Cedar tree removal program to increase water supply approved

Cutting down cedar trees, to increase ground water supplies, a controversial state program, was approved Monday, even though some environmental experts warn the program could cause more harm than good.

The Water Supply Enhancement Program, once known as the State Brush Control Plan, was finalized by the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board. The agency set new rules on how to tap into grant money. They've been working on this since 2011 after the drought took hold across the state and a series of legislative hearings in Austin were held. Under the plan ranchers and water districts apply for financial assistance to clear land thats primarily located over aquifer recharge areas.

According to the TSSWCB Strategic Plan, the Legislation requires a feasibility study with a computer model predicting water yield expectations to be completed prior to considering approval of a project. Additionally, a requirement for project creation to be initiated through a competitive application process was implemented, as well as a requirement for the agency to make the balance between expected water yield and relative water conservation need ( to be included in ) the primary factor in choosing which projects to ultimately approve and initiate.

Critics of the plan, however, argue the idea is misguided. There are doubts that clearing brush can increase ground water levels, and there is concern the practice will lead to future soil erosion problems as well as eliminate habitat for endangered birds.

Agency spokesman Aaron Wendt pointed out that the plan does not allow for clear cutting, and proper land management practices will have to be followed.

Smaller brush control programs are already in place in Texas. Three years ago, city council members in Horseshoe Bay approved a plan to clear away the heavy brush that had grown up in that community. The plan was mostly about fire-prevent, but improving ground water availability was also part of the sales pitch to city residents.

Since 2011 when the program started more than 5,000 cedar and dead trees have been cleared from undeveloped lots in Horseshoe Bay. Not only have they reduced the fuel that can increase the wildfire threat, it's believed the project is helping hardwood trees survive like oaks and elms.

Some researchers claim a mature cedar tree can soak up 33 gallons of water a day. The Horseshoe Bay brush removal plan costs about $50,000 a year. Current and former city leaders and residents, like Danny Ferguson, agree the Horseshoe Bay program has been successful.

"I feel like its helped ... we need to conserve all the water we can do, cause we're in a definite drought, said Ferguson.

Grants awards, under the New Water Supply Enhancement Program, may be issued in September. The amount and number after that will be determined by funding that is allocated to the TSSWCB during the next Legislative Session.

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Cedar tree removal program to increase water supply approved