Application of Best Management Practices as a conservation tool in Texas

Authors: Megan G. Bean, Timothy Birdsong, Gary P. Garrett

Year: 2010 (xlii)

Abstract

More than 40% of fish and mussel taxa in Texas are listed as imperiled, a trend that is consistent nationwide. Habitat degradation is the principle contributing factor in species declines, so a conservation framework is being developed in Texas that identifies conservation best management practices (BMPs) that address specific sources of fish habitat impairments. BMPs will be made available via an interactive web-based platform with the ability to identify BMPs by ecological drainage unit, conservation objective, or land use type. Information and relevant data on drainages (e.g., number of dams, riparian vegetation communities, and riparian intactness), species occurrence, critical habitats, existing conservation priorities and initiatives, and recent and ongoing fish habitat protection and restoration projects will also be made available. This presentation will discuss planned uses of the framework in support of fish habitat protection and restoration efforts in Texas. Specifically, the presentation will highlight its utility in support of a watershed-scale fish habitat restoration initiative underway in west Texas.