Landowners oppose Wichita Falls proposal to dam river for a reservoir to support water needs

HENRIETTA, Texas — One rancher said the proposed reservoir would cut through her property and flood areas of her ranch she needs to graze cattle.

If the city is granted the state water rights permit from TCEQ, it would next need to apply for a permit with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the city needs both a state permit and a federal permit for the project. When Wichita Falls hit a Stage 5 drought, the highest of the stages that’s considered a “drought catastrophe,” the city issued water restrictions banning all nonessential water use like refilling swimming pools, using sprinkler systems and washing cars.

“We’re the only water supply for the whole North Texas region,” Schreiber said, referring to nearby communities like Olney, Burkburnett, Electra and a dozen others that get water from the same reservoirs. “And it’s our job to ensure that there’s adequate supply for this region.” Opponents of the project say it would force more than 25 Texas ranching families to sell all or part of the land.the week prior, and the river’s waters ran red with sediment, surrounded by green bushes and trees.Less than 5 miles away, Deborah Clark, a cattle rancher in Clay County, said a portion of her land would be seized through eminent domain if the project is approved.

At the hearing, they argued that Lake Ringgold would harm agriculture in the area and force landowners to sell the city their land. When they bought it to build their dream home — something Cody had promised his wife when they married six years before — the land was filled with mesquite trees, which are not great for cattle. Cody knew he had to remove them because the couple wanted to start a family cow/calf operation.For two years, he spent evenings and weekends removing mesquite trees, brush, and roots. He also planted Bermuda grass.Cody taught their three boys to take care of cattle and hunt deer on the property.

His property, which is approximately 5,000 acres, is blooming with red Indian blanket, yellow common sunflower and pink Indian paintbrush. Scissor-tailed flycatchers soared across the vast land.

Texas General News TX State Wire U.S. News Animals Water Shortages N Droughts U.S. News

United States Latest News, United States Headlines

Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.

North Texas landowners trying to stop a reservoir that Wichita Falls calls crucialState regulators face a critical decision this week on whether to approve a permit for a new reservoir that the city of Wichita Falls says is vital for ensuring enough water for the region. But some locals are fighting the project.
Source: ksatnews - 🏆 442. / 53 Read more »

North Texas landowners trying to stop a reservoir that Wichita Falls calls crucialState regulators face a critical decision this week on whether to approve a permit for a new reservoir that the city of Wichita Falls says is vital for ensuring enough water for the region. But some locals are fighting the project.
Source: KPRC2 - 🏆 80. / 68 Read more »

TCEQ to vote on Lake Ringgold reservoir near Wichita FallsState regulators face a critical decision this week on whether to approve a permit for a new reservoir that the city of Wichita Falls says is vital for ensuring enough water for the region. But some locals are fighting the project.
Source: TexasTribune - 🏆 441. / 53 Read more »

A little rain fell in D.C. on Saturday, and a little was a lotDulles had its wettest day in weeks.
Source: washingtonpost - 🏆 95. / 72 Read more »

2 brothers condemned to die for the 'Wichita massacre' want a new sentencing hearingAttorneys for two brothers who were sentenced to die in a quadruple killing known as the “Wichita massacre” will argue for a formal resentencing hearing in the latest in a long series of appeals
Source: sdut - 🏆 5. / 95 Read more »

2 brothers condemned to die for the 'Wichita massacre' want a new sentencing hearingAttorneys for two brothers who were sentenced to die in a quadruple killing known as the “Wichita massacre” will argue for a formal resentencing hearing in the latest in a long series of appeals.
Source: AP - 🏆 728. / 51 Read more »