Project Goals/Objectives: The primary focus of the agricultural education and financial incentives goals of this project is to continue efforts from TSSWCB 15-07 and enhance the education program delivery to provide more specific, technical, and financial information that will address both nutrient- and bacteria-induced impairments. This project compliments ongoing partnership efforts implementing the Update to the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan and addresses the need of educating the agricultural community, a gap existing within other current projects. TWRI will act as the primary conduit between local agricultural producers, TSSWCB, and NRCS.
Project Background: Through multiple TCEQ and TSSWCB projects, Texas A&M AgriLife Research’s TWRI has facilitated and worked with local stakeholders in the development of the Update of the Arroyo Colorado Watershed Protection Plan 2017 (ACWPP Update) addressing water quality concerns within the watershed. Projects completed include BMP demonstrations, water quality monitoring, educational program development and delivery, and WPP development and implementation. TWRI prides itself on developing effective teams of project partners that have the needed expertise and capabilities to conduct work described in an efficient and timely manner. TWRI coordinates and manages these projects and commonly collaborates with local stakeholder groups, local entities, and regional authorities as well as appropriate state and federal agencies. The Arroyo Colorado (Segments 2201 and 2202) is located in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of South Texas, and is impaired for bacteria, depressed dissolved oxygen (DO), and pesticides, and mercury in edible fish tissue. Chlorophyll-a, nitrate, orthophosphorus, ammonia, and total phosphorus levels have also been identified as concerns in the watershed. It flows into the Lower Laguna Madre (Segments 2491 and 2491OW), impaired for bacteria and depressed dissolved oxygen. Predominate land use within the watershed is agriculture.
Project activities center on the pursuit of three goals to address impairments within the watershed. The first is education and outreach centering on the informational needs of the agricultural community, including financial incentives, to ensure long-term sustainability and encourage participation and adoption of BMPs. This project will provide technical assistance to landowners for conservation planning, along with public outreach and education. TWRI will update existing Agricultural Incentive Education Programs and develop new informational material such as a checklist for new producers to apply for incentive programs. Finally, TWRI will track the implementation of BMPs and Management Measures identified in the ACWPP Update. The project will include monitoring activities to determine the effectiveness of specific pollution prevention methods. This is vital for coordination of stakeholder efforts and evaluation for future improvements.
Project Location: Arroyo Colorado Watershed; Cameron, Hidalgo, and Willacy counties
Cost: Federal ($290,184), Non-Federal ($193,456), Total ($483,640)
Project Workplan: 19-05