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Harte Research Institute for Gulf of Mexico Studies |
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The Harte Research Institute (HRI) for Gulf of Mexico Studies is a newly endowed and developing institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi. Its mission is to support and advance the long-term sustainable use and conservation of the Gulf of Mexico. HRI will encourage a tri-national responsibility and approach to understanding the Gulf of Mexico ecosystem, including the United States, Mexico, and Cuba, and it will promote excellence and innovation in interdisciplinary scientific research, public policy initiatives, and education of the public. Cooperation and collaboration with Gulf and tri-national partners will be a hallmark of HRI activity. A $46 million endowment was given by Mr. Edward H. Harte, philanthropist and former publisher of the Corpus Christi Caller-Times, and the State of Texas provided an additional $18 million to build a facility to house HRI. To date, a 19-member Advisory Council has been formed, planning meetings have been held in Corpus Christi, Houston, Havana, and Veracruz, and building construction will start in spring 2003, with move-in slated for January 2005. Although wide-ranging activity and research are planned after HRI officially"opens," several early projects are already underway: Veracruz reef studies; biodiversity of the Gulf of Mexico; Gulf of Mexico GIS; and, GulfBase, a Gulfwide research website.
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Texas Water Resources Institute |
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The Texas Water Resources Institute serves as a focal point for water-related research at Texas universities, encouraging discussion of statewide issues through meetings and multi-university studies. The Institute links academic expertise with state and federal agencies, strengthening water research and education. Additionally, the Institute provides leadership for water resources programs through grant administration, pre-award services, project management, communications and facilitation of interagency collaboration.
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Texas Clean Rivers Act |
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Winter 1994 issue of Texas Water Resources a news letter published by the Texas Water Resources Institute, located at Texas A&M University.
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Texas State Soil & Water Conservation Board |
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List of soil and water association links categorized by: state government, local government, river authorities, and others.
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Sabine River Authority of Texas |
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The Sabine River Authority of Texas is a governmental agency of the State of Texas created in 1949 as a conservation and reclamation district with responsibilities to control, store, preserve, and distribute the waters of the Sabine River and its tributary system for useful purposes.
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USGS Activities in Texas |
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Water resources of Texas. Features news, real-time water data, water quality reports, weather information, and mapping.
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Favorite USGS Pages about TEXAS |
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Biology Information, Geological Information, On-Line Map List, Minerals Information and Water Information
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Texas Chemical Council |
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"Our mission is to create a globally competitive environment for the chemical industry in Texas in a manner that is positive for the state and it's people. Site contains links to industry's influence on air quality and water quality.
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Capital of Texas Aquarium |
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An Aquatic Science Center Planned for Austin. "The Capital of Texas Aquarium will work to expand the knowledge, awareness and concern of visitors about local and worldwide aquatic habitat. "
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University of North Texas - Environmental Education, Science and Technology Building |
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The building houses the Institute of Applied Sciences including the Water Research Field Station, Center for Spatial Analysis and Mapping, Center for Environmental Archaeology, and other related research centers. The building also houses the Center for Environmental Philosophy, the Texas Society for Ecological Restoration, and the Center for Community and Environmental Journalism. Each center that the building houses has an associated link on the website.
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Texas State Aquarium |
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"Dedicated to providing quality programs about aquatic habitats and animals of the Gulf of Mexico through education, conservation, and rehabilitation" Located in Corpus Cristi.
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Environmental & Energy Systems Institute |
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"Environmental & Energy
Systems Institute supports and fosters partnerships between academia, business, governments, non-government agencies, and community groups to help meet society's needs for sustainable energy, environmental protection, economic development, and public health and safety. The Institute includes faculty and students in the Schools of Social Sciences, Engineering, Natural Sciences, Humanities, Architecture, and Management."
Webpage includes links to related environmental webpages and centers.
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Texas A&M University - Oceanography |
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This department contains four subdivisions of Oceanography: Biological, Chemical, Geological, and Physical. Information on Academic Programs, Research, Admissions and Directory.
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Watersmart Landscapes for the Upper Texas Gulf Coast |
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From sprinkler to storm drain, from bayou to bay, the water used to maintain your yard remains untreated. What you do to your lawn and what runs off your yard determines the health of Galveston Bay. If you think your contribution to water pollution is insignificant, add your runoff to that of your neighbors and combine that with the rest of the Galveston Bay watershed. The result is runoff pollution the number one source of water pollution in most of our bayous.
The goal of this Watersmart website is to provide a tool that will help people landscape in a way that is low-maintenance, low-cost, and low-impact on the environment.
