Rincon Bayou
| Rincon Bayou | |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Basin | |
| River mouth |
Nueces Bay 27°52′16″N 97°30′58″W / 27.871°N 97.516°WCoordinates: 27°52′16″N 97°30′58″W / 27.871°N 97.516°W |
Rincon Bayou is in the Nueces River delta, and located northwest of Corpus Christi. The Rincon Bayou is subject to freshwater inundation following seasonal rainfall events farther inland along the Nueces River. The freshwater inundation provides the bayou with nutrients and enough freshwater to remove the saline water from the estuarine system. However, in 1984 the United States Bureau of Reclamation built a dam along the Frio River to create Choke Canyon Reservoir, which has consequently caused a decrease in freshwater flow into the Rincon Bayou. This decrease in freshwater flow has affected the wetland plant and macroinvertebrate communities. The hypersaline condition makes it difficult for plants to produce seeds and for the seeds to germinate. As part of an effort for the Rincon Bayou–Nueces Marsh Wetlands Restoration and Enhancement Project, the Bureau of Reclamation has created a channel between the Nueces River and the Rincon Bayou. This channel is located just east of US 77 and extends 900 ft to the bayou. The purpose of the channel is to increase the freshwater inflow into the bayou. A second channel was cut within the bayou in an effort to increase the freshwater flow to an area dominated by sand and mud flats. It is hoped that the increase in freshwater flow will help re-establish the vegetative community.