To manage, conserve, and protect the natural resources of the Lavaca Basin in a responsible manner that provides opportunities for growth and benefits the public.
Lake Texana is a reservoir on the Navidad River, 8 miles (13 km) east of Edna in Jackson County, Texas. The reservoir is formed by the construction of Palmetto Bend Dam, begun in 1968 and completed in 1979. The dam and lake are managed by the Lavaca-Navidad River Authority, and supply drinking water to surrounding communities and industries. Lake Texana is the only reservoir managed by the Authority. Lake Texana has been stocked with species of fish intended to improve the utility of the reservoir for recreational fishing. Fish present in Lake Texana include catfish, bass, and crappie. A wide variety of native plant species thrive in the lake, including water hyacinth, coontail, spikerush, cattail, pondweed, bull’s tongue, pickerelweed, and duckweed. Two exotic, invasive species exist in the lake: hydrilla and giant salvinia. The giant salvinia is presently limited to the Sandy Creek arm of the reservoir.
The lake covers 10,000 acres and has 125 miles of shoreline. Visitors can enjoy camping, picnic sites, hiking trails, outdoor sports activities, and more at the Brackenridge Recreation Complex!