Big Thicket National Preserve
Oil and Gas in the Thicket
Limiting Factors
When Big Thicket National Preserve was established by Congress on October 11, 1974, limits were placed on the National Park Service's ability to acquire the oil and gas resources underlying the Preserve. Congress also directed the park service to limit and control nonfederal oil and gas development to protect the resources it administers.
Using current regulations, the National Park Service is working to insure that oil and gas operations are managed to protect the natural and ecological integrity of the Preserve while providing for public safety, use, and enjoyment.
A Significant Resource
Splashing onto the scene in the wakening years of
the twentieth century, the Lucas Gusher (photo: Spindletop 1903), a major oil strike in the United States, helped to create today's oil
industry. The economy of Southeast Texas is dependent on the oil and gas industry. Many
people, directly and indirectly, are employed by this industry.
The Preserve is adjacent to the Golden Triangle - Beaumont, Port Arthur, and Orange, Texas. This are is the sixth ranking industrial complex in Texas and one of the largest petrochemical and refining centers in the World.
Brief History
Preceded by the timber industry or the late 1880's, most oil and gas activity and pipeline construction occurred between the late 1920's and early 1970's in the seven county area of the Preserve. Today, there are 47 segments of pipelines crossing the Preserve, about 110 plugged and abandoned wells, 15 miles of access roads, and a small number of production operations currently underway. The overall oil and gas "footprint" in the Preserve is about 920 acres -- one percent of the total Preserve.
Under the Preserve, most oil and gas resources are being produced from depths of 6,500 to 10,00 feet. The search for reserves continues with some targets as deep as 18,000 feet.
Geology, Products and The Future
Geologically, the Preserve is located in the Upper Gulf Coast Salt Basin. This basin has an active history in the oil industry. The Spindletop Oil Field discovery in 1901 made possible the use of oil as an inexpensive, lightweight, and efficient fuel. Our lives, indeed, the American life-style have been altered by this discovery. Today, most petroleum components are used in the manufacturing of resins, polyester fibers, solvents, steel, fertilizer, paper, and many other chemicals.
Change is inevitable. We are now charged with the personal choice of considering the recent alternate power systems being offered by automobile makers. How will our personal transportation change over the next 15 to 25 years? What will be the "new" source of fuel to power our future vehicles and the country's manufacturing? What is in store for the future of the oil and gas industry?
When in Beaumont, Texas, take the time to visit the Texas Energy Museum the story of petroleum resources and how humans have used it over many decades is told here through excellent exhibits.