The Rio Grande Basin Initiative has saved over 5 million acre-feet of water since 2001 through water conservation efforts. Researchers and extension specialists from Texas and New Mexico have worked with local irrigation districts, producers, homeowners, and agencies to promote efficient irrigation. This includes demonstrating automation technologies to irrigation districts, developing maps of urban growth near districts, and evaluating drip irrigation systems. Outreach activities like TexasET networks and training master gardeners in residential water issues help educate the public on water conservation.

1. 09 Rio Grande Basin Initiative
10 Progress and Accomplishments
Efficient Irrigation for
Water Conservation in
09
the Rio Grande Basin
10
Accomplishments
Progress and
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Reference to commercial products or trade names is made with the understanding that no discrimination is intended
and no endorsement by Texas AgriLife Research, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, the New Mexico Agricultural
Experiment Station, or the New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service is implied. Texas AgriLife Research
All programs and related activities of Texas AgriLife Research, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and the New Mexico Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service are open to all people, without regard to race, ethnicity,
age, gender, disability, religion, or national origin. New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station
Produced by AgriLife Communications, Texas A&M System New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service
3583-E 5/10/2010 700 copies

2. Rio Grande Basin Initiative
Since 2001, the Efficient Irrigation for Water Conservation in the Rio Grande Basin Federal
Initiative—known as the Rio Grande Basin Initiative (RGBI)—has saved more than 5 million
acre-feet of water. Researchers, Extension specialists and county Extension agents from Texas
AgriLife Research, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service, and the New Mexico State University
Agricultural Experiment Station and Cooperative Extension Service work with local irrigation
districts, agricultural producers, homeowners, and regional agencies to meet present and future
water demand through water conservation and efficient irrigation measures.
This project is funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and
Agriculture and is administered by the Texas Water Resources Institute and the New Mexico State
University Water Task Force.
2009–2010 Partners
• USDA - National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Texas AgriLife Research
• Texas AgriLife Extension Service
• Texas Water Resources Institute
• New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station
• New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service
• New Mexico State University Water Task Force
This material is based on work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, U.S. Department
of Agriculture, under Agreement No. 2009-34461-19772 and Agreement No. 2009-45049-05492.
The Texas Water Resources Institute is part of Texas AgriLife Research, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service,
and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Texas A&M University.
On the cover
Microjet spray sprinkler irrigation in citrus is used as a water conservation method (photo by Russell Pankratz of
Texas Water Development Board, taken at last year’s annual conference. Photo submitted by Shad Nelson).

3. 09 Task Areas
10
2009–2010 Accomplishments
Texas AgriLife Extension Service
New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service Accomplishments
Task 1 Irrigation District Studies 02
Task 2 Irrigation Education and Training 05 Texas AgriLife Extension Service
Task 3 Institutional Incentives for Efficient Water Use 07 New Mexico Cooperative Extension Service
Task 4 On-Farm Irrigation System Management 09
Task 5 Urban Water Conservation 11
Task 6 Environment, Ecology and Water Quality Protection 16
Task 7 Saline and Wastewater Management and Water Reuse 21
Task 8 Basinwide Hydrology, Salinity Modeling and Technology 25
2009–2010 County Programs Accomplishments 28
Texas and New Mexico
2009–2010 Accomplishments
Texas AgriLife Research
New Mexico Agricultural Experiment Station
Task 1 Irrigation District Studies 40
Task 3 Institutional Incentives for Efficient Water Use 44
Task 4 On-Farm Irrigation System Management 48
Task 5 Urban Water Conservation 56
Task 6 Environment, Ecology and Water Quality Protection 62
Task 7 Saline and Wastewater Management and Water Reuse 65
Task 8 Basinwide Hydrology, Salinity Modeling and Technology 70
Contacts 73

4. 09 Task 1 Extension
10 Irrigation District Studies
Irrigation district automation and telemetry
demonstrations continue
The purpose of this program is to demonstrate to irrigation districts the potential benefits of
automation, remote control, and monitoring capabilities, and to implement equipment and
technologies ranging from sophisticated, commercial supervisory control and data acquisition
(SCADA) systems to less expensive and simpler equipment that can be easily maintained by small
districts. Following are specific demonstrations conducted by Texas AgriLife Extension Service
engineers at various Texas Rio Grande Basin irrigation districts.
based on flows will reduce losses and improve operational efficiency over the current system, which
Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6: Gate automation demonstration relies on water levels. Online updates displaying flow rates, gate position, and water levels are
In 2007, Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 asked the engineering team to help set up an provided through the IDEA Web site in both graphical and numeral charts. The team monitored
automatic control system for flood prevention. The project (Phase I) was completed in summer 2008. flows and water levels over an 80-day period and was able to calibrate the gate to within 5 percent,
It consisted of commercial-type SCADA equipment and software and continues to work effectively, well within the range needed for canal management.
preventing flooding of the surrounding neighborhood during heavy rain events. This year, the district
asked for the engineering team’s help to expand the system to include their main canal and two This gate automation demonstration project is the first step in a much larger, overall vision for
reservoirs. The team provided assistance on selection and installation of all hardware and electronic United Irrigation District. This single gate will have immediate benefits through real-time decision
equipment, system design, and sensor calibration. The reservoir gates were synchronized to open in making and control to improve operation efficiency and reduce costs (estimated at $2,000 per year)
accordance to the water level as the emergency gate. The team also made improvements to the user and water use, saving approximately 5 percent of total water allocation (2,800 acre-feet per year).
interface on the computer at the district office, which operates and monitors the control system. The
control system has improved daily district operations and real-time decision making. Operation costs Map series developed for urbanizing Texas counties
have been reduced by about $5,000 per year, and water losses have been reduced by about 10 percent and irrigation districts of the Rio Grande Basin
(3,400 acre-feet per year). The engineering team provided five two-hour training sessions with Using aerial photographs and geographic information systems (GIS) analysis, Extension
three district employees on operating the gate control software and troubleshooting problems. The professionals mapped the expansion of urbanized areas in all Rio Grande Basin irrigation districts
team continued fine-tuning and working with the irrigation districts on troubleshooting naturally over the 10-year period from 1996 to 2006. In some areas, particularly Hidalgo County, districts
occurring problems with sensors and equipment in the field. are rapidly urbanizing, resulting in land fragmentation and greatly complicating water delivery,
district management, and planning for rehabilitation and maintenance projects. Five regional and
Cameron County Irrigation District No. 6: Telemetry demonstration county maps are included in the report, which also show the service areas of 30 irrigation districts
Engineers implemented a low-cost flow-monitoring project at the main weir, using a phone line for along the Rio Grande. Large-format maps were also produced for each irrigation district showing
communications. This is an entry-level-type project that even the smallest district can afford and will the expansion in urban areas within their service areas. The report and maps will help districts
benefit from. This year’s activities focused on training the district manager how to operate, manage, analyze the patterns of urban growth within their districts and plan accordingly for future district
and use the system and how to download daily and monthly flow data for use in the district’s analysis rehabilitation projects and changes in district management and water control that will be needed.
and reporting. Benefits through information accessibility, real-time decision making, and control
can help improve efficiency of operational costs (estimated at $2,000 per year) and water use, saving
approximately 5 percent of total water allocation, which is about 2,600 acre-feet per year.
