Watershed Protection Plan, August 2012

Plan Development

The Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Protection Plan was developed using EPA’s Getting In Step: A Guide for Conducting Watershed Outreach Campaigns and EPA’s Handbook for Developing Watershed Plans to Restore and Protect Our Waters.

Watershed protection planning was driven by local stakeholders and included the following key tasks:

1. identify desired water quality conditions and measurable goals,
2. prioritize appropriate management practices and needed education and awareness programs to achieve those goals,
3. assist in the development of the WPP document,
4. lead implementation of the plan at the local level, and
5. communicate implications of the WPP to other interested constituents within the watershed.

Extensive stakeholder input was provided throughout the WPP development process over the course of 29 months, including:

• 12 steering committee meetings
• 2 watershed tours
• 9 work group meetings
• 2 public comment meetings

The Steering Committee was the decision-making body for the creation of the WPP and included representatives from all major interests in the watershed.

Three work groups were designated by the Steering Committee to address specific issues, make recommendations on implementation strategies, and support development of the WPP. The work groups were:

• Urban Nonpoint Source Work Group
• Agricultural Nonpoint Source Work Group
• Wastewater Work Group.

Technical Advisory Group

Additionally, a Technical Advisory Group composed of personnel from key state and federal water quality agencies provided support and guidance.

Through a federal Clean Water Act §319(h) grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service facilitated the stakeholder process for development of the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Protection Plan.

Implementation

EPA Acceptance Letter, Sept 13, 2012

The WPP was accepted by EPA September 13, 2012, as meeting their requirements for watershed plans. At the time, it was only the third WPP developed for Texas waters with an impaired designation. Since that time, implementation of the WPP has been underway. The Watershed Partnership continues to hold biannual (Spring & Fall) CleanUp events along Geronimo and Alligator creeks and offers regular workshops and learning opportunities across the watershed.

All implementation activities are voluntary and dependent upon a combination of factors such as stakeholder participation, financial and technical resources, and political will. This website is a learning tool and contains links to many resources important to watershed stewardship.

To receive project updates and become involved, contact the Watershed Coordinator under the Contact Us tab.