EDWARDS AQUIFER,1: Keeping an ecosystem in balance ... 
ahead ... on Passport to Texas.

Passport to Texas with support from the WSFR Program 

An ecosystem is a complex set of interrelationships among 
plants, animals, microorganisms, land, and water. And TPW 
is a collaborator on a conservation plan to protect a 
special ecosystem: the Southern Edwards Aquifer.

08 -- The Edwards aquifer is home to many, many rare species, 
including eight federally listed threatened and endangered 
species.
 
Cindy Loeffler is water resources branch chief at TPW. 

19 -- Some of the most visible endangered species associated with 
the Edwards Aquifer are Texas Wild Rice - it's only found in the 
upper two miles of the San Marcos River. Also, fountain daters, 
small fish that are found in the San Marcos River and the Comal 
River, and a number of cave-dwelling species you might not see 
just recreating in the rivers - but they're there.

Loeffler worked on the Edwards Aquifer Habitat 
Conservation Plan. All of the species she mentioned are 
unique to the Edwards Aquifer Ecosystem.

15 -- It's important to protect these species for that reason, but 
also, this is a major water supply for many of us here in Texas, so 
finding a way to share that resource -finding the proper balance - 
that's what the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation 
Program has been about.

What's in the plan to help protect endangered species? We 
look at that tomorrow.

The WSFR program ... supports our series and funds diverse 
conservation projects throughout Texas ... 

For Texas Parks and Wildlife ... I'm Cecilia Nasti. 




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