EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 



Coastal wildlife refuges provide habitat for many species, particularly 

 migratory waterfowl and numerous endangered species. In addition, refuge lands 

 contribute energy, organic matter, water, sediment, and biota to nearby eco- 

 systems. These contributions from adjacent aquatic, shoreland, and upland areas 

 are necessary to allow continued functioning of coastal ecological systems. 



In many coastal areas, oil and gas may be found in commercial quantities 

 under large tracts of land, including refuges. Because of the legal circum- 

 tances of mineral leasing and reservation, many land owners, including the 

 rederal Government, do not have complete control over the uses of their land. 

 They have had to deal with oil and gas operations for many years. Additionally, 

 because of the proximity to the coast, many land holdings have had pipeline 

 crossings resulting from coastal oil and gas or OCS development. 



PURPOSE OF THE STUDY 



A study was undertaken to determine the impacts of all aspects of oil and 

 gas development upon coastal ecological systems and to assess the safeguards 

 used in protecting refuge lands. Wildlife refuges along the coasts of Texas 

 and Louisiana were selected for intensive study. These refuges were character- 

 ized by (1) a diversity of ecosystems, (2) oil exploration, extraction, and 

 transport, and (3) oil and gas development periods of varying durations. 



METHODOLOGY 



Site visits were made to (1) catalog the types of oil and gas activities 

 that. take place on refuges and nearby off-refuge control sites, (2) determine 

 impacts, (3) collect information concerning ecosystems, and (4) inspect refuge 

 records regarding protective measures taken. Ecosystem models (diagrams) were 

 made for the refuges that have oil and gas development occurring within them. 