VIDRA© continues to assist irrigation districts
For several years, the Valley Irrigation District Rate Analyzer (VIDRA©) was customized and revised
United Irrigation District’s automatic gate improvements
by Extension economists for irrigation district managers’ use to help improve the efficiency of 02
To improve canal management and conveyance efficiency, United Irrigation District had previously
their districts. In addition, VIDRA provides a basis for informed decision making and improved 03
communications with their board members. As a result, better financial planning will facilitate
installed, under the engineering team’s guidance, a radial gate in place of the original sluice gate
irrigation districts’ development of capital rehabilitation sinking funds, which can then be used alone
structure. The district also set up a monitoring system to provide real-time data and remote
or with state or federal matching funds for infrastructure rehabilitation projects. Further information
control of flow and gate operation. This year’s activities focused on improving the user interface
on results from this model can be found in the publications list. The VIDRA model efforts are nearly
for operation and data monitoring in the district office, training of district personnel, and gate
complete.
calibration. Gate calibration for flow is significant because it would eliminate the need for a costly
and hard-to-maintain open channel flow meter. Moving to a system in which districts are managed

5. 09 Task 2 Extension
Publications
Bonaiti, G., Leigh, E., Karimov, A., & Fipps, G. (2009, October). Flow calibration of the Bryan Canal radial gate at the United
10 Irrigation Education and Training
Irrigation District, Lower Rio Grande Valley. Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Irrigation Technology Center.
Boyer, C. N., Rister, M. E., Rogers, C. S., Sturdivant, A. W., Lacewell, R. D., Browning, C., & Elium III, J. R. (2010). Economies
of size in municipal water treatment technologies: A Texas Lower Rio Grande Valley case study (TWRI Report; manuscript in
preparation). College Station: Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M System.
Three TexasET Networks continue to be supported through RGBI
Karimov, A., Leigh, E., & Fipps, G. (2009, June). Evaluation of canal lining projects in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas
As part of the TexasET Network, three regional evapotranspiration (ET) networks continued to
(TWRI Report No. TR-353). College Station: Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M System.
be supported: Lower Rio Grande Valley, El Paso, and the San Antonio–Uvalde areas. Each region
Lacewell, R. D., Dubois, M., Michelsen, A. M., Rister, M. E., & Sturdivant, A. W. (in press). Transboundary water crises: has its own Web page on the TexasET Web site, which displays maps showing the locations of
Learning from our neighbors in the Rio Grande (Bravo) and Jordan River watersheds. Journal of Transboundary Water all 16 stations. By clicking on a station, the Web site displays ETo (daily reference ET) and other
Resources. information useful for determining the water requirements of crops and landscapes. Improvements
Leigh, E., Barroso, M., & Fipps, G. (2009, March). Expansion of urban area in irrigation districts of the Rio Grande River Basin, were made to the user interface, automatic e-mails, and the three online calculations: home yard
1996–2006: A map series (TWRI Report No. EM-105). College Station: Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M System. watering, landscapes, and agriculture. In 2009, the TexasET Web site sent out more than 18,720
e-mails providing irrigation recommendations to homeowners, landscape managers, and
Leigh, E., & Fipps, G. (2009, January). Measuring seepage losses from canals using the ponding test method (Publication agricultural producers.
B-6218). College Station: Texas AgriLife Extension Service.
Leigh, E., & Fipps, G. (2009, November). A NEW IDEA (Irrigation District Engineering and Assistance Program) Newsletter, Drip irrigation demonstration and research site completed
Issue 4. Texas AgriLife Extension Service, Irrigation Technology Center. The drip irrigation demonstration and research site on campus at Texas A&M University was
Rogers, C. S., Sturdivant, A. W., Rister, M. E., Lacewell, R. D., & Santiago, J. G. (2010). Economic and financial costs of con- completed just in time for the severe drought of 2009. The site consists of 16 plots of four different
ventional surface-water treatment: A case study of the McAllen Northwest Facility (TWRI Report No. TR-311). College Station: drip products installed at five different spacings. The purpose of the project is to evaluate the long-
Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M System. term viability of subsurface drip irrigation of turfgrass and to determine the needed spacing of drip
lines and emitters. Initial findings produced in a press release in October 2009 told the effects of the
Sturdivant, A. W., Rister, M. E., & Lacewell, R. D. (2009). Rate analyses for irrigation dstricts in South Texas [Abstract]. extended drought on drip systems used in turf applications. Preliminary results indicate that the
Proceedings of the 2009 Universities Council on Water Resources and The National Institutes for Water Resources Annual
12-inch-spaced drip plots produced the most aesthetic turf quality. Performance of the drip system
Meeting, Chicago, IL.
will be documented over the next four years and used to provide training in drip irrigation systems
Sturdivant, A. W., Rister, M. E., & Lacewell, R. D. (2009, June). Improving financial planning and rate analyses for South to landscape irrigators.
Texas irrigation districts. Presentation at the annual meeting of the Western Agricultural Economics Association, Kauai, HI.
Sturdivant, A. W., Rister, M. E., & Lacewell, R. D. (2009, July). Rate analyses for irrigation districts in South Texas. Residential water issue pilot trainings conducted for Master Gardeners
Presentation at the annual meeting of the Universities Council on Water Resources and The National Institutes for Water In 2009, two pilot trainings were conducted on “Residential Irrigation and Water Conservation,”
Resources, Chicago, IL. a new training specialty program for Master Gardeners. The two-day training program covers the
science of irrigation scheduling, conservation and water management, as well as practical aspects
Sturdivant, A. W., Rister, M. E., & Lacewell, R. D. (2009, August). VIDRA© – Valley Irrigation District Rate Analyzer: The
such as programming irrigation controllers. Students will also do related volunteer work in their
power to forecast district finances. Poster presented at Rio Grande Basin Initiative annual conference, McAllen, TX.
communities. In June 2009, 12 Master Gardeners took the inaugural class.
Sturdivant, A. W., Rister, M. E., Lacewell, R. D., Michelsen, A. M., Sheng, Z., Seawright, E. K., Leidner, A. J., & Yow, S. R.
(2009, August). Economists: Task 1. Presentation at the Rio Grande Basin Initiative annual conference, McAllen, TX.
