The Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI) invites local stakeholders to a public meeting to discuss next steps for the Medina River below Medina Diversion Lake Watershed Protection Plan (WPP).
The free, public meeting will be June 5, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Braden Keller Community Center, 1410 Amelia St., Castroville.
This meeting will mark the beginning of the implementation phase of the WPP, which was developed collaboratively by local stakeholders. The plan addresses key sources of pollution — such as stormwater runoff, pet waste, failing septic systems, illegal dumping, livestock, and wildlife — and outlines management measures aimed at improving and protecting water quality in the Medina River watershed.
Stakeholder input will be central to planning upcoming workshops, outreach activities, and on-the-ground projects.
“Implementation of a WPP is a voluntary, community-driven process that depends on collaboration,” said Mary Michael Zahed, TWRI program specialist. “This meeting is a critical opportunity to bring together local voices and partners to shape the future of the Medina River watershed.”
The meeting will also highlight the work of two nonprofit organizations that can support the implementation of the Medina River WPP: Wildlife Habitat Federation (WHF) and River Aid San Antonio (RASA). WHF partners with landowners to promote the restoration, management, and generational sustainability of prairie habitats — conserving soil, water, and wildlife in the process. RASA fosters stewardship of the San Antonio River Basin through volunteer opportunities and community engagement efforts. Garry Stephens, WHF president, and Charles Blank, RASA executive director, will share how their programs and resources can align with and enhance local implementation efforts.
The public meeting will provide:
- An overview of upcoming workshops and outreach efforts designed to support the implementation of the Medina River WPP.
- Opportunities to collaborate on projects that address key issues such as stormwater runoff, pet waste, septic systems, and riparian restoration.
- Resources and tools for community members and landowners to get involved in improving water quality and supporting watershed health.
“This phase of the WPP is about turning plans into action, which is arguably the most important step” said Zahed. “Collaboration is key to addressing local water quality concerns and building long-term stewardship of the Medina River.”
The institute is coordinating this project with the San Antonio River Authority, to collaborate with local stakeholders to develop a plan to address water quality issues. Funding for this effort is provided through a federal Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
TWRI is a unit of Texas A&M AgriLife Research that brings together expertise from across the Texas A&M University System.
For more information, contact Zahed at mary.lipfordzahed@ag.tamu.edu or 979-314-8092. Read more about the watershed at medina.twri.tamu.edu.