Abstract
When Texas rivers run dry due to excessive diversions or drought, the environmental, economic, and social consequences range from severe to catastrophic. Only recently has Texas statutorily established and protected instream flows. One consequence of this late action is that most of the water in Texas rivers has been allocated to other uses, and very little water remains for instream flows. The objectives of this study were to identify key stakeholder concerns over protection of instream flows in Texas; determine stakeholder satisfaction with current instream flow practices; and determine preferences and feasibility for adopting new instream flow management options. Three major riverine stakeholder groups comprised the study population: state water agencies, interest/citizen organizations, and rights holders/water suppliers. Data were obtained through personal and telephone interviews and through the use of a questionnaire. Findings indicate that stakeholders are primarily concerned with three issues: the state's legal framework for implementing instream flows; an equitable and fair process; and the quantification of flows necessary for instream protection. Respondents also generally fell into three categories of satisfaction with current instream flow practices. Some respondents said there was too little protection, some said there was adequate protection, while still others said there was too much protection. Stakeholders also advocate equity as the rule which must govern any instream flow strategy. Strategies selected by stakeholders indicate that there are additional or alternative strategies to the one(s) currently practiced that the state may want to utilize.
Binion, Michael Shane (1996). Legal strategies for protecting instream flows in Texas: an analysis of stakeholder preferences. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -1996 -THESIS -B523.