Medina River Watershed Protection Plan meeting set June 5 in Castroville
Public is invited to join in helping to improve local water quality
The Texas Water Resources Institute, TWRI, invites local stakeholders to a public meeting to discuss the next steps for the Medina River Below Medina Diversion Lake Watershed Protection Plan on June 5 in Castroville.
The free public meeting will be from 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the Braden Keller Community Center, 1410 Amelia St.
This meeting will begin the implementation phase of the watershed protection plan, 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. The plan also outlines management measures to improve and protect water quality in the Medina River watershed.
Stakeholder input will be central to planning upcoming workshops, outreach activities and on-the-ground projects.
“Implementing 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.”
Meeting highlights
The 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 meeting will also highlight the work of two nonprofit organizations that 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. RASA fosters the San Antonio River Basin stewardship 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.
TWRI 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 Texas A&M AgriLife Research unit that brings together expertise from across The Texas A&M University System.
For more information, contact Zahed at [email protected] or 979-314-8092. Read more about the watershed at medina.twri.tamu.edu.
