How Is Texas Helping to Conserve Soil & Water?
In Texas, different interest groups, such as ranchers and city planners, have unique soil and water conservation concerns. Through its State Soil and Water Conservation Districts, the state of Texas develops conservation policies. According to the Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS), farmers and landowners partner with government officials and scientific experts to maintain soil and water resources. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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After the severe dust storms of the 1930s, concern about soil erosion led the Texas State Legislature to enact the Soil Conservation Districts Act. The bill was signed into law in 1939 by Gov. W. Lee O'Daniel, and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board was established. According to the NRCS, the law addresses both rural and urban conservation issues. Texas continues to follow this conservation law in 2010.
Features
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Through the 217 Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Districts, landowners have a voice in developing soil and water conservation plans. According to the NRCS, the districts are organized roughly along county lines. Each district has 5 elected officials who work with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the NRCS. State districts receive technical and administrative assistance from the NRCS and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
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Function
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The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board administers the state soil and water conservation laws. NRCS experts, such as geologists and foresters, work with landowners and local governments to develop and implement conservation laws. The nonprofit Association of Texas Soil and Water Conservation Districts provides educational, scientific, and religious activities that promote the work of the districts.
Types
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The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board administers both mandatory and voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. The voluntary Water Quality Management Plan Program allows the agricultural community to participate in water quality improvement plans. The Total Maximum Daily Load Program, required by the federal Clean Air Act, requires Texas to reduce human-caused pollutant levels in bodies of water. Other conservation programs include brush control, coastal pollution control and watershed protection.
Benefits
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According to the NRCS, the state districts provide a grassroots voice in the development and implementation of resource conservation programs. According to the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, the broad spectrum of represented interests helps to ensure accountability, and prevents one group from dominating the process. The district boards of supervisors, USDA and NRCS offices are often located together, providing ease of communication.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit closeup of dried out brown soil image by Victor B from Fotolia.com
