Meeting to discuss Buck Creek watershed modeling and bacterial-source tracking results
Contact(s): Lucas Gregory, 979-845-7869, lfgregory@ag.tamu.edu
Phyllis Dyer, 940-552-9941, PMDyer@ag.tamu.edu
Mitch Conine, 254-773-2250, ext. 233, mconine@tsswcb.state.tx.us
The meeting will be from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Wellington Auditorium, 802 10th Street. Light refreshments and meeting sign-in will begin at 6 p.m.
Texas AgriLife Research and Texas AgriLife Extension Service staffs are working with landowners to evaluate water quality and examine watershed management options that can be implemented voluntarily to reduce the bacteria levels and meet Texas Surface Water Quality Standards, said Phyllis Dyer, AgriLife Research assistant and watershed coordinator in Vernon.
“AgriLife Research scientists will present final watershed modeling results and bacterial-source tracking results during this meeting,” said Lucas Gregory, project manager with the Texas Water Resources Institute. “Stakeholders can provide feedback prior to these results being incorporated into the Buck Creek Watershed Protection Plan.”
Mitch Conine, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board project manager, said the results will point to the areas of the watershed that should be targeted for management activities to reduce excessive bacteria and unwanted nutrients.
“The modeling and bacteria-source tracking results presented in this meeting will provide a critical base of information that will be used in developing the final version of the watershed protection plan,” Conine said.
Gregory encouraged the public to attend the meeting, as it will be the last public opportunity for stakeholders to comment on the development of the watershed protection plan before the first draft is finalized.
Project personnel said they are hoping to have the first draft of the Buck Creek Watershed Protection Plan completed and presented to stakeholders for comment on Dec. 15.
“We have a very ambitious schedule for developing this plan, but with continued support and participation from our stakeholder group, we should have no problems in sticking to our schedule,” Gregory said. “Timely participation by all of our stakeholders will be very important in quickly completing this watershed plan.”
The water conservation board provided Clean Water Act grants to AgriLife Research and the Texas Water Resources Institute to conduct the water quality study and to develop the watershed protection plan.
For more information, see the project Web site: http://twri.tamu.edu/buckcreek or contact Dyer at 940-414-0195 PMDyer@ag.tamu.edu . -30-