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Marine Biomedical Institute |
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"On Feb. 1, 1969, the Marine Biomedical Institute (MBI) became the first marine science institute devoted specifically to the elucidation and solution of problems in biomedicine and human ecology. Today, the mission of the MBI is "To create, maintain and evolve an internationally recognized research neuroscience institute by advancing the biomedical knowledge of nervous system structure, function and chemistry." This unique mission, to combine neuroscience and marine science, developed because UTMB is ideally situated, allowing simultaneous access to the sea and one of the nation's premier medical research centers."
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University of Texas Marine Science Institute (UTMSI) |
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The University of Texas Marine Science Institute has active research programs in marine science disciplines including the physiology, biochemistry and ecology of marine plants and animals; dynamics of marine ecosystems; biogeochemistry; mariculture; toxicology; and environmental monitoring. It is the oldest marine research station on the Texas Gulf Coast.
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Maptech Mapserver |
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Free online map service for entire US provides topographical maps and charts for land, sea and air.
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Geochemical & Environmental Research Group |
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"GERG was formed in 1981 and has a staff of approximately 70 research scientists, managers, professionals, technicians, graduate students, and student workers with a broad range of experience and expertise in geochemistry, oceanography, environmental/analytical chemistry, atmospheric sciences, marine chemistry, ecology, marine biology, physical oceanography, toxicology, and other environmental fields."
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Coastal Wetland Information - TX Land Office |
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The goal of the Texas Wetland Information Network (WetNet) project is to allow easier access to online wetland-related information. Funded by a grant from the Wetland Office of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Region 6, WetNet will enhance the wetland protection capabilities of state and federal regulatory agencies operating in Texas, and will provide accurate and up-to-date information to local governments, universities, and the general public.
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Agricultural Water Conservation |
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Discribes programmatic activities and opportunities relating to agricultural water conservation.
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Municipal Water Conservation |
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Discusses programmatic plans and opportunties, as well as some statistical figures, relating to most aspects of municipal water conservation.
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Laboratory for Oceanographic and Environmental Research |
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"The primary mission of LOER is to provide state of the art common access analytical facilities and support for coordinated research efforts in environmental and aquatic geochemical studies."
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The Lower Rio Grande Ecosystem Initiative |
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The Lower Rio Grande Ecosystem Initiative was established by the Biological Resource Division of the USGS to address research and information needs pertinent to the biotic resources of the river and its adjacent terrestrial habitats. Currently, the LRGEI, in collaboration with other governmental agencies in the U.S. and Mexico has a number of projects in various stages of development.
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Environmental Systems - Bays and Estuaries |
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This website is dedicated to an environmental program for the study of Bays, Estuaries and Instream Flows.The purpose of this program is to determine the effects of and needs for freshwater flows to the coastal Bays & Estuaries of Texas (see image), as well as the associated instream flow needs of state streams and rivers below major water development projects, in order to provide information that is necessary for state water planning, financing and management.
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The Texas Coastal Management Program |
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"The Texas Coastal Management Program (CMP) coordinates state, local, and federal programs for the management of Texas coastal resources. . . Created during the period between 1989 and 1995, the CMP establishes the Coastal Coordination Council as the forum for coordinating state, federal, and local programs and activities on the coast. The CMP was designed to meet requirements for participation in the federal Coastal Zone Management Program. Once a states program is federally approved, the state receives federal coastal grant funding and may require federal activities in the coastal zone to comply with the programs policies through a process known as consistency review."
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Coastal Issues - TX Land Office |
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"Texas is the only state in the nation that has an Open Beaches Act prohibiting the private ownership of beaches in our state. As steward of state-owned lands, the Texas General Land Office is responsible for management of the 367 miles of Texas coastline from the vegetation line on the beach to 10.3 miles into the Gulf of Mexico, as well as millions of acres of submerged land in our coastal bays. Several programs stemming from that basic responsibility have made the coastal region Texas' second-most popular tourist attraction, generating $7 billion a year. . ." sections on Adopt-A-Beach, Beaches and Dunes, Coastal Coordination Council, Coastal Erosion, Coastal Management Program, Coastal Wetlands, Contacts & Publications, Oil Spill Prevention and Response, Wetnet
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Houston Coastal Center |
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Approximately 1,000 acres in size, the Center serves various colleges, departments, institutes and programs of the University of Houston, University of Houston-Clear Lake, and the University of Houston Downtown. Texas Gulf Coast tall-grass prairie, utilized as grazing land, dominated this site prior to World War II. The area was used by the military (Camp Wallace) during the 1940's, resulting in disturbance of portions of the native prairie and introduction of non-native woody species to the site. Approximately 200 acres of undisturbed native prairie remain.
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Texas Parks and Wildlife |
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TPW "provides outdoor recreational opportunites by managing and protecting wildlife and wildlife habitat and acquiring and managing parklands and historic areas. It has inherited the functions of many state entities created to protect Texas' natural resources."
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The Edwards Aquifer Homepage |
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Detailed Description of Edwards Aquifer, along with discussion of water resource issues.
