Landowner Resources
Natural Resource Conservation and Management Assistance
We help private landowners become better stewards of their land through the Hill Country SWCD Lampasas River WQMP program. The program offers cost-sharing incentives that help landowners plan and implement conservation practices to reduce soil erosion and protect water resources, including projects such as brush management, cross-fencing, rangeland planting and alternative water source development, among others. Landowners are eligible to receive a maximum financial incentive amount of $15,000.
Overview of Water Quality Management Plans:
A water quality management plan (WQMP) is a site-specific plan developed through and approved by soil and water conservation districts for agricultural or silvicultural lands (forestry). The plan includes appropriate land treatment practices, production practices, management measures, technologies or combinations thereof. The purpose of WQMPs is to achieve a level of pollution prevention or abatement determined by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), in consultation with local soil and water conservation districts (SWCDs), to be consistent with state water quality standards.
Hill Country SWCD Lampasas River WQMP Program:
The Hill Country SWCD, working with state and federal agencies, have provided technical and financial assistance to agricultural producers in the Lampasas River watershed through several Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 319 grants from the TSSWCB and the U.S. EPA. The District Technician worked with local producers to develop Water Quality Management Program (WQMP) that address each producer's specific operational goals. Implementation of WQMPs will continue to be a key component in the efforts to improve water quality in the Lampasas River watershed. For more information about this program, please call our District Technician, Mr. Paul Holland at (512) 556-5572, extension 3 or email paul.holland@tx.nacdnet.net.
How to obtain a WQMP:
The first step in obtaining a WQMP is to visit your local SWCD or if within the Lampasas River watershed, contact Hill Country SWCD. Typically, the SWCD office is co-located with the NRCS at the local USDA Service Center. NRCS or SWCD staff at the local office can take your request for a WQMP, obtain necessary information from you, and start the plan development process.
How much does a WQMP cost?
There is no charge for development of a WQMP. However, there may be costs for implementing certain practices required in your WQMP, for which there may be financial assistance available. Hill Country SWCD has secured funds to offer financial assistance for the implementation of practices contained in an approved WQMP within the boundaries of the Lampasas River watershed.
What Does A Plan Contain?
- A District-Cooperator Agreement
- Written Request for planning assistance
- Soil Map of the area with appropriate interpretations
- Conservation Plan Map
- Narrative Record of decisions (including all practices needed for a WQMP)
- Implementation schedule indicating the year practices are to be applied
- Worksheets used during the inventory and/or planning phase of WQMP
- Signature sheet to verify individual's privacy
5 Step WQMP Participation Process:
- An individual requests planning assistance through the local soil and water conservation district.
- The plan is developed with NRCS and TSSWCB assistance.
- The WQMP is certified.
- The individual implements the WQMP on their land.
- The WQMP is subject to periodic status reviews.
SWCD Map:
General Contact Information for all SWCDs within watershed:
Hamilton-Coryell SWCD
PO Box 31
Hamilton, TX 76531-0031
Phone: 254-386-3913
hamiltoncoryell@swcd.texas.gov
Little River-San Gabriel #508
PO Box Q
Bartlett, TX 76511-0914
Phone: 254-527-3271
Hill Country SWCD
PO Box 1148
Burnet, TX 78611-7148
Phone: 512-756-4651
Mills County SWCD
PO Box 695
Goldthwaite, TX 76844-0695
Phone: 325-648-3118
Central Texas SWCD
PO Box 1832
Temple, TX 76503-1832
Phone: 254-939-3735