Sturdivant, A. W., Rister, M. E., Lacewell, R. D., Norris, J. W., Leal, J., Rogers, C. S., Garza, J., Adams, J., & Boyer, C. N.
(2009). Economic costs of desalination in South Texas: A case study of the Southmost Facility (TWRI Report No. TR-295).
College Station: Texas Water Resources Institute, Texas A&M System.
Sturdivant, A. W., Rister, M. E., Lacewell, R. D., Seawright, E. K., & Michelsen, A. M. (2010, February). Rio Grande Basin
Initiative: Bringing economics, finance, accounting, and computer modeling to water planning. Presentation at Land Grant 04
and Sea Grant National Water Conference, Hilton Head, SC. r 05

6. 09 Task 3 Extension
Aggie Catch Can available to the public
The long-awaited Aggie Catch Can, an improved catch-can device that is suitable for auditing both 10 Institutional Incentives for Efficient Water Use
landscape and agricultural irrigation systems, became available to the public. The cans received
national attention for their unique design and give catch volumes in both milliliters and inches;
they come with a stainless steel stand. Within the first three months, 10,000 cans were sold.
‘Smart controllers’ offer self-adjusting automated approach
Integration of on-farm water demand with distribution
to watering landscapes
The “smart controller” testing program continued, with an emphasis on end-user evaluations of how network management
these controllers will perform as installed in the field as opposed to in the test lab. Smart controllers The CRITERIA model from Italy is being evaluated, which predicts on-farm water requirements
potentially offer a self-adjusting automated approach to watering landscapes. Adjusting irrigation simultaneously on all fields within an irrigation district in a GIS (geographic information systems)
runtimes to meet the plants’ water needs throughout the growing season allows water to be more framework. The model shows promise of greatly improving the operational efficiency of irrigation
efficiently utilized, thus preventing overwatering due to a fixed timed irrigation schedule. Some Texas districts. The first step is to validate the irrigation demand portion of the model. To do this, three
cities have already started mandating smart controller installation with every new irrigation system; test sites have been chosen: a sugarcane field within the Delta Lake Irrigation District area; the
however, little to no quantitative research has been conducted evaluating controller performance entire Brownsville Irrigation District; and a lysimetric experimental site at the U.S. Department of
under Texas conditions. The 2008 test results, released in summer 2009, showed inconsistent Agriculture Agricultural Research Service laboratory at Bushland, Texas. This project is still at the
performance among the eight controllers tested. All of the controllers recommended excessive feasibility level. The expected outcome is more efficient water management by district operators who
amounts of irrigation, possibly due to incorrect values for ETo and/or excessively generous plant use forecasts of water ticket requests.
coefficients. However, preliminary analysis of the 2009 test results is showing improved performance,
indicating that manufacturers have made changes to improve the performance of their products. Hidalgo and Cameron County Irrigation District No. 9 spill data analysis
Extension engineers are developing indicators and tools that districts can use to predict the
Online courses developed for landscape and agriculture professionals seriousness and magnitude of spill events as well as procedures for identifying and solving the
underlying problems causing excess spills in canal systems. These indicators and tools are composed
and irrigation dealers of a series of visual rating surveys—operation and management questionnaires given to the canal
Three online courses have been developed and are now available: Irrigation System Electrical Safety
operators and district personnel. To develop these indicators and to better understand the spilling
and Troubleshooting, designed for landscape and agricultural professionals; Selection, Operation
mechanisms, three sites were intensively monitored by directly measuring water level and spill
and Management of Center Pivots, for growers and dealers; and Landscape Water Budgeting, for
flow and by analyzing daily water sales data. First results indicate that quantity and frequency of a
professionals. In addition to the online courses, three short courses were conducted in El Paso and
spill are related to water sales, rainfall, and water and vegetation marks on the side of canals. These
San Antonio. These 32 hours of training focused on landscape irrigation auditing, smart irrigation
elements appear to be useful in developing indicators and identifying management improvement
controller technology, and irrigation scheduling. Students had a 100 percent overall satisfaction
recommendations. Analysis of available data must be completed next, with particular attention to
rate for the courses, with 87 percent planning to make changes and 73 percent planning to benefit
water sales and marks on the side of canals. A complete survey of canal control and spill structures
economically as a result of the trainings. Students also reported a 90 percent total increase in
and turnouts must be
knowledge for all topics covered.
completed. Operational and
management questionnaires
AppRate Calculator now available for download for canal operators and district
Working in close cooperation with the state regulatory agency, Version 2 of the AppRate (Application personnel must be finalized
Rate) Calculator was developed and is now available for download from the Irrigation Technology and submitted, and results of
Center Web site at ITC.tamu.edu. AppRate is widely used by designers of wastewater irrigation data analysis must be compared
systems and by state regulators in reviewing permit applications. AppRate is designed to match to questionnaires to develop
application rates to the water demand of cover crops while minimizing runoff. procedures for identifying
and solving the underlying
problems that are causing
Publications excess spills in canal systems.
06
07
Swanson, C., & Fipps, G. (2009). Evaluation of smart irrigation controllers: Initial bench testing results. (TWRI Report No.
TR-354). College Station: Texas Water Resource Institute, Texas A&M System. Brownsville Irrigation
Swanson, C., Fipps, G., & McAfee, J. (2009, December). Evaluation of uniformity methods in landscape irrigation auditing.
District database
Presentation at Turf/Landscape Technical Session of 2009 Irrigation Association Expo, San Antonio, TX. r integration into GIS
and the Web
Pump flow, meter data, and
water account information

7. 09 Task 4 Extension
is being integrated into an online GIS application to
support the district in its current water management and 10 On-Farm Irrigation System Management
conservation efforts. The main objective is to improve
the availability and access to real-time and historical
flow data and water-use information to provide a higher
level of analyses for planning irrigation scheduling and
management of daily operations. This also benefits
farmers and other water users by providing more timely
and efficient irrigation scheduling and more readily
Irrigation management information presented at Valley
available account information for on-farm management.
The proposed tool consists of two components accessible workshops and trainings
from the Web: (1) display of the status of pumps and On-farm irrigation information was presented at various workshops and
real-time and historic water flow data and (2) access conferences during the 2009 project year. In January, AgriLife Extension
to a water account database through an interactive GIS personnel presented information for cotton farmers about irrigation
interface. A draft tool was presented to the district’s scheduling at a booth at the Beltwide Cotton Conference in San Antonio,
manager, and requests for improvement are being Texas. In May, a Master Gardener training on irrigation auditing was held in
implemented. Automatic transfer of real-time water San Benito, Texas. The Cameron County Extension agent organized a four-
flow data from the district’s office to the Irrigation hour workshop on irrigation auditing of landscapes and irrigation systems,
District Engineering and Assistance (IDEA) Team servers presented to 21 attendants. Another Master Gardener training was held in
was set up, to update every 15 minutes. The draft tool Pharr, Texas, in October, focusing on irrigation auditing and the basics of
will help the district’s manager design new, simplified irrigation management. The results of subsurface drip irrigation evaluations
daily management of pump operation and water tickets and will facilitate the sharing of data with were presented to about 30 cotton farmers at a Cotton Incorporated meeting
landowners. in Lubbock, Texas, in October. A 30-minute presentation on fertigation was
given at the Irrigation Conference in Mercedes, Texas.
