Trinity Basin
The Trinity Basin is the largest river basin whose water-shed area is entirely within the State of Texas and the third largest river in Texas by average flow volume. The basin's namesake river was named La Santisima Trinidad, "the Most Holy Trinity," by early Spanish explorers. From the confluence of its Elm and West Forks near Dallas, the Trinity River flows to Trinity Bay, which drains to the Gulf of Mexico.
The Dallas-Fort Worth metropolitan area is located in the upper basin. In the lower basin, water is exported to the Houston area. Water supply demands in both metropolitan areas are increasing. As a result, balancing environmental requirements with these demands is an important issue in the basin.
Trinity River Basin Endangered Spieces of Texas
Alligator Snapping Turtle
The alligator snapping turtle is now endangered in several states, including Texas, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri, where it is protected by state law. Because of collection for the water pollution, habitat destruction, exotic pet trade, and overharvesting for its meat some states have imposed bans on collecting the alligator snapping turtle from the wild.
Alligator Snapping Turtle Habitat:
Texasfawns Foot Mussel
The Texasfawns Foot is currently listed as a threatened species. The US Fish and Wildlife Service regularly monitors different fish and wildlife species, including freshwater mussels, as a way of tracking the health of the Trinity River ecosystem.
Freshwater mussels are an indicator of a healthy aquatic system. They are filter feeders and thus contribute to water clarity and quality by removing plankton and pollutants from the water.
The sudden disappearance of mussels in an area not recently subject to prolonged drought often indicates water pollution problems. Historically, freshwater mussels were collected commercially for food, pearls and button making by Texas Native Americans.
Texasfawns Foot Habitat:
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Trinity River Authority, Brazos River Authority, Texas Parks & Wildlife.