Conservation in Texas?

[psiborg1812]

So....I'm sure you guys have discussed this before, but I was wondering what conservation opportunities there are in Texas lakes and rivers?

I am a DM who works at University of Texas at Arlington's scuba classroom, and we wanted to do some sort of trash cleanup, de-weeding, or something that would involve going diving. See, most of our students get certified and then just sorta fade away after getting their open water. Some will stay around and get their Master Diver cert with us, but generally, a lot of the students do their 3 certification dives and that's it. I would like to get the old students involved in the scuba lifestyle more, and have them go on trips with us so they can use their certification and so it get's our name on campus more.

SO, I've read you guys do trash pickups sometimes, but is their a schedule of them or something? or does it get suggested and then happen? We'd really love to get involved, especially if we could introduce some of our Open Waters to other divers from across Texas and prove that people really do dive Texas!

Thanks!

 

[TwoBitTxn]

There are a couple clean-ups scheduled every year. I know the Comal has a big one. I can't remember if it's in the late spring or summer.

TPWD would be a good resource to ask these questions.

3 cert dives????

 

[Joe-Diver]

3 cert dives????

X2...what agency is this?

 

[PeppermintPaddi]

I believe these events happen on similar weekends every year. And what about organizing UT club cleanups of local rivers/lakes? Maybe get local sponsors? Does UT Arlington have any research dive projects? Maybe UT students could volunteer to help with those? Might be an incentive to get more training too.

Lake Travis Cleanup + prizes
Lake Travis Underwater Cleanup | Keep Austin Beautiful

Comal Cleanup + prizes already scheduled for Oct 3rd, 2009
Texas Gulf Coast Council of Diving Clubs

Guadalupe Cleanup - weak link
Guadalupe River Clean-up

 

[PeppermintPaddi]

Found a reference to a clean up at Tyler State Park that's a fund raiser for Scottish Rites Children's Hospital. 4th annual in 2008. Contact info:

TrashFest 2008, Tyler State Park, Texas
2008 TrashFest - May 17th & 18th - Tyler State Park, Texas

For more information contact, Scuba Steve's Aquatic Adventures, 903.593.7033, 1741 Troup Hwy, Tyler, TX 75701

-----------
Here's one about coastal cleanup
Greenversations International Coastal Cleanup Day

 

[driftwood]

Bit of a drive from Arlington but, the diving for science program at Texas State University in San Marcos is the largest underwater habitat restoration project in the country. They are constantly looking for trained volunteers and there is a lot of work to be done. The water is a constant temp so you can dive year round. Here is the link to the program, Diving for Science : Aquarena Center : Texas State University

 

[psiborg1812]

There are a couple clean-ups scheduled every year. I know the Comal has a big one. I can't remember if it's in the late spring or summer.

TPWD would be a good resource to ask these questions.

3 cert dives????

Our Master Diver students need to go on 3 certification dive weekends, 5 dives each. Sorry, i guess i should have clarified that. We are NAUI based.

I dunno about the cleanup of local rivers and lakes, i've gone to several lakes out here to see if they are diveable, and to be honest, I didn't even get in the water. But i'll keep looking around, maybe i can find something more local.

Thanks for the info guys!! i'm sure i'll have more questions later, but now i gotta get some sleep, have a good night!

 

[Cap335]

I dunno about the cleanup of local rivers and lakes, i've gone to several lakes out here to see if they are diveable, and to be honest, I didn't even get in the water. But i'll keep looking around, maybe i can find something more local.

Sometimes you just have to play the hand thats delt.

Randy

 

[k-valve]

Hmmm...Texas and conservation...isn't that a bit of an oxymoron?

 

[Guba]

Ouch, kvalve, that hurt!

If you REALLY want to clean up, try organizing your own event. Here's one...go to Lake Possum Kingdom (you need your own boat or boats, or rent/charter one from one of the services there), and go clean up an area such as inside Hell's Gate. Be prepared to haul away a TON of aluminum and glass! (And that will only be scratching the surface, I guarantee you.) It is a lot of fun, though.