Hidalgo County Irrigation District No. 6 database/GIS integration
The district is undergoing rapid urbanization, which is causing increasing problems for management Irrigation management and systems evaluated
and water deliveries. It currently relies on static maps that are copied and used for various Extension irrigation specialists conduct irrigation management
district planning and operational decisions; this is an inefficient process that cannot keep pace demonstrations in the Lower Rio Grande Valley of Texas using different
with urbanization. This project demonstrates the benefits of water-account and district mapping irrigation systems. In Cameron County, onions on one farm were irrigated
integration through GIS. The goal is to improve the availability and access to real-time and historical under drip and furrow irrigation. Several irrigation sensors, such as Echo
water-use information to provide a higher level of analyses for scheduling irrigation and managing probes, watermark sensors, and tensiometers were evaluated. The purpose
daily operations. This also benefits farmers and other water users by providing more timely of the demonstration was to present irrigation scheduling techniques. A
and efficient irrigation scheduling and more readily available account information for on-farm turf irrigation and side roll sprinkler system was demonstrated on another
management. Extension engineers mapped the district’s water accounts and linked these to its Cameron County farm to evaluate the system’s uniformity and develop an
database though an online GIS interface. The water-account database is currently being evaluated and irrigation schedule.
key missing data identified. Engineers will develop and present recommendations for water-account
database management to make it suitable for integration into GIS and the Web, and they will design Citrus irrigation systems compared and economic analysis developed
and present an interactive tool to help the district better manage water orders. Drip and flood irrigation in citrus were compared at a farm in Hidalgo County. Data on the amount
of water used and the yield were evaluated. An economic analysis was developed by the farm
assistance program to compare these technologies. At another farm in the county, the farmer was
Publications advised on irrigation scheduling using evapotranspiration (ET) and soil water sensors.
Huang, Y., & Fipps, G. (2009, September). Developing a modeling tool for flow profiling in irrigation distribution networks. 08
International Journal of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, 2(3), 1–10. r Irrigation efficiencies evaluated and BMPs demonstrated, improving 09
irrigation management
The amount of runoff and water use was determined on surface irrigation of sugarcane to evaluate
irrigation efficiencies and detect whether improvements can be made to the management. This
demonstration also showed best management practices (BMPs) to reduce nutrient loadings produced
by runoff to the Arroyo Colorado. The purpose of the demonstration is to evaluate irrigation
efficiencies and quantify runoff. This information is useful to improve the management of surface
irrigation systems. Similar surface irrigation demonstrations were conducted on other sugarcane,

8. 09 Task 5 Extension
corn and sorghum corps in Cameron and Hidalgo counties. In Glasscock, Reagan and Upton
counties, six subsurface drip irrigation systems were evaluated to document the effect of different 10 Urban Water Conservation
maintenance practices on the performance of these irrigation systems.
New Mexico vineyards participate in salinity and moisture sensor study
Vineyards in New Mexico will install sensors to assess the impact of moisture and salinity on
irrigation water use, crop yield and water quality. Using these evaluations, farmers will be able to
examine the effects of multiple salinity levels in two soil types on moisture readings of reflectance,
electrical conductivity, and electrical resistance sensors. Long-term irrigation in arid and semi-arid
regions leads to the salinization of soils because rainfall is not sufficient to leach salts away from
the root zone. An estimated 5 to 10 million hectares of land must be removed from agricultural
production each year because of increased salinity. As water quality for agriculture decreases and
salinity in irrigation water increases, using efficient irrigation methods and addressing salinity
problems through root zone management becomes an essential part of farming.
Pecan farmers receive information about irrigation scheduling
There are nearly 50,000 acres of pecan trees within the Rio Grande Basin. In 2008 New Mexico and
Texas were the second- and third-largest pecan producing states, respectively, with a combined
annual production value of $95.1 million. Information from this project will assist pecan farmers in
their irrigation scheduling, allowing them to optimize water-use efficiency in their mature orchards.
Pecan growers in the drier areas of the Rio Grande Basin irrigate more than 56 inches per acre per
year, making pecans one of the highest-water-demanding crops in the arid regions. Information
from this study will allow pecan farmers with insufficient available irrigation water to minimize the
negative effects of deficit irrigation on nut yield and quality.
Farmers learn about oilseed production using camelina as
a sustainable crop Rainwater harvesting sites documented
Increasing demand for water by rural communities has pressured agriculture to justify the use of Information from rainwater harvesting demonstration sites in the Rio Grande Basin was collected
water availability on crops that require substantial water. This research is evaluating a high-value into an Excel spreadsheet, which also includes sites from other parts of Texas. The information listed
crop, camelina, that has a water requirement of 8 inches, to improve the long-term sustainability of for each site includes the name, address, GPS coordinates, type of system, size of catchment, size of
crop production in northeastern New Mexico. Significant interest by local growers has come about storage, type of storage tank, use of water, and filtration. If available, a site photo was also included.
by traditional verbal and mail exchanges at the county Extension office, on-site visits to the Clayton The GPS coordinates on the Excel spreadsheet link to the exact demonstration site via Google Earth.
Livestock Research Center, and by commercial investors in the biodiesel industry. As a result of the
local interest, the local county agriculture agent has scheduled an in-depth educational forum on This information will be transferred to the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Rainwater Harvesting
growing oilseeds, where the principal investigator and other co-investigators will evaluate various Web site, so that agents and the general public can find information on any demonstration site
agro- and economic variables of the current project. Interestingly, Internet exposure of the project on located within the Rio Grande watershed. The Web site will also include an interactive map with
multiple sites has also resulted in numerous inquiries from producers throughout the United States. pinpoints for each demonstration site. Clicking on a pinpoint allows users to see information,
photos, and contact information.
Publications Electronic site developed for rainwater harvesting
Enciso, J., Peries, X., Ribera, L. A., & Santistevan, D. (2009). Understanding and installing drainage systems (Fact Sheet No. information and courses
B-6229). College Station: Texas AgriLife Extension Service. An online course titled Rainwater Harvesting for Livestock and Wildlife has been developed. The 10
course includes presentations, videos, supplemental resources and reading material, homework 11
Maier, B., Leinauer, B., & Bawazir, S. (2009, August). An evaluation of moisture and salinity sensors to monitor soil conditions exercises, a pretest and posttest, and evaluation. The course is divided into four modules that can be
for agricultural production. Presentation at Rio Grande Basin Initiative Conference, McAllen, TX. administered to an online class over a four-week period. The first course was offered in April 2010.
