HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-1999-20
RESOLUTION
99-20
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WHEREAS, for over a half century fanners and ranchers working in cooperation with local soil and water
conservation districts (SWCD's), have built a legacy proving themselves willing and able to assume responsibility
for the conservation of the state's soil, water and related natural resources; and
WHEREAS, since the 1940's technical assistance provided to landowners by soil and water conservation
districts has been provided by thefederal government through the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service
(NRCS),. and
WHEREAS, the reduction offunds appropriated to the USDA-NRCS over the past two decades has drastically
reduced the technical assistance available from this source; and
WHEREAS, federally mandated programs such as the Fann Bill, the Oean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water
Act, and other environmental laws have drastically increased the workload of soil and water conservation districts
and NRCS Staff, thereby reducing the time available for district assistance to landowners for traditional
conservation planning; and
WHEREAS, there is a need to continue to strengthen voluntary conservation programs to improve management
and efficiency of water use and to improve quality and quantity of water available for the citizens of Texas,.
strengthen locally led conservation programs to protect the state's soil resources; strengthen brush management
programs for crosion control, water management and improvement of wildlife habitat, and strengthen brush
management programs for crosion control, water management and improvement of wildlife habitat, and strengthen
voluntary conservation programs for timber stand improvement,. and
WHEREAS, there are many public benefits received from SWCD programs such as: the protection of local
land values and local tax bases; protection of the agriculture productivity base; sustaining local economies,
providing watershed protection and flood control; reducing sedimentation in streams, rivers and lakes,. increasing
or sustaining stream flows; enhancing groundwater recharge,. enhancing local municipal and industrial water
supplies; improving fisheries, wetlands and aquatic systems; maintaining stability of the state 's overall water
budget,. maintaining a healthy wildlife popukztion; helping proteer threatened and endangered species improving
air quality; providing community services through soil interpretations for agricultural and community development,.
and improving quality of life;