised land use classifications

• New resource management objectives for natural and recreational resources

• Planning for future recreational development

• Strategies for managing invasive species and protecting endangered species habitats

These priorities reflect Houston’s rapid growth and the increased demand on open space for outdoor recreation, stormwater retention, and ecosystem conservation.

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Historical and Environmental Significance

The reservoirs have played a crucial role in protecting Houston from devastating floods since their construction in the 1940s. Built following deadly floods in 1929 and 1935, Addicks and Barker are “dry” reservoirs, meaning they do not retain water under normal conditions. Instead, they impound stormwater during major rain events and release it gradually into Buffalo Bayou, which flows through Houston into the Houston Ship Channel.

Beyond their flood control function, the reservoirs are also home to wetlands, degraded coastal prairie, riparian forests, and wildlife ranging from bald eagles and migratory songbirds to deer and amphibians. They also host popular recreation sites including Bear Creek Pioneers Park, George Bush Park, and Cullen Park, drawing millions of visits annually.

Public Input Encouraged

Community feedback is a key part of the master planning process. Residents can:

• Attend the January 21 open house to view displays, speak with project staff, and learn how to submit feedback.

• Review and download the full draft plan, environmental documents, and a presentation recap at swg.usace.army.mil/Projects/Addicks-and-Barker-Master-Plan starting January 21.

• Submit written comments by:

  • Mailing to: David Mackintosh, Chief, Houston Project Office

    • 1011 Highway 6 South, Suite 101, Houston, TX 77077

  • Emailing: ceswg-addicksandbarkermp@usace.army.mil

Planning for the Next 25 Years

The Addicks and Barker Master Plan is designed to guide the next 25 years of land management. It addresses not only how to balance flood risk management with increasing demand for parks and trails, but also how to protect sensitive ecosystems and historic cultural resources in an increasingly urbanized setting.

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Public interest is especially relevant given Houston’s continued growth, with surrounding communities now bordering reservoir lands that were once isolated. The plan seeks to reflect “broad-based community needs,” not limited interests, according to the guiding principles set out by the Corps.

For residents, conservationists, recreation advocates, and civic leaders, this is a rare opportunity to influence the direction of how these thousands of acres of federal land will be maintained and improved.

More Information

For those who cannot attend in person, full materials and comment instructions will be available on the project webpage on January 21.

To speak with the USACE project office directly, call 281-752-2600. 

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.