Sevostianova, E., Leinauer, B., Shukla, M., & Maier, B. (2009, August). Accuracy of moisture sensors in saline soils.
Presentation at Rio Grande Basin Initiative Conference, McAllen, TX. Rainwater harvesting program and training evaluations prove successful
Sevostianova, E., Leinauer, B., Shukla, M., & Maier, B. (2009, October). Evaluation of a tortuosity parameter of a sandy soil
The rainwater harvesting program continues to grow and develop. More than 185 Master Gardener
from the bulk electrical conductivity measurements. 16th School “Ecology and Soil Science,” Puschino, Russia. r and 91 Master Naturalist volunteers have completed training during the past four years. Master
Gardener volunteers have submitted 2,642 hours, valued at $51,519 ($19.50 per hour), contacting

9. 11,727 individuals regarding rainwater rainwater harvesting systems. These systems are diverse and complex and range in catchment surface
harvesting. Through course evaluations it is area from 25 square feet to more than 1 million square feet. This program addresses common
clear that the participants understand that issues related to catchments that are less than 50,000 square feet and have a storage capacity of less
implementing rainwater harvesting techniques than 100,000 gallons. The topics covered address the popular and usual distribution of water for
directly benefits Texas by reducing demand landscapes, pets, wildlife, livestock, and private nonpotable and potable in-home rainwater systems.
on the water supply; reducing urban and rural Presentations, additional exercises, and an evaluation were also developed. Trainings are being
runoff; and reducing erosion, sedimentation scheduled for the upcoming year.
and contamination of surface water. Rainwater
harvesting protects surface water supplies by New rainwater harvesting in-home courses inform public about
limiting contaminant transport off the land Texas water issues
surface. It also reduces peak stormwater flow Extension specialists also developed the Tap into Rainwater for In-Home Use training course, a
rates through stream channels and conserves seven- to eight-hour event that focuses on informing the public about the current water situation
potable water supplies through landscape water in Texas, how to harvest rainwater for in-home use, and how to take proper measures to treat and
conservation. disinfect rainwater for safe use in the home. Development of the Rainwater Harvesting: System
Planning course has strengthened the in-home rainwater training course. The guidance and
Two Master Gardener rainwater harvesting specialist classes and one Master Naturalist rainwater recommendations presented in the training are based on the Texas Commission on Environmental
steward course were held. The Master Gardener courses were held in Granbury and San Angelo, Quality’s treatment and design recommendations. Evaluation responses from the participants
with both locations drawing participants from across the state. The Master Naturalist course was continue to be positive. Two trainings were held last year, and more are being scheduled for the
held at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area, near Hunt, Texas, in coordination with the Texas upcoming year.
Master Naturalist State Conference. Details of each follow.
Master Gardener specialist rainwater harvesting training
Alternative water source demonstration site fact sheets available
Rio Grande Basin Initiative specialists have evaluated and installed numerous rainwater harvesting
Rio Grande Basin Initiative Extension specialists taught 47 rainwater harvesting specialists in 16-hour
demonstration sites across the Rio Grande Basin focusing on available water conservation and
training events. As part of the requirements to receive a specialist patch in rainwater harvesting,
alternative water sources. For each of the demonstration sites, an informational fact sheet has been
each trainee must volunteer at least 12 hours to teach others about rainwater harvesting. To quantify
developed to accompany educational programs associated with the site. The informational fact
participant knowledge gain in specific areas, evaluations are held at the end of the training. Overall,
sheets include specifics about system design and performance as well as operation and maintenance
participants evaluated the training as excellent, with 60 to 80 percent reporting that they gained
procedures. In 2009–2010, five new demonstrations were installed across the Rio Grande Valley.
knowledge on the nine topic areas presented.
New demonstration site locations include Webb, Midland, El Paso and Starr counties. Specialists
have also presented at local and regional meetings regarding water conservation and alternative
Master Naturalist rainwater steward training
water sources for meeting landscape water needs. Presentation topics include water conservation and
In October, Rio Grande Basin Initiative Extension specialists had 29 Master Naturalists complete the
quality, rainwater harvesting, and rain gardens. Over the course of 11 meetings, approximately 330
two-day, 16-hour training event at the Kerr Wildlife Management Area near Hunt, Texas. As part
individuals were informed about these issues.
of the requirements to receive their specialist pin as a steward of rainwater harvesting, each trainee
is required to volunteer at least 12 hours to teach others about rainwater harvesting. To quantify
The Earth-Kind® training module on rainwater harvesting in the landscape has also been developed
participant knowledge gain in specific areas, evaluations are held at the end of the training. Overall
and is available through the Earth-Kind environmental education program, which currently reaches
program evaluation results were excellent, with 75 to 90 percent of trainees reporting knowledge
Extension audiences. The training module includes a video presentation, a quiz and an evaluation.
gained in the seven topic areas. Most respondents also indicated a near excellent increase in their
Master Gardeners are able to take the course to obtain continuing education credits.
ability to educate others on these topics.
The rainwater harvesting Web site (rainwaterharvesting.tamu.edu/index.html) is a key support Rainwater harvesting programs assist homeowners with water
mechanism for the rainwater harvesting programs. The Web site has received 32,633 visitors conservation
accessing pages 169,495 times during the past year. Rainwater harvesting programs are providing timely information to assist Texans with water
conservation on their properties. Trainings include information on proper design of systems for 12
Rainwater harvesting course developed for practitioners aiding capturing rainfall to support landscape irrigation, indoor uses, and water for livestock and wildlife. 13
Rainwater harvesting capture structures were constructed during workshops to provide hands-on
in responsible system planning
experience and demonstration.
