PALACIOS — The Texas Water Resources Institute is hosting two meetings in May for anyone interested in improving and protecting the Tres Palacios Creek watershed along the Texas Gulf Coast, an institute scientist said.
Dr. Allen Berthold, a Texas A&M AgriLife Research scientist at the institute in College Station, said an agricultural and wildlife nonpoint source workgroup meeting is set for 1 to 3 p.m. May 5 at the Northside Education Center, Room 110, 707 Fahrenthold St. in El Campo.
The Tres Palacios Watershed stakeholder meeting will be from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. May 11 at the First United Methodist Church, 209 Lucas Ave. in Palacios.
Berthold said the institute is working with local stakeholders to develop a watershed-based strategy for reducing bacteria levels in the creek.
“The tidal portion of Tres Palacios Creek, which primarily occupies part of Matagorda and Wharton counties, is currently designated by the state as impaired because of elevated bacteria concentrations periodically found there,” he said.
At the agriculture and wildlife workgroup meeting, presenters will give an overview of water quality data and possible sources for the impairments found on the Tres Palacios, as well as discuss watershed-based plans and potential management measures, Berthold said.
“It is important to get local input on management practices that are appropriate for the area,” he said. “Good stewardship of the land and the assistance of management practices both play a vital role in watershed management.”
A recap of progress on developing a watershed-based plan will be given at the stakeholder meeting.
“Even if someone has not attended any previous meetings, we encourage local residents to attend this meeting and become part of the planning process,” Berthold said. “Their input is essential for developing and implementing a successful strategy to address the bacteria issues.”
For more information, contact Berthold at 979-845-2028 or taberthold@ag.tamu.edu.
The institute is part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.