(Hydrolic conditions summary information is from Southeast Aquatic Resources Partnership's Southeast Aquatic Habitat Plan )

The quantity and flow of freshwater in waterbodies varies naturally by season and precipitation, and unnaturally by human alteration and withdrawal of water from rivers and lakes as well as groundwater from aquifers. Both are important to aquatic communities. High flows and elevated water levels are part of the natural renewal of some habitats and coastal waters. In rivers, reservoirs or natural lakes, high flows during spring and summer
greatly enhance reproductive success and survival of offspring for many species of fish and other animals. These same water levels support public needs for transportation, irrigation, drinking water and recreation. When people dredge rivers to enhance navigation, create reservoirs and build levees, they may change the hydrologic conditions of waterbodies and watersheds. (Sklar and Browder 1998). The objective is to maintain and/or adjust the
quantity and flow of freshwater in rivers, streams, reservoirs and estuaries in a manner that will enhance or sustain the habitats and populations of fish and other aquatic organisms while meeting public needs.

Planning and Managment

1. Communication
2. Conservation easement
3. Conservation education
4. Conservation development
5. Develop or protect a riparian buffer zone
6. Ordinances
7. TPWD Landowner Incentive Program
8. Watershed conservation plan

Protection and Restoration of Instream Habitats

1. Alternatives to reservoir construction
2. Conservation easement
3. Culvert design
4. Develop or protect a riparian buffer zone
5. Fish passage
6. Stream crossings

Protection of Riparian Area and Floodplain

1. Alternatives to reservoir construction
2. Conservation easement
3. Develop or protect a riparian buffer zone
4. Prevention of riparian habitat fragmentation
5. Protection or revegetation of native species
6. Texas Invasives
7. Aquatic Invasives
8. Stopping Invasives

Protection of Upland Habitats

1. Alternatives to reservoir construction
2. Brush Management
3. Conservation easement
4. Fire management
5. Prevention of upland habitat fragmentation (preserving wildlife corridors)
6. Protection or revegetation of native species
7. Texas Invasives
8. Aquatic Invasives
9. Stopping Invasives
10. TPWD Landowner Incentive Program

Water Conservation and Promoting Infiltration

1. Alternatives to reservoir construction
2. Constructed wetlands
3. Infiltration, filtration, detention, and retention systems
4. Irrigation management
5. Low flow fixtures
6. Protection or revegetation of native species
7. Rainwater harvesting
8. Riparian buffers
9. Riparian setbacks
10. Stormwater management