Rio Grande Basin Initiative Extension specialists have developed a rainwater harvesting course for
practitioners to aid planners of rainwater harvesting systems in responsible system planning. As
Through 2009, information was delivered to 132,511 participants at 22 venues. Results from pre- and
part of the program, a manual titled Rainwater Harvesting: System Planning is in preparation. This
posttest evaluations indicated that 93 percent of participants increased their knowledge regarding
program is intended to assist contractors, consultants, individual landowners, and others in planning
uses, limitations, and proper design of rainwater harvesting systems. Six new rainwater harvesting

10. demonstration sites were established. A rainwater harvesting display at the San Antonio Livestock scope of the project. They will merge this information with existing plant lists provided by project
Exposition was viewed by 130,497 attendees. Of those surveyed after viewing the display, 58 percent collaborators. Alex Winterhalter of Koogler Middle School, Aztec, New Mexico, has also been
said they planned to implement a system for rainwater harvesting within the next 12 months. assisting the team with developing youth-based educational animations and videos. The Virtual
Through a cooperative effort of the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, the Texas Urban Landscape Water Conservation Center is being developed to serve as a clearinghouse of
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Rio Grande Basin Initiative, and the Texas information into a single Web site with integrated services to strengthen educational and Extension
Water Resources Institute, numerous additional rainwater harvesting workshops will be conducted outreach related to Xeriscaping™,* urban irrigation, and other landscape water conservation topics
across the state throughout the upcoming year. relative to New Mexico and far west Texas. The center will expand knowledge about demonstration
landscapes, increase training opportunities for Extension agents and Master Gardeners, and support
The Rainwater Harvesting Task Force received the Texas AgriLife Extension Service Team Superior the dissemination of academic and applied research techniques appropriate for cities in New Mexico
Service Award and was a finalist for the TCEQ 2009 Texas Environmental Excellence Award. and for El Paso, Texas.
Fix a Leak Week serves as annual reminder to check for household leaks *Xeriscape is a registered trademark of Denver Water, Denver, CO, and is used here with permission.
Because minor water leaks account for more than 1 trillion gallons of water wasted each year in
U.S. homes, AgriLife Extension agents in seven Rio Grande Basin Initiative counties promoted Fix a New residents of New Mexico learn about climate variability and water
Leak Week, March 15–21, 2010. Fix a Leak Week is sponsored by the U.S. Environmental Protection conservation
Agency’s WaterSense program as an annual reminder to Americans to check household plumbing An Extension specialist at New Mexico State University is using the Community Collaborative Rain,
fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks. Hail and Snow (CoCoRaHS) network to promote water conservation and drought preparedness
and assist in evaluating and reducing drought impacts. This project will continue the development
Leaks can add up to more than 10,000 gallons of water wasted in the home every year—enough to fill of the New Mexico CoCoRaHS network through collaboration with the New Mexico Association
a backyard swimming pool. Extension is participating in Fix a Leak Week to help homeowners save of Realtors (NMAR). A water conservation brochure outlining the necessity of water conservation
money on their utility bills and save water in their community and throughout the state. practices in New Mexico was developed. This project is targeting new residents coming into New
Mexico by disseminating an informative brochure about New Mexico climate, water conservation
To help consumers along the Rio Grande save water, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and practices, and the CoCoRaHS network. Currently, 5,000 brochures have been distributed to realtors
WaterSense are promoting ways to identify and repair dripping faucets, running toilets and leaky through NMAR. This project targets individual realtors because they are typically the first contact of
showerheads. AgriLife Extension county faculty are partnering with local stores that sell plumbing new residents.
supplies to secure discounts for WaterSense fixtures and replacement parts. Families will be asked to
sign a pledge to follow a checklist to locate leaks and then repair them. It is estimated that for every
pledge signed, approximately 11,450 gallons of water will be saved annually. During the 2010 Fix a Publications
Leak Week, more than 1,500 pledges were secured.
DeMouche, L. (2009, February). Community collaborative rain, hail, and snow network training. Presentation to Curry
Community, Clovis, NM.
Youth water education programs focus on water conservation careers
Youth were the focus of water resource educational programs provided through the Kids & Kows DeMouche, L. (2009, February). Community collaborative rain, hail, and snow network training. Presentation to Quay
& More and Building Environmental Stewards for Today and Tomorrow (BESTT) programs. Community, Tucumcari, NM.
Students in areas experiencing water restrictions learned about the hydrological cycle; projected water DeMouche, L. (2009, February). Community collaborative rain, hail, and snow network training. Presentation to Roosevelt
shortages; water conservation, including using harvested rainwater to irrigate landscaping; and water Community, Portales, NM.
pollution sources. Students were encouraged to consider careers as water specialists and hydrologists.
DeMouche, L. (2009, February). Community collaborative rain, hail, and snow network training. Presentation to USDA-NRCS
Programs were delivered to 4,488 students, many from underserved audiences in Bexar, Brown and Luna County Community, Deming, NM.
and Starr counties. Results from pre- and posttest assessments indicated a 92 percent increase DeMouche, L. (2009, June). New Mexico weather data. Presentation at the Chile Association meeting, Deming, NM.
in knowledge as a result of the trainings. Through cooperation among county faculty, the Texas
Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), the Rio Grande Basin Initiative, and the Texas DeMouche, L. (2009, August). Community rain, hail and snow network. Presentation at Rio Grande Basin Initiative Annual
Water Resources Institute, several additional youth-focused trainings will be conducted across the Conference, McAllen, TX.
14
state throughout the upcoming year. DeMouche, L. (2009, October). Community collaborative rain, hail, and snow network training. Presentation to Dona Ana
15
Master Gardener Program.
Virtual Urban Landscape Water Conservation Center being developed Lombard, K., & St. Hilaire, R. (2009, August). Establishing a virtual urban landscape water conservation center. Presentation
As part of a classroom exercise, students at San Juan College, Farmington, New Mexico, began at Rio Grande Basin Initiative Annual Conference, McAllen, TX. r
to develop a list of native plants appropriate for New Mexico urban landscapes. They submitted
information on methods of propagation and culture. For the duration of the project, students will
continue to develop information and module components and identify Web links relevant to the

11. 09 Task 6 Extension
10 Environment, Ecology and Water Quality Protection is 2.24 miles from the original release site and 0.36 miles off the river. Beetles had likely dispersed
further because they were still active at that time of year.
Saltcedar beetles were released at two new sites, approximately 1 mile apart, on the Pecos River near
the town of Imperial. Two sibling species—Crete and Tunis—were placed into walk-in cages at this
site in April and May, respectively, to determine which were better adapted to the area. Cages were
checked in early July, and 80 percent of the saltcedar in the Crete cage was defoliated. In four minutes
249 larvae were found, so the cage cover was removed to allow beetles to disperse. The saltcedar
Herbicidal control of invasive species evaluations continue in the Tunis cage was not noticeably defoliated, and only 15 larvae and 13 adults could be found
Herbicidal control plots were established near Harlingen for screening of various herbicides for in four minutes. The cage cover was not removed. Both sites were checked again in late July; only
control of giant cane (Arundo donax). Additionally, plots established in 2008 in cooperation with five adult Crete beetles were found. Beetles in the Tunis cage had defoliated the saltcedar in cage.
local irrigation districts and industry representatives were evaluated. Specialists continue to evaluate Unfortunately, many had starved before the cover was removed. Tunis beetle survival at this site will
new herbicides for control of saltcedar. Plots have been established for three years, 2007–2009, to not be known until later in 2010.
