2006-07 Deliverables
Task 6 Extension
Principal Investigator(s): Charles Hart, Alyson McDonald
We mutually agree for Charles Hart and Alyson McDonald to deliver the following during the period of June 1, 2006 to May 31, 2007, using funds from the Rio Grande Basin Initiative:
- Participate in the Task 6 group and work as Task 6 coordinator for Texas.
- Continue work to solicit funding for continuation of the Pecos River Ecosystem Project to treat saltcedar trees along the Pecos River, Texas. Water quality monitoring efforts will also continue. Results will be more saltcedar treated, hence more water "salvaged." Also work with the Pecos River Advisory Committee to coordinate activities to include assistance in forming a 501(C)3 non-profit organization. This group is made up of local people from SWCD, Irrigation Districts, and state agencies. Report on progress in March.
- Collect and analyze data from shallow groundwater monitoring wells along the Pecos River and Rio Grande. Data collected will be used to estimate evapotranspiration from saltcedar control and to estimate amount of water salvaged from control efforts. Work will be done in cooperation with Dr. Zhuping Sheng with TAES in El Paso. Progress report will be published by March.
- Continue work on the Pecos River to describe surface/groundwater flow patterns within saltcedar treated and untreated sites. The main objective of the project is to further document water salvage from control of saltcedar and provide an updated estimate on total water salvaged from the project. Work will be in cooperation with Dr. Zhuping Sheng with TAES in El Paso.
- Maintain and document responses on rangeland watershed management demonstration sites established in 2002. Coordinate with CEA's in Val Verde, Crockett, Presidio and Pecos counties. A progress report will be published by March. Appropriate field days on demonstration sites will be conducted during the spring or fall. Producers will be educated on water conservation practices. Direct results of these practices will increase water-use efficiency on rangeland and reduce sedimentation in tributaries draining into the Rio Grande providing for higher water quality.
- Work cooperatively with the Pecos River Basin EPA 319 Project to assess water quality issues in the Pecos River Basin. This project will be a 3 year project to compliment the Rio Grande Basin Initiative and develop a comprehensive work plan for the basin. The project is a joint project with TCE, TAES, TWRI and IBWC.
- Work cooperatively with and assist Dr. Keith Owens to evaluate saltcedar transpiration rates on the Pecos River using sap flow measurement technology. This information will be used with number 2 above to further document water salvage potential from control of saltcedar.