Wildlife Area

Justin Hurst WMA Protects Coastal Prairie Near Freeport

West of Freeport, near Jones Creek, the Justin Hurst Wildlife Management Area protects a broad sweep of coastal prairie, wetlands, and tidal marsh as part of TPWD's Central Coast Wetlands Ecosystem Project. It is proof that Brazoria County is more than beaches and subdivisions. It also holds large public land tied to waterfowl, shorebirds, and prairie.

In June 2026, the WMA grew by 2,500 acres of coastal prairie and marsh acquired from the Ward family, land they had long called 'Down Below.' That addition brought the protected area to more than 17,500 acres of connected habitat along the coast.

Most of the WMA is not an always-open city park. The Jones Creek and Live Oak nature loops stay open year-round, but much of the land is reached through special permit hunts and scheduled tours. Check the TPWD WMA page before you go to confirm what is open and how to get on it.

Source to confirm: TPWD — Justin Hurst WMA

More Brazoria County notes

Property tax

How to Apply for Your Homestead Exemption in Brazoria County

Homeowners in Brazoria County can reduce their property tax bill by filing a homestead exemption with the Brazoria Central Appraisal District.

Read note ->

Property tax

Protesting Your Property Tax Appraisal in Brazoria County

Brazoria County property owners can protest their appraisal each year if they think their assessed value is too high.

Read note ->

Special districts

Municipal Utility Districts Add to Your Tax Bill in Brazoria County

Buying a home in a Municipal Utility District in Brazoria County means paying an extra property tax rate on top of county and school taxes.

Read note ->

Ag valuation

Agricultural Valuation Can Sharply Cut Taxes on Rural Land in Brazoria County

Landowners who actively use acreage for farming, ranching, or wildlife management may qualify for agricultural productivity valuation, which taxes the land at a much lower rate.

Read note ->