evaluate a new, unregistered herbicide being developed by DuPont as to efficacy for controlling
saltcedar. This work will continue for at least two more years. Plots have been established using Beetles were not found at the Leon Springs site; however, ants were not controlled at this site.
ground broadcast, individual plant foliar, individual plant basal, and cut stump application methods. Attempts will be made to reestablish beetles at this site during 2010 using ant bait to temporarily
In all, eight individual studies have been established. In addition, specialists began studying the use of eliminate ant predation. The ant predation study conducted in 2008 provided scientific evidence
Clearcast herbicide, produced by BASF, for use on Chinese tallowtree. Aerial application plots were that ants are a significant predator of saltcedar beetle pupae, larvae and eggs. However, ants did
established on Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) land near Katy, Texas, to evaluate different rates and not account for all predation of pupae, thus an additional study was conducted in September 2009
tank mixes. This work is in cooperation with KPC and BASF. to determine other predatory animals of saltcedar beetle pupae. Data have not yet been analyzed.
Observations show that ants (Monomorium, Crematagaster, and unknown genera) and crickets
Beetles continue to defoliate saltcedar trees (Gryllidae) fed on or carried away saltcedar beetle pupae. However, the most prevalent predators
Saltcedar beetles continued to thrive at the Zeman Ranch site. Monitoring dispersal of the beetles observed in this study were Isopods (sow bugs or pill bugs). This finding is interesting because these
at this site showed that they completely defoliated approximately two river miles of saltcedar and arthropods are not generally known as predators, yet in this study, Isopods were clearly seen feeding
had dispersed out to five river miles. Beetles could also be found up to 0.5 miles off the river, as on saltcedar beetle pupae. Further analysis and study of this finding is needed.
documented by the landowner, and one beetle was found on a saltcedar tree off Highway 1216, which
The Imperial Reservoir (Wight Ranch) site was checked in late May; no beetles were found.
Overwintering beetles at this site probably drowned, because the area along the Imperial Reservoir
is subject to periodic flooding. Five hundred Crete beetles were released at this site in late July to
attempt reestablishment.
Beetles released into cages at Adam’s Ranch and BBNP in November 2008 apparently did not survive
the winter, as no beetles were found in the cages. This probably occurred partly because too few
overwintering beetles were put into the cages and mortality of overwintering adults is high. Efforts
will continue at this site. Extension entomologists worked with a Big Bend National Park botanist to
set up walk-in cages at two new sites (near Santa Elena Canyon and Boquillas Canyon) to establish
saltcedar beetles. One cage was infested with 100 Tunis beetles and the other with 100 Crete beetles.
National park employees maintained both sites throughout the summer. In late October, the
Extension entomologists traveled to both sites to determine beetle establishment. At the Crete site
beetles could not be found and saltcedar did not appear fed upon. This site was wet and muddy,
which may have contributed to the failure of beetle establishment. However, the Crete beetle ecotype
may not be adapted to this environment. Tunis beetle adults and larvae were found up to 30 meters
from the release tree, with saltcedar showing signs of feeding damage. U.S. Department of Agriculture 16
scientists used an environmental model to determine that the Tunis beetle ecotype is better adapted 17
to the environment along the southern portion of the Rio Grande. The findings at the Tunis site
support the model results.
Efforts to establish saltcedar beetles continued at the Cade Ranch near Iraan, Texas, with the open
field release of 10,000 Crete beetles at site 1 and 4,000 Crete beetle at site 2, approximately 2 miles
downriver. Beetles were collected from the Beals Creek site (Big Spring, Texas) in early September

12. and released at the Water savings include reduced pumping costs, reduced percolation or seepage, reduced evaporation,
Cade Ranch site. and reduction of mosquito breeding areas. Total water savings have not been estimated. These are
Both release sites continuing demonstrations. Herbicide recommendations for control of water hyacinth and water
were checked in late lettuce continue to be followed by Cameron County Irrigation Districts No. 2 and No. 6, respectively.
September; no adults These programs have resulted in significant savings, in water previously lost to evapotranspiration
or larvae were found and in labor and equipment costs. Since water hyacinths increase evapotranspiration by 200 to 300
at site 1, and only percent, the water savings are significant but difficult to calculate.
three adults and six
larvae were found at Extension rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation demonstration
site 2. This was not established
unexpected, because The Rio Grande Basin Initiative and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service partnered to establish
many beetles collected rainwater harvesting and drip irrigation in the flowerbed at the District 6 Extension office. Active
at this time of year are rainwater harvesting captures the first 900 gallons of rainfall, and a passive rain garden captures the
preparing to diapause second 900 gallons of rainfall in the flowerbed. The previous irrigation system, which irrigated with
and are no longer potable water, has been removed. In addition, Master Gardeners from the Midland-Odessa Chapter
reproductively active. were consulted to ensure proper plants were salvaged for the landscaping. Gravel mulch was applied
to the surface to promote increased infiltration and moisture conservation.
Private water well screening programs further educate well owners
Private water well owners in the Texas Rio Grande Basin use well water for irrigating crops and Web sites provide a resource for invasive plant and aquatic species
landscapes, providing water to livestock and wildlife, and for drinking water supplies in their homes.
Public water supplies are generally of good quality and are monitored according to requirements
identification
An invasive species Web site was constructed and continues to be updated. It can be viewed at
mandated by the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, private well owners are independently
essmextension.tamu.edu/plants/invasives. After plant descriptions and photographs have been
responsible for monitoring the quality of their wells and are frequently at greater risk for exposure
collected, specialists will compile a printed version of the Web site.
to compromised water quality. In addition, salinity concentrations may render private well water
unsuitable for irrigation. Well water with elevated salinity concentrations may damage soils and
The AQUAPLANT Web site was updated with new photos, FAQs, and new chemical management
plants and be rejected by, or even harmful to, livestock and wildlife. Management and protection
techniques. The site is located at aquaplant.tamu.edu. The AQUAPLANT Web site had more than
of private, domestic water sources are under the control of the landowner and therefore depend
252,000 visitors in 2009, viewing pages 1,133,000 times.
primarily on education rather than regulation.
