Wednesday, October 2, 2024
AZLE — For those wanting to learn more about water quality in Azle, free resources are soon to come.
Last week, TRWD sprayed for weeds near Eagle Mountain Dam, prompting one citizen to call in to the Tri-County Reporter with concerns about the runoff of herbicide into the lake. TRWD news and media relations manager Chad Lorance confirmed that, in performing routine maintenance, the organization adheres to state regulations and implements additional precautions to ensure the spray does not contact the reservoir water.
Coincidentally, the Azle Memorial library will be hosting a workshop focused on improving water quality in the Eagle Mountain Lake watershed Oct. 15. The event will be held at 333 W. Main St., from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. and is open to everyone for no cost. Doors will open at noon, and Tarrant Regional Water District will provide a free lunch for those who register by Oct. 13.
The workshop, presented by the TRWD, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, will include a discussion on watershed systems, sources of water pollution, and community-driven watershed protection. Attendees will receive a copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Handbook and are eligible to earn a certificate of completion.
“This workshop is designed to help watershed residents learn about their water resources and how they may become involved in local watershed protection and management activities,” AgriLife Extension program specialist and Texas Watershed Steward coordinator, Michael Kuitu, said in a press release.
He continued, saying the public is encouraged to attend and learn not only about water quality management, but also how they may become involved in improving and maintaining the water quality of Eagle Mountain Lake through best management practices. Though the workshop will provide an emphasis on local water resources, the information should be applicable to all waters throughout the region.
The Texas Watershed Steward program offers continuing education units, with varying hours, for multiple professional disciplines. Readers can register online at tx.ag/WatershedStewardAzle or by calling 979-321-5935. Additional meeting information will be provided once registration is completed.
The library hosted a similar training on the Eagle Mountain Watershed riparian and stream ecosystems presented by experts from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Texas A&M Forest Service, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, and TRWD on May 14.
Funding for this effort is provided through a federal Clean Water Act nonpoint source grant administered by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on the Texas Watershed Steward program, contact Kuitu at 979-321-5935 or michael.kuitu@ag.tamu.edu, or Charlie Martin at 817-598-6168, or cpmartin@ag.tamu.edu.
For more information on Eagle Mountain Lake, contact Katie Myers at 817-720-4419 or katie.myers@trwd.com.
