The Texas Forests and Drinking Water Partnership was
established in 2015 to explore the connections between forests and drinking
water, and to investigate ways to collaborate to sustain these two important
and interdependent natural resources. This initiative works to increase
understanding and communication between the forest and drinking water sectors
and is part of a larger, regional collaborative called the Southeastern Partnership for Forests and Water.
Recently, the Texas Partnership has focused on increasing the awareness of
the forest and water connection by making presentations at various
conferences and meetings, strengthening watershed partnerships,
identifying critical areas to focus efforts, and implementing an
on-the-ground proof of concept demonstration project. Ultimately, the
partnership strives to enhance drinking water, forest lands, and local
economies.
Tour through our interactive Story Map to learn more about the role of forests in conserving water resources and sustaining them in the future.
+ Priority Watersheds
A geospatial watershed assessment was conducted to identify
priority forested watersheds that are critical to surface drinking water
supplies. Special attention was given to surface water supply watersheds
that provide drinking water to large populations and are threatened by
forest conversion, wildfire, and insect and disease outbreaks.
/Watershed Map.JPG?n=1568 "Watershed Map picture")
Geospatial watershed assessment methodology
This
assessment can be used to target conservation assistance to enhance
drinking water. The Neches River and Cypress Basin
Watershed Restoration Program focuses financial assistance for prescribed
burning to landowners in the priority watersheds of these river basins.