Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan Implementation: Education and Outreach
The Meadows Center will implement watershed wide education and outreach programs in coordination with stakeholder committees.
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Background
Cypress Creek originates in western Hays County and flows into the Blanco River. Jacob's Well, an artesian spring, contributes perennial flow to Cypress Creek. Flow from the spring is critical for maintaining adequate dissolved oxygen levels in the creek.
Although Cypress Creek meets all state water quality standards, local stakeholders are concerned that urbanization in the watershed could negatively impact water quality. Stakeholders are specifically concerned about a loss of flow from Jacob's Well and increases in bacteria and nutrient levels in Cypress Creek. In 2010, they developed the Cypress Creek Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) which the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accepted in 2015.
To minimize nonpoint source pollution, the WPP identifies best management practices that implement low impact development (LID). LID is a comprehensive approach that incorporates or mimics natural processes (e.g., filtration, sedimentation, evapotranspiration) into site planning, design, or redevelopment with the goal of managing surface water runoff volume and reducing pollution as close to the source as possible. Examples include rain gardens, porous pavement, green roofs, and rainwater harvesting for later use. For more information, visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Low Impact Development webpage.
Back to topProject Description
The Meadows Center is implementing years four through six of the WPP implementation schedule. They will implement a watershed wide education and outreach program in coordination with the watershed executive and stakeholder committees. This program will include seven targeted community workshops, a speaker series, signage for sensitive areas, digital newsletters, and project website updates. They will also complete another WPP update at the end of the project.
For More Information
To find out more about the NPS Program, call 512-239-6682 or e-mail us at nps@tceq.texas.gov.