TEMPLE—The Kickapoo Creek in Henderson County Watershed Protection Plan (WPP) has been reviewed and accepted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Plan acceptance is dependent on meeting EPA’s guidelines for watershed-based plans. The WPP outlines a strategy to implement management measures that will reduce nonpoint source pollution into Kickapoo Creek.
The Kickapoo Creek in Henderson County Watershed comprises of 176,759 acres and is located almost completely within Henderson County, Texas with a small, northwest portion extending into Van Zandt County. Headwaters for Kickapoo Creek are at the confluence of Lake Palestine outside of the City of Chandler in Henderson County and continues into Van Zandt County. Municipalities within the watershed include Edom, Murchison, and Brownsboro. However, the City of Brownsboro is the only municipality along the water body.
Kickapoo Creek has a history of elevated bacteria concentrations, and since 2000, the Texas Commission on Environmental Control (TCEQ) has listed the water body as impaired for bacteria based on the Texas State Water Quality Standards.
The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), in partnership with the Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research worked to engage local stakeholders and lead them in the process to develop the WPP. Stakeholders were engaged through informational meetings, educational programs, and focused discussions regarding the current state of water quality, their concerns for future water resource issues, and what may be done to mitigate these issues.
“This WPP is a direct reflection of the input and dedication provided by local residents and stakeholders. Their time and efforts are greatly appreciated,” said Jana Lloyd, Grant Coordinator at the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.
Throughout the course of developing the WPP, stakeholder engagement is critical because they serve as a resource in providing key input in developing the plan. Public meetings were held to gain local stakeholder input beginning in January of 2022. Additional meetings were also held for county officials and local Soil and Water Conservation Districts to include them in the development process.
More information on Kickapoo Creek Watershed Protection Plan is available at https://www.tsswcb.texas.gov/kickapoo-creek-henderson-county-watershed-protection-plan or contact Lloyd at (254) 773-2250 or jlloyd
tsswcb.texas.gov.
This effort was funded through a State Nonpoint Source Grant from the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board.