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Houston-Galveston Area Council |
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General and environmental information for this southeast Texas region.
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Central Southwest/Gulf Coast Information Node (CSWGCIN) of the National Biological Information Infrastructure (NBII) - Galveston Bay |
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Links of interest about the Galveston Bay Estuary and associated watershed, which are comprised of numerous ecosystems positioned amid Houston, Texas, an urban and industrial center.
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Texas Water Foundation |
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"The TWF is dedicated to educating all Texans about the vital role water plays in the health, economic growth and quality of life of the Lone Star State. Through symposiums, community partnerships and other outreach efforts, we are engaging and empowering citizens to take personal responsibility for conserving and preserving water resources in Texas. "
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Center For Water Supply Studies |
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A cross-disciplinary research center focusing on water resources and other water related issues in South Texas. Through active new research the Center provides information needed to evaluate alternative strategies for local and regional management of surface and subsurface water resources. Capabilities of the center include GIS, computer modeling, field studies, education, and conservation expertise. Online resources include databases and maps.
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Dallas World Aquarium |
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"Descend into a South American rainforest filled with rare and indigenous plants, monkeys, and beautiful soft-billed toucans. Follow the bamboo-planked paths down into the jungle where you find crocodiles below, a black jaguar in a tree, and experience a face-to-face encounter with vicious piranhas! The path continues underwater for a look at the worlds largest freshwater aquarium filled with giant catfish, schooling cichilds, and huge turtles. You then find yourself surrounded be more than 85,000 gallons of saltwater, including a 22,000 gallon walk through tunnel. Giant Humphead wrasses, stingrays, endangered Green sea turtles, and rare Leafy seadragons are only a few of the intriguing marine life."
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Coastal Bend and Bays Estuary Program (CBBEP) |
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The Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program
is a local non-profit 501(c)(3)organization
dedicated to protecting and restoring bays
and estuaries of the Texas Coastal Bend.
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Galveston Bay Estuary Program (GBEP) |
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The Galveston Bay Estuary Program is a continuation of the National Estuary Program (NEP) established for Galveston Bay in 1989. The NEP was established by Section 320 of the Water Quality Act of 1987 , authorizing the administrator of the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to convene Management Conferences to develop Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs) for estuaries of national significance that are threatened by pollution, development or overuse.
The purpose of the Galveston Bay NEP was to draft and adopt a CCMP to improve water quality and enhance living resources in Galveston Bay. Under EPA guidance, creation of the CCMP was a joint effort by conference members who represent government, the private sector and citizens. Galveston Bay's CCMP, The Galveston Bay Plan (The Plan) , is complete and was approved by the EPA Administrator,Carol Browner in April 1995.
The Texas Legislature agreed with the regional Galveston Bay community concerning the high importance of this bay system to Texas. During the 1995 legislative session, a session in which few new environmental initiatives were addressed, $750,000 was approved for the Galveston Bay Estuary Program to proceed with Plan implementation. This is half the amount of state funding called for by the Management Conference in The Plan itself, but still allows for implementation of key Plan initiatives.
With the completion of The Galveston Bay Plan and support from theTexas Legislature, the Galveston Bay Estuary Program transitioned from planning (Clean Water Act Section 320 funds under the NEP) to implementation (primarily a state and local effort augmented by federal demonstration grant funds). A nine-person staff (see organization chart) oversees activities related to Plan implementation.
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Environmental Change in South Texas |
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Discusses Tamaulipan Brushland, Laguna Madre, Irrigation, Water Diversions, and the Rio Grande, Agricultural Contaminants, Industrial and Municipal Effects.
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University of North Texas - Institute of Applied Sciences |
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"The IAS conducts research and educational activities that seek solutions to issues and problems related to the development of natural and human resources. Water, land, environment, and people as resources form the thematic mission of the researchers at IAS. Through working relationships with the academic community at the University of North Texas and other universities, IAS can develop skilled interdisciplinary teams with the diversity of expertise and commitment needed to solve resource-related problems."
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Moody Gardens (Galveston Island) |
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Includes Aquarium, a "Rainforest Pyramid with thousands of tropical plants, exotic fish, birds and butterflies", a "Discovery Museum and IMAX Ridefilm Theater."
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Guadalupe River Chapter of Trout Unlimited |
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Trout Unlimited is a non-profit, conservation organization whose mission is to conserve, protect, and restore North America's trout and salmon fisheries and their watersheds for the benefit of future generations. With 4000 members throughout Texas, the Guadalupe River Chapter is the largest local chapter of TU.
