Commission Agenda Item No. 6
Presenter:  Tim Birdsong

Briefing
Development of Best Watershed Management Practices for
Conservation of Texas Aquatic Ecosystems
November 3, 2011

I.       Executive Summary:  Staff will provide an overview of a Web-based information resource developed by TPWD for conservation professionals and the public that provides access to watershed best management practices for the conservation of Texas aquatic ecosystems.

II.      Discussion:  The Watershed Best Management Practices (BMPs) Project is a multidivisional and multi-agency effort to assemble science-based technical resources on conservation approaches that have been successfully implemented throughout the nation to address watershed and habitat degradation issues.  The primary deliverable of the project is a Web-based clearinghouse that contains summary information on native species, important habitats, conservation threats, regional fish and wildlife conservation priorities, regional watershed and habitat impairment issues and accompanying recommendations on specific watershed BMPs.  The Watershed BMPs Project fulfills action item 1.A.001 of the Texas Land and Water Resources Conservation and Recreation Plan.