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Free watershed protection training to be held March 3 in FranklinTexas A free watershed protection training program will be presented from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., March 3 in Franklin. The program, co-presented by the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, will be held at the Pridgeon Community Center, 351 Cooks Lane. "This free training is designed to show people how to improve and protect their water resources by getting involved in local watershed protection and management activities," said Jennifer Peterson, AgriLife Extension program specialist. Peterson said attendees will receive information on watershed systems, water quality regulation and monitoring, methods to improve water quality, and ways to develop and implement a community-driven watershed protection and management plan. She also noted that presenting the program in Robertson County is important because elevated bacteria concentrations have been detected in five tributaries of the Little Brazos River--Campbell's Creek, Pin Oak Creek, Mud Creek, Spring Creek and Walnut Creek. "These elevated bacteria levels threaten recreational opportunities and overall stream health and has prompted the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board to take action to better understand the water quality in the watershed," Peterson said. She noted that the State Board and Brazos River Authority already have met with local stakeholders to discuss a watershed monitoring strategy and water quality concerns related to affected water bodies. Program participants will receive education and training, a free copy of the Texas Watershed Steward Curriculum Handbook, free prizes and a certificate of completion. The program also offers seven continuing education units (soil and water management) for certified crop advisors; six American Institute of Certified Planners certificate maintenance credits; seven Texas Board of Professional Engineers continuing education program hours; seven State Board for Educator Certification continuing professional education credits; three Texas Floodplain Management Association credits; and three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units in the general category. Peterson said Texas Watershed Stewards is a "great opportunity for people who want to get involved and learn about how they can make a difference in protecting their water quality." The Texas Watershed Steward website is http://tws.tamu.edu. Texas Watershed Stewards learn how to form a watershed action group, participate in and organize local watershed activities, and become more involved in protecting and enhancing community water resources, she said. To pre-register for the program, go to http://tws.tamu.edu/registration.php For more information contact Peterson at 979-862-8072 or jlpeterson@ag.tamu.edu.
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