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Surf Your Watershed - Texas State Information |
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Part of the "Surf Your Watershed" web site of the US EPA. For each Texas watershed, the user can find data (from EPA and other sources) on Watershed Health (indicators, assessment,State Water Quality); River Corridors and Wetlands Restoration Efforts, State Profiles); Places Involving this State Watersheds: 210, Counties: 254, Metropolitan Areas: 27, Nominated American Heritage Rivers: 6, National Estuary Programs: 2, and Tribes: 3); Water; Land; Air; People Demographics, contacts)
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Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) |
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Texas A&M University at Galveston (TAMUG) is an ocean-oriented campus offering education, research and public service in marine engineering, marine biology, oceanography, business, and marine transportation.
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Geographic Information Files for Clean Rivers Program Planning Agencies |
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Data for each basin includes USGS, TNRCC, and CRP Sampling stations, 303(d)-listed segments, 1997 CRP summary assessment report, land use information, and subwatersheds.
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HGAC - Texas Clean Rivers Program |
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State rivers programs established by the state legislature "The goal of the Clean Rivers Program is to maintain and improve the quality of water resources within each river basin in Texas through an ongoing partnership involving the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission, other agencies, river author-ities, regional entities, local governments, industry and citizens. The program will use a watershed management approach to identify and evaluate water quality issues, establish priorities for corrective action and work to implement those actions. . . The key strategy for meeting this goal is to re-orient everyone's thinking -- government officials, private interests, and citizens -- toward a "watershed approach" to water quality management."
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Ecosystem Modeling Group |
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"Our research is concerned with understanding the behaviour of biological systems in the marine environment. This involves developing means to understand how the interactions between biological, physical, chemical and geological influences affect these systems. We do this by formulating mathematical and computer models to help synthesize available information about these various influences and their effects on marine systems.If these models are successful, they should be able to accurately predict how the ecosystem will react to changes in external forcings (e.g., a change in nutrients resulting from changes in land usage). Developing models helps increase our understanding of how these systems work." Current Research includes Ecosystem Models, Seagrass & Kelp, Marine Particles, and Larval Transport.
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TCEQ - The Texas Clean Rivers Program |
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The Texas Clean Rivers Program (CRP) was implemented to maintain and improve the quality of surface water resources within each river basin in Texas. The CRP is a partnership involving the Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC), other state agencies, river authorities, local governments, industry, and citizens. Using a watershed management approach, CRP partner agencies work with the TNRCC to identify and evaluate surface water quality issues and to establish priorities for corrective action.
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Alphabetical Listing of Texas Lakes |
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Each lake listed links to maps and additional facts, such as: 1.Access Points 2.Regulations 3.Nearby State Parks 4.What to fish for! 5.Fishing Report 6.Lake Attributes 7.Texas Parks and Wildlife offices 8.Detailed view of Lake area 9.Water Body Records
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Population Projections - 2006 Regional Water Plan |
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Texas Water Conservation |
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Issues Related to the Texas-Mexico Border |
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Discussion of issues and management entities related to the Texas -Mexico border.
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Marine Fishes and Shellfishes of the Gulf |
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Pictures and information about Red Drum, Spotted Seatrout, Black Drum, Southern Flounder, Texas Crabs, Oysters, Shrimp and Pictures of 30 other Fish
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Texas Commission on Environmental Quality |
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The Texas Natural Resource Conservation Commission (TNRCC)is the lead environmental agency for the state. In its own words, TNRCC "strives to protect our state's precious human and natural resources, consistent with sustainable economic development. Our goal is clean air, clean water, and the safe management of waste, with an emphasis on pollution prevention. We are committed to providing efficient, prompt, and courteous service to the people of Texas, ever mindful that our decisions must be based on common sense, good science, and fiscal responsibility."
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Texas Environmental Profiles |
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From website: A joint project of the Texas Center for Policy Studies and Environmental Defense, Texas Environmental Profiles is an information and on-line activism resource for the state of Texas. Our mission is to provide citizens, educators, journalists, and policy makers with easy to understand, current information on the environment in Texas as whole and communities within the state. To this end we provide explanations of key issues at the state level; values, rankings, and links for over 50 indicators of environmental quality for all 254 counties; an interactive mapping system; and a take action center.
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Texas Coastal Wetlands |
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This report analyzes data collected for the 12.8 million-acre coastal Texas study area. . . Changes were determined to be either natural or human-induced. The total wetlands acreage estimate for 1992 was subtracted from the 1955 total estimate and divided by the 37-year study period to give an estimate for average annual net wetlands loss.
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Freshwater Fish Identification |
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Pictures and information about, Black Bass, White & Striped Bass, Catfish, Bullhead, Crappie, Sunfish, American Eel, Paddlefish, Bowfin, Rio Grande Cichlid, Pike, Drum, Gar, Walleye, Carp & Relative
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Texas A&M University - Wildlife and Fisheries Science |
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Main page connects to information on Faculty, Academics, Students, Seminars, Departmental History, Extension Programs, Facilities and Labs, Texas Co-op Wildlife Collection, Academic Advising, Jobs Board, and Osprey.
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