Minutes of the May 16, 2006

Walt Sears, General Manager of NETMWD, welcomed the group of 44 concerned stakeholders from in and around the Cypress Creek Basin. Those attending and signed in included 9 from Cass County, 9 from Marion Co., 8 from Harrison Co., 2 from Morris Co., 3 from Hopkins Co., 1from Camp Co., 2 from Upshur Co., and 1 from Titus Co. Representatives from State and Federal agencies included TCEQ, Texas Parks and Wildlife, USGS, Louisiana Dept. of Wildlife and Fisheries, and two current voting members and one former voting member of the North East Texas Regional Water Planning Group. Residents connected with farming, ranching, timber, fishing, recreational, environmental, business, shoreline and other interests participated in the meeting. It was acknowledged that the efforts of this workgroup are voluntary and driven by stakeholder consensus. Any planned actions will be developed in a cooperative way with the stakeholders. Participation by stakeholders from all parts of the watershed remains an important goal in this effort. This was the first meeting of the workgroup. This workgroup was formed to specifically address the physical concerns within the Caddo Lake Watershed.

A map of the Caddo Lake Watershed, information from the North East Texas Water Planning Group, and information on the new USGS gauging station were provided to the stakeholders. A copy of the information from the planning group and on the USGS station are attached to these minutes.

The participation and discussion of the group at this meeting mainly focused on invasive plants, the recent die off aquatic vegetation in different parts of the lake, and nutrient loading. It was estimated of the 2,600 acres of noxious, invasive, and non-native plants in Caddo Lake that 2,500 acres were in Texas. TCEQ suggested that it could participate in sending a sample of the dead vegetation to Lake Lewisville where experts may be able to identify the cause. More information on why the vegetation died could be helpful in evaluating possible strategies to control the noxious vegetation. The subject of how decomposing vegetation depletes the dissolved oxygen in the water was discussed. The decomposing plant material is a source of nutrients. It was noted that declining dissolved oxygen can cause fish to leave that area and have other harmful effects.

Removal by harvesting water hyacinths and hydrilla was discussed with the hope that future technology would make it practical. There was significant discussion focused on the chemical control of the invasive plants, the cost versus the benefit was one of the major topics of the discussion. The group discussed various ways to control noxious, invasive, and non-native plants in Caddo Lake. The noxious plants most discussed were water hyacinth and hydrilla. It was noted that hydrilla is rooted vegetation and water hyacinth is floating vegetation. It was also recognized that different chemicals and different control methods are used for these plants. It was confirmed that chemical spraying to kill water hyacinth was going to be done by at least three organizations in the short term. Representatives of those organizations present at the meeting acknowledged that the efforts are being coordinated for maximum efficiency. It was acknowledged by the group that complete removal/eradication of hydrilla and water hyacinth is not a reasonable probability. Limiting the amount of hydrilla and water hyacinth appears a more likely scenario. The amount and degree to which these plants should be in Caddo Lake is a likely topic at upcoming workgroup meetings.

The meeting wrapped up with Walt Sears explaining the status and effect of the approved Total Maximum Daily Load for Lake O’ the Pines. The watershed of Lake O’ the Pines is about one-third of the watershed of Caddo Lake. During the discussion of the TMDL for Lake O’ the Pines, it was noted that substantial numbers of nutrient management plans within the watershed had been developed and are being implemented. These plans contain best management practices and other site-specific strategies to efficiently use nutrients. It was acknowledged that a goal of the Lake O’ the Pines TMDL is reduction of phosphorus. Both point and nonpoint sources are involved in making changes to lower the amount of phosphorus entering the waterway. Appreciation was expressed for those efforts that have been and are continuing to be made to reduce phosphorus loading in the watershed. Substantial efforts to effectively manage phosphorus and other nutrients related to the TMDL have been underway and ongoing for more than 5 years.

It was acknowledged that the District is sending out a short survey form to the stakeholders for further feedback on the concerns of the stakeholders. The survey has been sent out by e-mail and regular mail. Input of the stakeholders from these surveys should be available by the next meeting of the workgroup. More than 225 survey requests have been sent out. As additional stakeholders participate in this effort, each will be provided opportunities to complete a survey and to share their perspectives. The next meeting date was set for 7.00 p.m. on June 20, 2006 at Northeast Texas Municipal Water District’s office south of Hughes Springs.

At the next meeting, it is anticipated that representatives of Texas Parks and Wildlife will present a plan for dealing with the noxious plants in the short term. Information related to the recent die off of aquatic vegetation from experts will be discussed if available. Further discussion of the physical concerns is expected and possible short-term and long-term actions will be further developed.

Further detailed information on hydrilla, water hyacinth, and other aquatic vegetation is available at the internet site of http://www.aquaplants.tamu.edu. This site provides information on plant identification, management options, and other useful topics. Further detailed information on water quality within the Cypress Basin is available at the site of http://www.netmwd.com. This site provides access to information on water quality, TMDL, and other useful topics.