Residents may have recently spotted nutria within the LID 15 wetland areas. Nutria are semi-aquatic rodents commonly found near ponds, lakes, and wetland environments throughout parts of Texas and can be identified by their orange front teeth and long, round tails.

At this time, sightings have been limited and are not considered a cause for concern. However, the District wanted to provide residents with general awareness information, as nutria can occasionally impact wetland vegetation and shorelines through feeding and burrowing activity.

Residents are encouraged to simply observe wildlife from a distance and may report nutria activity or sightings to District management for monitoring purposes.

http://www.fblid15.com/contact-us

Fort Bend County Levee Improvement District No. 15 (LID 15) is forecasted to receive 1-3 inches through Memorial Day weekend, but isolated areas may see as much as 5-7 inches of rainfall.  The latest forecast information from the National Weather Service is linked below.  Fortunately, the Brazos River is at low levels that do not impact drainage inside the LID 15 levee.  The LID 15 pump stations and portable pumps are exercised monthly, and operators are available to run the pumps, if needed.  Based on the current forecast, the District does not anticipate that the pumps will be operated.

During any heavy rain event there may be street ponding or flooding if the storm drains are overwhelmed and back up.  As rainfall decreases, the storm sewers will catch up, and any water in the streets will recede.  Never drive into high water.

National Weather Service

Brazos River at Richmond, TX

KPRC 2 shared helpful and resourceful information regarding alligator safety and awareness in the Houston area. Their coverage highlights practical tips for safely coexisting with wildlife and reinforces the importance of avoiding interaction with alligators and reporting concerning behavior to the proper authorities.

Several alligators have been spotted recently in Riverstone lakes, but at this time they have not exhibited behavior that would be defined as “nuisance” by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD).  Alligators are native to LID 15 and can be found in the lakes and bayous around the community.  LID 15 follows the guidance and regulations set by TPWD for the management of nuisance alligators.

IF YOU SEE AN ALLIGATOR

Many Texans will live in close proximity to these native reptiles with no confrontations, however, there are occasions when certain alligators become a “nuisance” and must be handled by the proper authorities. The current legal definition of a nuisance alligator is “an alligator that is depredating (killing livestock or pets) or a threat to human health and safety.”   TPWD is the only authority that can deem an alligator a nuisance because of their protected status.

Alligators have a natural fear of humans and usually retreat when approached by people, however, the following are instances in which local authorities should be notified:

• If you see an alligator in the roadway;
• If an alligator is repeatedly following boats, canoes or other watercrafts, and/or maintains a close distance without submersing; or
• If you walk near the water and an alligator comes straight toward you, especially if it comes out of the water.

If you notice any of these “nuisance” behaviors, contact LID 15 using the following link and the incident will be reported to TWPD: www.fblid15.com/contact-us