Wildlife refuge

A Major Coastal Refuge Sits on the Chambers County Shoreline

The Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge — renamed in March 2025 from Anahuac NWR — protects coastal marshes in Chambers County. It is open for wildlife viewing, birding, and waterfowl hunting.

Chambers County The Great Outdoors

On March 10, 2025, Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge was renamed Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge. It protects coastal wetlands along Trinity Bay. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service manages it. It is one of the best spots on the Texas coast to see waterfowl, alligators, and rail species.

You can drive the Shoveler Pond auto-tour loop, walk a boardwalk, or visit the Butterfly Garden. Wildlife viewing areas are open from sunrise to sunset most days. Waterfowl hunting is allowed during set seasons. Check the refuge website for current dates and rules before you visit.

The refuge helps protect mottled ducks. These ducks live year-round on Texas coastal marshes and are a key sign of marsh health. The refuge also offers bird, butterfly, and dragonfly checklists.

Source to confirm: U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service — Jocelyn Nungaray NWR

More Chambers County notes

Property tax

Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

Texas law requires school districts to subtract $140,000 from the appraised value of your primary home before figuring school taxes — but you must apply at the Chambers County Appraisal District to claim it.

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Property tax system

Two Offices Handle Property Tax in Chambers County

Chambers County has two separate offices for property taxes: the Appraisal District sets your property's value, and the Tax Assessor-Collector sends the bill and collects payment.

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Coastal windstorm insurance

Most Chambers County Homes Need Windstorm Coverage

Chambers County is one of 14 Texas coastal counties where private insurers often will not write windstorm coverage, leaving the Texas Windstorm Insurance Association (TWIA) as the backup option.

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Flood risk

Much of Chambers County Sits in High-Risk Flood Zones

Chambers County is low and flat along the Gulf Coast. Many properties fall in FEMA high-risk flood zones, which can require flood insurance and affect what you can build.

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