May 3, 2004

SONORA – A need for current rangeland water news has prompted Texas Cooperative Extension in Sutton, Crockett and Schleicher counties to sponsor the Rangeland Water Conference. The event will be May 26 in the Sonora Civic Center.

Registration is scheduled for 9 a.m. The program will start at 9:25 a.m. with a welcome by Sutton County Judge Carla Garner.

Three Texas Department of Agriculture continuing education units will be available to participants.

"Water and the growing issues surrounding this precious resource are of utmost importance to all West Texans," said Pascual Hernandez, Extension agent for Sutton County. "We're right over the Edwards Aquifer here, one of the most important underground water sources in the state. Our whole agricultural economy, including our land values, hinges directly on water, or the lack of it.

"This conference is designed to give our producers a concise overview of the topics that most affect them. We'll be talking about everything from maintaining water quality and riparian management to the ‘rule of capture' and Texas water law. If you are a landowner in our area or have an interest in learning more about West Texas water-related issues and technology, I would strongly urge you to attend this conference."

Morning speakers and their topics will include:

- "Plant Water Needs/Herbicide Alternatives," Dr. Keith Owens, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station range scientist, Uvalde;

- "Maintaining Water Quality Through Analysis," Cindy Cawley, Schleicher County Underground Water Conservation District manager, Eldorado; and

- "Windmills," Bob Bracher and James Docker, Aermotor of San Angelo.

Afternoon topics and speakers include:

- "Riparian Management," Vaden Aldridge, Natural Resources Conservation Service district conservationist, Eldorado;

- "Rule of Capture," Dr. Todd Votteler, Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust, Seguin; and

- "Texas Pesticide Laws and Record Keeping Requirements," Cain Cline, TDA, San Angelo.

Pre-registration by May 24 is $10 per person to cover the cost of the meal and educational materials.

For more information contact the Extension offices in Sutton, Schleicher or Crockett counties.