Private water wells were screened for salinity, fecal coliform and nitrate concentrations for 298 Farmers and EBID learn how to manage horsetail growth in
participants in Brooks, Duval, Edwards, Jim Hogg, Jim Wells, Starr, Real, Val Verde and Webb irrigation canals
counties. Samples from Webb County also were tested for hydrocarbons to address concerns related Equisetum, or horsetail, as many farmers in the Mesilla Valley know it, is a dominant species along
to industrial activity around the county’s water wells. Samples from Brooks, Duval, Jim Hogg and the irrigation canals. Horsetail presence is a concern to the managers of Elephant Butte Irrigation
Jim Wells counties also were screened for arsenic, a naturally occurring element occasionally found District (EBID) because of its impact on irrigation management and efficiency. The horsetail
in groundwater in these counties. interrupts and slows water flow, resulting in wasted water that could be used for irrigation. Little
is known about why horsetail has grown to the extent that it has, but this study will examine and
In addition to the demonstrations, presentations were delivered regarding well water quality, measure changes in soil properties and vegetation in locations infested with horsetail to determine
well siting, wellhead and aquifer protection, and techniques for remediating identified water well how these factors affect spread. The project is in collaboration with EBID to develop management
contamination to protect human health, as well as to safeguard aquifer integrity. Results from strategies for horsetail in their irrigation canals.
pre- and posttest assessment of training effectiveness indicated that nearly 95 percent of participants
increased their knowledge regarding proper private water well management. Particular emphasis Ecology of irrigation system wetlands along the Rio Grande Basin
was placed on evaluating whether salinity concentrations in screened well water were appropriate of New Mexico studied
for irrigating plants and protective of beneficial soil properties. 18
Considerable tension exists along the Rio Grande where agricultural water users are under attack
19
to surrender water to keep the Rio Grande wet during climatically dry years. This project will
Control demonstrations for submerged aquatic vegetation reduced or assist in identifying strategies allowing the two to work in harmony. As populations have grown
eliminated infestations in the Rio Grande Valley, so has the degree of modification of the river’s ecology. There are ever-
The grass carp demonstrations have reduced or eliminated submerged aquatic vegetation, particularly increasing demands for conversion of agricultural uses of water to urban uses, and the biota of arid
hydrilla, from irrigation canals. This treatment reduces costs associated with labor, equipment and land rivers such as the Rio Grande are often lost in the tug-of-war between competing interests
chemicals. The estimated savings from the six cooperators in 2009 is in excess of $500,000 per year. for water that is often in short supply. Four field demonstrations were conducted with Middle

13. 09 Task 7 Extension
Rio Grande Conservancy District personnel to improve their knowledge of fish identification.
Extension attendance at a public meeting on management of a flood retention pond in Las Cruces, 10 Saline and Wastewater Management
New Mexico, and participation in an extended e-mail dialogue on this project were able to raise
community awareness of the ecology of ephemeral wetlands in the Las Cruces area. Additional
and Water Reuse
outreach included (1) dissemination of journal article reprints to state and federal agency managers
to raise their awareness of project research results and (2) efforts to increase knowledge of native fish
habitat requirements through meetings with local environmentalists associated with the Southwest
Environmental Center in Las Cruces. Personnel began compiling an Extension publication to
describe the fishes that occur in irrigation canals along the Rio Grande in New Mexico. Joint wastewater training event conducted
Texas AgriLife Extension Service and New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service
personnel worked together to teach on-site wastewater treatment system courses to practitioners. A
course using the Analyzing Wastewater Treatment Systems for High-Strength and Hydraulic Loading
Publications
training manual was conducted June 18–19, 2009. A total of 57 people attended, including tribal
Cowley, D. E. (2009, August). NMSU Task 6: Ecology and environment. Presentation at Rio Grande Basin Initiative Annual members and representatives of the New Mexico Department of Environmental Quality and the
Conference, McAllen, TX. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Hatler, W. L., & Hart, C. R. (2009). Water loss and salvage in saltcedar (Tamarix spp.) stands on the Pecos River, Texas.
Journal of Invasive Plant Science and Management, 2, 309–317. Wastewater treatment manual completed
The draft OWTS 310 Spray Distribution manual is being reviewed and awaiting approval from the
Knutson, A., Muegge, M. A., & Campos, M. (2009). The implementation program for biological control of saltcedar. Texas Commission on Environmental Quality for use in training wastewater treatment practitioners.
Presentation at Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America meeting, Stillwater, OK. The chapters were completed, with information describing spray loading rates for Texas incorporated
Masser, M. P. (2009). Aquatic vegetation herbicide control water use restrictions (Table 2, revised). Texas AgriLife Extension into the design materials.
Service.
Masser, M. P. (2009). Treatment response to common aquatic plants to registered(1) herbicides and grass carp (Table 1,
Aerobic treatment maintenance short course materials developed
revised). College Station: Texas AgriLife Extension Service. for homeowners
Draft short course materials are being developed for homeowners interested in maintaining their
Masser, M. P., & Woods, P. (2009, December). Rio Grande Districts Aquatic Vegetation Management Newsletter. College aerobic treatment units. The materials will include a fact sheet and PowerPoint presentations. A
Station: Texas AgriLife Extension Service, in collaboration with Texas A&M University College of Agriculture and Life
workshop to evaluate the materials was conducted at an AgriLife Extension Service county office
Sciences, Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences.
on June 24, 2009, followed by an evaluation survey to gain feedback on the course materials and
Muegge, M. A. (2009). Biological control of saltcedar and control of insect pests of rangeland. Presentations at Rangeland delivery approach. The evaluation instrument gained background information on the 10 participants,
Insects Workshop, Val Verde County, Texas. their perception of the instructor, their perception of the material presented, an assessment of
Muegge, M. A., & Knutson, A. (2009). Effect of ants on establishment of Diorhabda elongata, a biocontrol agent of saltcedar.
whether they gained knowledge through participation in the course, an assessment of willingness
Presentation at Southwestern Branch of the Entomological Society of America meeting, Stillwater, OK. to adopt specific practices discussed during the course, whether they will benefit economically from
the presented information, what they liked most and least, and what other information should
Sallenave, R. (2009, July). Understanding your watershed. Presentation at the Native American Youth Conservation Corps, be covered.
Gallup, NM.
Trujillo, D., Cowley, D. E., & Macdonald, K. S. (2009). Investigating biodiversity in two Chihuahuan Desert ponds. Poster
presented at the New Mexico AMP Student Research Conference.
Trujillo, D., Cowley, D. E., & Macdonald, K. S. (2009, December). Dispersion capabilities of two Triops species of the
Chihuahuan Desert. Presentation at Friends of the Mesilla Valley Bosque, Mesilla Valley Bosque State Park, Las Cruces, NM.
Trujillo, D., Cowley, D. E., & Macdonald, K. S. (2009, December). Dispersion capabilities of two Triops species of the
Chihuahuan Desert. Presentation at the New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation Undergraduate Research
Assistantship Fall 2009 Research Symposium, Las Cruces, NM. 20
21
Wyman, B., Wesche, T., Cowley, D. E., Wesche, L., Grogan, S., & Najmi, Y. (2009, June). Large wood creates dynamic
fish habitats under variable flow regimes. Presentation at the Western Division of the American Fisheries Society,
Albuquerque, NM. r