TEMPLE - The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB) held a board meeting on March 24, 2016 in Temple.
The meeting began with a presentation on the effects of huisache removal on evapotranspiration in south central Texas by Dr. Ryan Banta of the United States Geological Survey.
Action taken by the State Board included approving of soil and water conservation district (SWCD) Director appointments. The State Board also adopted a proposed rule to amend Texas Administrative Code Chapter 519 concerning Eligible Pay Rates for SWCD Employees. The rule change, which will become effective May 1, 2016, increases the maximum Technical Assistance reimbursement that is eligible from $15.00 per hour to $20.00 per hour, not to exceed 40 hours per week.
The State Board also reviewed new plans to restructure the agenda for the 2016 Annual State Meeting of SWCD Directors and provided recommendations for future State Meeting sites for 2017 and 2018.
The State Board is responsible to the State Legislature and the landowners of Texas with a chief responsibility to coordinate the programs of the 216 soil and water conservation districts. This places the SWCD program in Texas in the hands of the landowners, all actively engaged in agriculture. The board consists of five elected Members and two Governor-appointed Members.
The next State Board meeting is scheduled for May 19, 2016 in Temple.