Funding Source
Funding provided by General Land Office as part of the Costal
Management Program.
Project Description
The Arroyo Colorado and the Lower Laguna Madre are important
environmental and economic resources in the Lower Rio Grande Valley
of South Texas. However, both waterbodies are listed as impaired,
identified in the 2006 Texas Water Quality Inventory and 303(d)
listed for low dissolved oxygen concentrations and elevated
bacteria. Increasing public knowledge and encouraging local action
through education are key elements listed in the Arroyo Colorado
watershed protection plan (WPP) and will ensure progress in
achieving an ecologically sound Arroyo Colorado and Lower Laguna
Madre.
This project will support the development and distribution of
two television public service announcement (PSAs), which will
educate watershed residents about local water quality issues,
disappearing wetlands, coastal issues, endangered habitat and
proper use of natural land and water resources. These educational
pieces will be broadcasted via television in both English and
Spanish to raise awareness and increase community involvement in
the activities of the Arroyo Colorado WPP. Based on independent
research conducted during the development of the Arroyo Colorado
WPP, most individuals indicated a willingness to do their part to
clean up the Arroyo Colorado if they are told ways they can help.
By providing a personal, motivational message with clear actionable
suggestions for behavior changes, the residents will work to
improve water quality, thereby achieving the goals set by the
Arroyo Colorado WPP.
Task 1: Texas A&M Agricultural
Communications (Ag Communications) and the Texas Water Resources
Institute (TWRI) will develop a script and general outline for the
two PSAs. One PSA will provide generic information on water quality
issues in the Arroyo Colorado watershed while the second would
provide specific tips for citizens to reduce urban and agricultural
water pollution.
Task 1 Deliverable and Timeline.
- Submit scripts to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) for
review and approval - December 2009
Task 2: Ag Communications in collaboration with
TWRI will identify local English and Spanish television stations
for airtime and make arrangements for broadcast of final PSAs.
Task 2 Deliverable and Timeline.
- Submit broadcast schedule (including matching airtime) to GLO -
April 2010
Task 3: Ag Communications will produce PSAs and
distribute PSAs to local television stations for broadcasting.
Task 3 Deliverable and Timeline.
- Production of PSAs - January thru April 2010
- Submit DVD copies of PSAs to GLO- April 2010
- Distribution/broadcast PSAs - May 2010 thru project end (or
until funding runs out)