Evaluate potential for voluntary environmental flow releases from dams in Texas

Project Description

Evaluate potential for voluntary environmental flow releases from dams in Texas. Build from the stakeholder partnership-based example of the Caddo Lake/Big Cypress Bayou flows project to identify areas for flexibility on flow operations within existing operational plans and water supply restrictions (e.g., adopted eflow standards) for ecological benefits downstream. Form potential key partnerships and assess enabling conditions and potential ecological benefits throughout Texas.

Conservation Area

Lower Rio Grande Native Fish Conservation Area, Guadalupe and San Antonio Rivers Native Fish Conservation Area, Central Coast Rivers and Streams Native Fish Conservation Area, Lower Colorado River Native Fish Conservation Area, Middle Brazos River Native Fish Conservation Area, San Gabriel River Native Fish Conservation Area, Lower Brazos River Native Fish Conservation Area, Southeast Texas Rivers Native Fish Conservation Area, Northeast Texas Rivers Native Fish Conservation Area

NFCA Objectives

Project Hierarchy: Moderate (i.e., needs to occur within the next 3-5 years)
Estimated Cost Range: $100,000-$200,000
Project Submitted By: Ryan Smith, The Nature Conservancy
Suggested Contact: Ryan Smith, Kevin Mayes, Joe Trungale

Potential for benefiting key river segments for numerous SGCN species

Dam owner/operator agencies, water supply agencies (river authorities, water districts), Texas Instream Flow Program, The Nature Conservancy

Various federal funding programs, private foundations and donors

Project Status

  • Suggested
  • Ongoing
  • Completed

Project Location

Regional (or statewide) assessment, potentially followed by focus on dams/rivers with the most potential