Project Overview

Plum Creek Watershed begins in Hays County north of Kyle, and continues south through Caldwell County, including the cities of Lockhart and Luling, joining the San Marcos River at the Gonzales County line. According to the Texas Water Quality Inventory and 303(d) List, Plum Creek (Segment 1810) exhibits elevated nutrient levels and is impaired by elevated bacteria concentrations. These water quality issues, in conjunction with land use across the watershed, increasing urban development, oil and gas production in the area, and potential for agricultural nonpoint source pollution, were considered when Plum Creek was selected for this project.

TSSWCB and AgriLife Extension have been facilitating and providing technical assistance to local stakeholders while developing and implementing watershed protection plans. Watershed protection plans are designed to reduce pollution entering lakes and streams by implementing management measures that reduce water pollution. Local stakeholders, including citizens and private and public entities, help identify and promote implementation of the selected practices.

The Plum Creek Watershed Partnership was formed in 2006 by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service through the assembly of local stakeholders with a desire to participate in watershed planning. A steering committee composed of individuals in the watershed with a vested interest in water quality serves as a decision-making body throughout the planning and implementation process. The steering committee has representatives on each of five work groups, including: Wastewater Infrastructure and Industry, Urban Stormwater and Nonpoint Source Pollution, Agricultural Nonpoint Source Pollution, Water Quality and Habitat, and Outreach and Education. Key local project partners include the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority, Plum Creek Conservation District, Caldwell and Hays Counties, and the cities within the watershed.

The goal of the program has been to develop and then implement a plan that protects water resources in the region now, and into the future.

Texas State Soil Water Conservation Board