Soil and water conservation districts are designed to deliver a local program, based on local needs, that best conserves and promotes the wise and judicious use of renewable natural resources. In addition, they work to activate the efforts of public and private organizations and agencies into a united front to combat soil and water erosion and to enhance water quality and quantity in the state.

Local SWCDs and the TSSWCB employ the certified Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) Program as a first line of defense against nonpoint source water pollution. This traditional conservation planning program is based on the United States Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service’s (NRCS) Field Office Technical Guide (FOTG), and is recognized by the TCEQ as an effective alternative to water quality permitting on smaller animal feeding operations. The State of Texas has recognized the FOTG, when properly implemented, as being protective of Texas Surface Water Quality Standards. Through the partnership, NRCS field office personnel certify that each WQMP meets the FOTG definition of a Resource Management System. The TSSWCB also administers a financial incentive program (Senate Bill 503, 1993, 73rd Legislature) to encourage the implementation of WQMPs.

The TSSWCB also works with other state and federal agencies on nonpoint sourceissues as they relate to water quality standards, Total Maximum Daily Loads, Watershed Protection Plans, and the Coastal Management Program. Because the TSSWCB is the lead Texas agency for agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint source pollution abatement, all other state agencies must coordinate their nonpoint source abatement efforts with the TSSWCB, and the TSSWCB is charged with representing the State before the USEPA in such matters.

The TSSWCB is a statutorily mandated member of the Texas Groundwater Protection Committee, the Coastal Coordination Advisory Committee, the Drought Preparedness Council, the Water Conservation Advisory Council, the Prescribed Burning Board, the Interagency Task Force on Economic Growth and Endangered Species, and the Texas Invasive Species Coordinating Committee. The TSSWCB works to ensure SWCDs and local landowners are adequately represented in matters that could have a significant impact on future conservation and utilization of natural resources.

Because water has become the most limiting natural resource in Texas, the TSSWCB administers the Water Supply Enhancement Program through a Program Office located in San Angelo and works closely with various state and federal entities to efficiently implement the program. The ability to meet the state's growing water needs will significantly impact the continued growth and economic well being of the State. Control of brush presents a viable option for increasing the availability of surface and ground water supplies allowing the State to meet its present and future needs.

REMINDER: This listing is a free service of LandCAN.
Hill County-Blackland SWCD is not employed by or affiliated with the Land Conservation Assistance Network, and the Network does not certify or guarantee their services. The reader must perform their own due diligence and use their own judgment in the selection of any professional.

Listed in:

• Conservation Districts