ADVISORY, Dec. 14, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The Port of Houston Authority (PHA) and the Legacy Land Trust signed the Banana Bend Conservation Easement during a ceremony at the Lou Lawler International Seafarers Center on Monday, December 14. The easement is part of the PHA's commitment to fulfill the requirements of the federal permit granted for the Bayport Container and Cruise Terminal project.
A 428-acre tract of land located in east Harris County along Highland Shores Drive near Crosby Lynchburg Road, the Banana Bend Easement will provide a stop-over and wintering area for migratory waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds; protect forested riparian area; and retain the floodwater retention capacity of property located along the San Jacinto River. The state's largest known River Birch tree measuring 67' high and 73" in circumference with a 67' crown spread is located on the property. Other trees that are rare to Harris County and also found at Banana Bend include the Southern Red Oak (Quercus falcate), Blackgum (Nyssa sylvatica), Sassafrass (Sassafras albidum), and (Persea berbonia). In all, Banana Bend hosts 39 species of trees, 71 species of forbs (broad-leaved herbaceous plants that are not grass), 15 species of vines, 18 species of grasses, five species of shrubs, and eight species of fungi. The site is prime habitat for 60 species of birds including several rare species such as Lincoln's Sparrow, Sedge Wren, and Hermit Thrush. Banana Bend forests offer excellent tree cavities for woodpeckers and owls. Hawks, Osprey and other raptors use these forests for evening set-downs as well.
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