A Texas Watershed Steward workshop on water quality related to the Carancahua Bay and Tres Palacios watersheds will be held from 1-5 p.m. Feb. 15 at the First United Methodist Church, 209 Lucas Ave., Palacios.
The workshop is presented by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board in cooperation with the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI).
It is free and open to anyone interested in improving water quality in the region. Participants are encouraged to preregister at the Texas Watershed Steward website.
“This training is designed to help watershed residents improve and protect their water resources by becoming involved in local watershed protection and management activities,” said Michael Kuitu, AgriLife Extension program specialist and coordinator for the Texas Watershed Steward program.
Kuitu said the workshop will include an overview of water quality and watershed management in Texas but will primarily focus on area water quality, including current efforts to help improve and protect Carancahua Bay and the Tres Palacios creek and bay.
“The supportive role Carancahua Bay and the Tres Palacios play in regards to regional wildlife habitat, agriculture, fishing and recreation is vital. They are truly important water resources,” said Michael Schramm, TWRI research associate.
“Tres Palacios and Carancahua bays capture runoff from more than 589 square miles of Jackson, Matagorda, Wharton and Calhoun counties before reaching Matagorda Bay,” said Dr. Allen Berthold, TWRI research scientist. “Currently, Tres Palacios Creek and Carancahua Bay are considered impaired by the state of Texas. However, local stakeholders are working to improve water quality through the Tres Palacios Creek Watershed Protection Plan and the Carancahua Bay Watershed Protection Plan.”
Schramm said the training will include a discussion of watershed systems, types and sources of water pollution, and ways to improve and protect water quality. There also will be a group discussion on community-driven watershed protection and management.
“Participating in the Texas Watershed Steward program is a great opportunity to get involved and make a difference in your watershed,” he said.
Attendees will receive a copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Handbook and a certificate of completion. The Texas Watershed Steward program offers continuing education units for different professionals.
The Texas Watershed Steward program is funded through a Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on the Texas Watershed Steward program or to preregister, visit the website or contact Kuitu at 979-862-4457 or mkuitu@tamu.edu.
For information on watershed protection efforts for the Carancahua Bay and Tres Palacios watersheds, contact Schramm at 979-458-9191, michael.schramm@ag.tamu.edu.
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