Montgomery County Commissioners Court Recognizes Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week

On April 23, 2024, the Montgomery County Commissioners Court, led by Precinct 2 Commissioner Charlie Riley, issued a proclamation to honor Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week, to be observed from April 28 to May 5, 2024. This proclamation highlights the vital connection between soil and water conservation and the resilience of our forests.

Water conservation is of paramount importance in our community, and this proclamation serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our land and water resources for future generations. By recognizing Texas Soil and Water Stewardship Week, we reaffirm our commitment to sustainable practices that ensure the longevity of our environment.

As stewards of our land and water resources, it is incumbent upon us to actively engage in water conservation efforts. We invite everyone to join us in celebrating this significant week by learning more about water conservation practices and exploring ways in which each individual can contribute to the sustainability of our environment.

MONTGOMERY COUNTY DROUGHT INTENSIFIES: LONE STAR GCD INCREASES TEMPORARY DROUGHT BUFFER TO 15%

Montgomery County Drought Status

Due to persistent high temperatures and a significant shortage of rainfall, 40.69% of Montgomery County is now under D4 Exceptional Drought conditions.

 Lone Star GCD's Response

In light of the D3 Extreme Drought Conditions reported by the TWDB and U.S. Drought Monitor, the Lone Star GCD Board of Directors convened for a Special Board of Director meeting on Monday, August 28, 2023. The board unanimously approved Resolution No. #23-006, which introduced a Temporary Drought Buffer for 2023.

 Updated Temporary Drought Buffer Details

Given the escalation to D4 Exceptional Drought status:

  • The Temporary Drought Buffer has been increased to 15%, up from the original 10% set on August 28, 2023.

  • This adjustment is automatically applied to the Annual Production Limitations for all permits and is effective retroactively from January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.

  • Permittees who utilize the Temporary Drought Buffer under Resolution #23-006, are still required to pay water use fees for additional water pumped over their Annual Production Limitations.

  • Over-pumping beyond the permit’s annual allocation and the 15% Drought Buffer, is a violation of District Rules. Any permit holder exceeding the Temporary Drought Buffer will face penalties as detailed in the District Rules

 Recommendation for Permit Holders

LSGCD strongly recommends that all permit holders implement their drought contingency plans. This proactive approach will help prevent over-pumping and ensure sustainable water usage during the current severe drought conditions.

For ongoing updates and further information, visit the official Lone Star GCD website: http://www.lonestargcd.org.

 About LSGCD: LSGCD is led by a seven-member elected board of directors, whose primary interests are to regulate and conserve groundwater in Montgomery County while protecting the property rights and economic interests of the citizens who own the groundwater.

LONE STAR GCD TO HOLD "GROUNDWATER VOICES: PUBLIC FEEDBACK SESSION ON DISTRICT RULES"

CONROE, Texas, September 6, 2023 – The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District (Lone Star GCD) is excited to announce "Groundwater Voices: Public Feedback Session on District Rules." This event is scheduled for September 12, 2023, from 3:00 pm to 5:00 pm at the James B “Jim” Wesley Board Room, located at the Lone Star GCD District Office at 655 Conroe Park North, Conroe, Texas, 77303.

Designed as a platform for our constituents and stakeholders of Montgomery County, this session provides an invaluable opportunity to directly relay your comments on the district’s current rules to the Board of Directors. The primary goal is to gather comprehensive feedback and gain a deeper understanding of the public's perspective on the current regulations.

The session will start with opening remarks by the Board President and the Lone Star GCD’s new General Manager, Sarah Kouba. The next segment will include a short presentation by Lone Star GCD’s General Counsel and technical consultants summarizing common concerns received during the open comment period earlier this summer. Following the presentation, a dedicated segment for public comments will ensue. Each attendee wishing to share insights or feedback will be allotted up to three minutes. This structured approach ensures a broad spectrum of voices are heard, while also adhering to the event's schedule.

It's crucial for attendees to recognize the Board's role during this session. While every Board member will be actively and attentively listening and may ask questions, Board members will abstain from discussions or debates. The Board’s primary objective is to listen, understand, and absorb the feedback shared.

Lone Star GCD Board President Jim Spigener commented on why the district is holding this workshop.  “Lonestar GCD is holding this workshop on our rules in the spirit of transparency, customer focus and continuous improvement. We look forward to the comments and dialog from all.”

To facilitate a seamless event experience, those planning to attend are kindly requested to RSVP in advance through the Lone Start GCD website at http://LoneStarGCD.org.  This event will only be held in person, and there will not be an opportunity to participate by Zoom. To help facilitate open and honest communication, this event will not be live-streamed or recorded.

