Sea grass beds are extremely endangered and vulnerable on the upper coast of Texas. They are an important source of food for redhead ducks and provide food and cover to many marine organisms. Although lightning-caused wildfires do occur, most often fires are set by refuge staff to change the vegetation type, reduce or remove unwanted plant species, improve quantity and quality of food for wildlife, and remove large accumulations of fuel. Grazing cattle maintain stages of vegetation that are productive for wildlife. On Brazoria, grazing reduces vegetation heights so geese and sandhill cranes can more easily forage on the plant roots.
Limited grazing creates a diversified habitat.
This part of Big Slough is one of the last areas to dry up in a drought and therefore it often attracts alligators. The large body of saltwater beyond the slough, Cox Lake, is state-owned and not part of the Refuge. Fishing by boat is permitted in Cox, Alligator, Nicks, Salt, and Lost Lakes. The structures you see are privately owned fishing cabins. The Texas gulf coast is the primary wintering area for most of the Central Flyway waterfowl.