Riparian and Stream Ecosystems –Medina and Sabinal Rivers in Bandera on April 18

Riparian and Stream Ecosystems –Medina and Sabinal Rivers

April 18, 2017
8:00 am – 4:00 pm

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Agenda

RSVP

Mansfield Park Recreational Hall 
2886 Hwy 16 N.
Bandera, TX 78003 (map)

This workshop is being co-hosted by the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Bandera County, and the Texas Water Resources Institute. The training will focus on the nature and function of stream and riparian zones and the benefits and direct impacts from healthy riparian zones. The riparian education programs will cover an introduction to riparian principles, watershed processes, basic hydrology, erosion/deposition principles, and riparian vegetation, as well as potential causes of degradation and possible resulting impairment(s), and available local resources including technical assistance and tools that can be employed to prevent and/or resolve degradation.

Currently, the Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District is actively involved in the Clean Rivers Program in the Medina and Sabinal River Basins, partnering with San Antonio River Authority and Nueces River Authority. The district also maintains in-house surface water quality programs for Bandera County, focusing on recreational sites in the county, including Medina Lake. Additionally, the district also operates an illegal dumping litter abatement program to protect local streams as well as groundwater resources. It is also currently active in expanding early flood warning systems through the technical assistance of the USGS and funds provided by the TWDB and local partners.

These one-day trainings in watersheds across the state include both indoor classroom presentations and outdoor stream walks.

The goal is for participants to better understand and relate to riparian and watershed processes, the benefits that healthy riparian areas provide, and the tools that can be employed to prevent and/or resolve degradation and improve water quality. At the conclusion of the training, participants will receive a certificate of completion.

Continuing Education Units Available

• Texas Department of Agriculture Pesticide Applicators License – 3 CEUs
• Texas Water Resources Institute  – 1 CEU
• Texas Nutrient Management Planning Specialists – 6 hours
• Texas Floodplain Management Association – 7 CECs
• Texas Forestry Association – 6 hours
• Society of American Foresters – 4 hours
• Certified Crop Advisor- 7 CEUs (Nutrient Mgmt: 1, Soil & Water: 1.5, IPM: 1.5, Crop Mgmt: 2.5, Manure Mgmt: 0.5) (NEW)
• Texas Board of Professional Land Surveying – 7 hours (NEW)
• Texas Board of Architectural Examiners “Acceptable for HSW credit”
• The program may also be used for CEUs for Professional Engineers.
• Check with your Chapter for Master Naturalist and Master Gardener to see if it is approved for your area.

RSVP is required by April 14, 2017. RSVP online, by email to n-dictson@tamu.edu, by calling Dictson at 979-575-4424. Bandera County River Authority and Groundwater District is providing a catered lunch to participants. Participants may also select to bring their own lunch. Dress is casual and comfortable for the weather as we will be outside at the stream during the afternoon.

For more information or questions please contact Nikki Dictson at 979-458-5915 or n-dictson@tamu.edu.

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The riparian education program is managed by the Texas Water Resources Institute, part of Texas A&M AgriLife Research,  AgriLife Extension and the College at Texas A&M University. It is funded through a Clean Water Act grant provided by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.