About LSGCD: LSGCD is led by a seven-member elected board of directors, whose primary interests are to regulate and conserve groundwater in Montgomery County while protecting the property rights and economic interests of the citizens who own the groundwater.

 

IMMEDIATE ACTION RECOMMENDATION: IMPLEMENT DROUGHT CONTINGENCIES

Current Conditions

Montgomery County is currently facing D3 Extreme Drought conditions due to persistent high temperatures and shortage of rainfall.

 

Lone Star GCD Immediate Action Recommendation 

Lone Star GCD urges all residents of Montgomery County to stay well-informed about notifications and recommended directives offered by their respective local water suppliers. It is imperative to monitor your water consumption, implement drought contingency strategies, communicate contingencies with your distribution area(s), and follow the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) website for current updates on contingency guidelines.

 

Lone Star GCD Response

In recognition of extreme conditions as reported by the TWDB and U.S. Drought Monitor, and in partnership with the implementation of drought contingency strategies by permit holders and residents, the Lone Star GCD Board of Directors convened on Monday, August 28, 2023, held a Special Board of Director meeting, and unanimously approved to adopt Resolution No. #23-006, which authorizes a Temporary Drought Buffer for 2023. 

 

Exceeding your permitted allocation amount, commonly referred to as over-pumping, constitutes a breach of the terms stipulated in your permit, and a violation of District Rules.  The approved Temporary Drought Buffer allows a temporary increase above the annual allocation.  Per Resolution No. #23-006, the Annual Production Limitations for all permits is temporarily increased by 10% retroactive to January 1, 2023, ending December 31, 2023.  Should 25% or more of the County be declared Drought Level D4 (by the TWDB and U.S. Drought Monitor) on or before December 31, 2023, the cap of the Temporary Drought Buffer will be increased from 10% to 15% above the permitted annual allocation retroactive to January 1, 2023, ending December 1, 2023. Permittees who choose to utilize the Temporary Drought Buffer under Lone Star GCD Resolution 23-006 are still required to pay all water use fees for additional water pumped over their Annual Production Limitations.   Any permit holder who exceeds the applicable Temporary Drought Buffer will be in violation of District Rules and subject to penalties.

 

Questions or Clarification

Lone Star GCD remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding our water resources and ensuring the well-being of our community. By taking collective action, adhering to guidelines, and exhibiting prudent water usage practices, we can collectively surmount the challenges posed by this extreme drought. Should you require any clarifications or assistance pertaining to your permit allocation, please do not hesitate to reach out to the District directly at 936-494-3436.

LONE STAR GROUNDWATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER

August 1, 2023  - The Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District (LSGCD)  is pleased to announce the appointment of Sarah Kouba as its new General Manager. This marks a significant milestone for the District as it continues to address the water needs of one of the nation's fastest-growing counties.

 

Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District plays a vital role in managing the groundwater resources of Montgomery County, a region projected to exceed one million residents within the next 25 years. The District's regulatory program emphasizes the best conservation and development practices, protecting private property rights while preserving groundwater resources for future generations.

 

Sarah Kouba joins LSGCD with an impressive background in engineering and program leadership. With previous experience as the Scheduling Director at Arcxis Engineering and Inspection Solutions, she excelled in managing teams and overseeing operations across various divisions. Additionally, Kouba showcased her exceptional capabilities as the Disaster Repair Program Director at Houston Habitat for Humanity, leading the successful launch of the largest repair program internationally following the impact of Hurricane Harvey.

 

As the newly appointed General Manager, Sarah Kouba will assume various key responsibilities critical to LSGCD's mission and growth. She will serve as the primary District contact for staff, public relations, and outreach initiatives, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, legislators, and the media. Kouba's responsibilities also include coordinating technical studies, managing contracts, and assisting the Board in developing and implementing a comprehensive management plan.

 

"We are thrilled to welcome Sarah Kouba as the new General Manager of the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District," stated Jim Spigener, President of the Board of Directors. "Sarah has the full support of the Board of Directors and the Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Staff in her new role as General Manager moving forward."

 

The appointment of Sarah Kouba follows an extensive hiring process, involving a rigorous review of resumes, vetting of candidates, and comprehensive interviews with the Executive Committee, Office Staff, and General Counselor. The recommendation was then presented to the Board of Directors, at the July 11, 2023 Board of Director’s Meeting, who unanimously approved Kouba's appointment.

 

Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District looks forward to the leadership and expertise Sarah Kouba brings to the organization. Her appointment aligns with the District's commitment to sustainable water management and addressing the water needs of Montgomery County.

To view Press Release click HERE

Subscribe to our e-mail blasts

Get regular updates on Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District.