| June 23, 2026 TEMPLE, Texas — Across Texas, no two acres are exactly alike, and effective conservation starts by recognizing that difference. Through the Water Quality Management Plan (WQMP) Program, the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board (TSSWCB), in partnership with local Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), provides landowners with customized, science-based conservation plans designed to protect natural resources while supporting productive agricultural operations. Texas’ working lands play a critical role in both the state’s economy and environmental health. With more than 125 million acres of privately owned farms, ranches, and forestlands, agricultural producers are at the forefront of stewarding soil and water resources that sustain communities across the state. The food and fiber sector continues to generate over $800 billion annually, reinforcing the importance of conservation practices that keep land productive for generations to come. The WQMP Program builds on decades of voluntary conservation efforts, providing landowners with practical tools to address resource concerns such as soil erosion, water quality, and land productivity. Each plan is tailored to the unique characteristics of an individual operation, whether it spans a few acres or several thousand. “Every operation has different goals, challenges, and opportunities,” said Lee Munz, WQMP Program Coordinator. “Water Quality Management Plans are designed to meet landowners where they are, helping them make informed decisions that benefit both their operation and Texas’ natural resources.” The WQMP process begins when a landowner contacts their local SWCD to request assistance. From there, trained conservation professionals work directly with the landowner to evaluate the property and identify resource concerns. This collaborative process includes on-site evaluations of soil, water, vegetation, and infrastructure, along with the identification of current and potential resource concerns. Conservation professionals work closely with landowners to discuss their goals and operational needs, using this information to develop practical, cost-effective conservation strategies tailored to each operation. Using this information, conservation planners develop a written plan that outlines recommended practices and a schedule for implementation and maintenance. Plans often include detailed maps, soil information, and guidance on how to apply conservation practices effectively over time. WQMPs are designed not only to improve land productivity but also to reduce the impact of agricultural operations on water quality. By addressing nonpoint source pollution, such as runoff carrying nutrients, sediment, or bacteria, these plans play a key role in protecting Texas’ streams, rivers, and groundwater resources. Once a plan is certified and implemented, landowners may also become eligible for state or federal cost-share programs to assist with the installation of certain conservation practices. Today, certified Water Quality Management Plans are actively guiding conservation across Texas, reflecting a continued commitment by landowners to care for the land. Through partnerships with 216 local soil and water conservation districts, the TSSWCB ensures that conservation planning remains locally led, voluntary, and tailored to the needs of each community. By combining science, local expertise, and landowner insight, the WQMP Program helps ensure that Texas’ working lands remain productive, resilient, and sustainable, acre by acre. Resources: For additional information or assistance in developing a WQMP, contact your local SWCD office or TSSWCB regional representative. ###
You can find the Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board at www.tsswcb.texas.gov, on Facebook, and on Twitter @TSSWCB. The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, established in 1939, administers Texas’ soil and water conservation law and delivers coordinated natural resource conservation programs to agricultural producers through the State’s 216 Soil and Water Conservation Districts. The Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board is the lead agency for planning, implementing, and managing programs for preventing and abating agricultural and silvicultural nonpoint sources of water pollution.
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