NOTE: The Houston office has a number of office items to be sold to the highest bidder, including a cameras, 286 desktop computer, other misc. All items are sold as is, with no guarantees.

Bids are now being taken at
713 397 6996 - these items
need to be sold asap.





 

our website is under construction - please bear with us and check back often...thanks

Harris Co. (Texas) Soil and Water Conservation District - About Us

HOW IS THE WATER IN YOUR COMMUNITY?

Public Meetings are now being held to address that very question -

Houston Metro: A TMDL Project for Bacteria

Did you know only a certain level of bacteria is allowed in our waterways? This level is called Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). It is a bit like a "budget" for pollution. Within the Houston Metropolitan Area are several waterbodies that exceed this amount. These include Brays, Halls, Greens, Sims and Hunting Bayous, as well as some of their tributaries.

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) is studying the bacteria in these waterways and looking for ways to make waterbodies safer.

The Houston Metro TMDL Project will identify:
- sources of bacteria and
- reductions needed to meet state standards.
For more information, contact Rachel Powers at 713-993-4559 rachel.powers@h-gac.com

or visit the website at www.h-gac.com/tmdl


HISTORY

The Harris County Soil and Water Conservation District (HCSWCD) was organized in 1948 as a recognized unit of state government of Texas. Elected by the landowners in Harris County, a 5-member Board of Directors representing five zones covering the 1.1 million acres in the county provide leadership and focus for voluntary conservation programs


ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In the 1950’s and 1960’s, the District took a leadership role in improving agriculture. It was one of the first locally led conservation districts.

The early 1970’s in Harris County brought urbanization and more emphasis was placed on potential flooding problems and urban encroachment on to flood plains. In 1972, the District was the primary organization responsible for identification of county flood-prone areas, together with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

Throughout the 1980’s, the District has encouraged the use of a multi-disciplined approach to flood control - utilizing flood-prone areas for recreation and agriculture, floodwater detention basins, undeveloped natural areas, and appropriate channeling of waterways to reduce the impact of flooding within the county.

During the 1990's, the District has been a leader in informing residents about watershed management and presenting ideas to assist in flood reduction. For example, the District worked closely with the Harris County Flood Control District to rebuild after Tropical Storm Francis.

As the 2000's unfold, by means of new information and education programs, it continues to focus on developing public awareness of urban conservation problems and solutions by means of information and education programs

CONSERVATION DISTRICT ROLE

Conservation districts have a lead role in:

1. Developing annual and long range plans
2. Conducting information and education programs
3. Providing technical assistance when appropriate
4. Approving conservation plans
5. Coordinating local input in program development and implementation, including:

Reaching out to the public and bringing stakeholders together
Using a conservation needs assessment to analyze local needs
Setting local priorities based on public input and needs assessment
Recommending BMPs, cost share rates and incentive levels for programs
Reviewing and evaluating needs and accomplishments
Convening the USDA local work group for EQIP

 
 
 



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