Grazing lands are the dominant land use in the majority of Texas watersheds. Until recently, little attention was paid in Texas to the effect that livestock grazing on these lands may have on water quality. Bacteria source tracking conducted as a part of the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality’s Total Maximum Daily Load program has recently identified cattle as significant contributors of excessive bacteria in impaired Texas water bodies. Texas has now initiated a major effort to improve the management of grazing lands to reduce nonpoint source pollution.
With an increasing focus on more holistic watershed management, the Lone Star Healthy Streams, Environmental Management of Grazing Lands and Bacteria Runoff BMPs for Intensive Beef Cattle Operations projects are expanding the overall knowledge of beef cattle producers regarding watershed management and measures for reducing bacteria contamination of streams. These projects are a partnership among federal and state natural resource agencies and animal industry groups.
Through the Lone Star Healthy Streams, Environmental Management of Grazing Lands and Bacteria Runoff BMPs for Intensive Beef Cattle Operations projects, project cooperators are testing best management practices (BMPs). Based on this evaluation of BMPs, personnel will develop and test an educational program in targeted watersheds through Lone Star Healthy Streams. After the pilot program, the Lone Star Healthy Streams program will be delivered statewide to needed areas. Implementation of watershed management principles and practices on grazing lands are critical to the success of water resource protection efforts in the state for years to come.