Title
Consider recommendation from EAA staff to approve an Interlocal Cooperation Contract with Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, in an amount not to exceed $1,248,500.00, for a land management and recharge study.
Body
STAFF RECOMMENDED MOTION:
Move the board adopt Resolution and Order No. 04-26-143 of the Edwards Aquifer Authority Board of Directors approving Contract No. 26-009-AMS between the EAA and the Texas A&M University AgriLife Research, in an amount not to exceed $1,248,500.00, upon signature by both parties, through December 31, 2031.
SUMMARY:
The purpose of this agenda item is for the board to consider an EAA staff recommendation to approve a contract between the EAA and Texas A&M University AgriLife Research for a study investigating land management and recharge. This project represents a five-year research initiative to evaluate whether nature-based land management practices can improve groundwater recharge quantity and quality in the Edwards Aquifer.
Key Research Questions
· Can nature-based solutions measurably enhance groundwater recharge and water quality?
· How do infiltration, soil conditions, and land management practices affect recharge dynamics?
· What roles do urbanization, woody plant cover, grazing, and ephemeral streams play?
· How significant is upland (distributed) recharge compared to channelized recharge?
Study Approach
Research will be conducted across three EAA-managed properties:
· Field Research Park (existing monitoring infrastructure)
· Maverick Ranch
· Dischinger-Brehmer Ranch
The project combines field monitoring, soil analysis, hydrologic modeling, and land-use assessment over a five-year period (2026-2031).
Core Objectives
1. Analyze Existing Hydrologic Data (Ongoing)
Leverage current monitoring (rainfall, runoff, groundwater, soil moisture, evapotranspiration) to better understand recharge processes and water budgets in karst systems.
2. Assess Urban Expansion Impacts (Years 1-2)
Quantify histo...
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