The Friends of Lake Livingston (FoLL) Aquatic Habitat Restoration, Riparian Renewal and Community Conservation Education project covers the entirety of Lake Livingston which is surrounded by four counties.
FoLL President Ron Diderich recently addressed the Polk County Commissioners Court, providing an update of the work that FoLL is doing.
“Key threats to Lake Livingston include ongoing problems with erosion, bulkheading enabled by shoreline development, and subsequent loss of habitat for both waterfowl and fish. Further, the nearshore littoral areas lack basic aquatic habitat to support multiple aquatic species which would enable a healthy aquatic ecology. This would include a healthy macroinvertebrate population and multiple aquatic species. Texas Parks & Wildlife have documented the lake degradation as part of their Lake Management Survey and Management Plan.
“The long-term goal of the project is to increase the abundance and diversity of native aquatic plant species and riparian habitat in and around Lake Livingston, thereby improving littoral habitat conditions for the fish community and other aquatic life. Since 2013, efforts have been underway to increase nearshore aquatic habitat by planting aquatic American Water Willows in very shallow water. In collaboration with community partners, over 50,000 plants have been placed at 15 sites around Lake Livingston. Of note, aquatic water willow plants, (Justica Americana), cost over $8/plant. As such, for the program to be successful, FoLL propagates and grows the plants. This is done by local participating high school students and the Lee College Prison Horticulture program (Ellis Unit) on an ongoing basis.
“The project began in 2013 and was championed by Texas Parks & Wildlife (TPWD) and the national Friends of Reservoirs (FOR) organization which is a non-profit foundation dedicated to protecting and/or restoring fisheries habitat in reservoirs nationwide. Both TPWD and FOR set the foundation to establish this aquatic habitat restoration project.
“Since 2013, the project has grown to encompass numerous community partners. More than 30 community partners have agreed to provide support, funding, and volunteers for this project. These partners set the foundation for ongoing aquatic habitat restoration efforts and the basis for ongoing year on year conservation efforts for Lake Livingston.
They include five local high schools (Onalaska, Leggett, Shepherd, Goodrich and Coldspring) and their ag education and/or science students. These students receive yearly education on the conservation program and participate by both raising and propagating America Water Willow plants in provided water-filled propagation tanks. They bi-annually plant these in wetland areas around Lake Livingston. Estimates for high school students involved are between 150 and 200 students every semester. Additionally, these students construct artificial fish habitats for placement in strategic locations in Lake Livingston to provide structure and cover for fish species. To date, over 50 artificial reefs have been constructed by students. At each bi-annual planting, students also receive training on macroinvertebrate education to evaluate water quality and nearshore ecology in planted areas.
“Texas Parks & Wildlife provides technical guidance, approval of aquatic plants species, and boats for planting events. Additionally, the FoLL project has been incorporated into the TPWD Lake Livingston Management Plan. Trinity River Authority approves planted sites and lake activity. They also provide annual funding for planting materials, soil and artificial fish habitat placement at sites that are GPS located and posted on the TPWD Lake Livingston website for fishing locations. FOR provides science based technical advice on planting methods, aquatic plants, and artificial reef/habitat construction methods.
“Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) Ellis Unit Horticulture Program – Lee College in Baytown runs the horticulture education program. For the last five years, each class of 25 men have participated in conservation education around the FoLL project and raised tens of thousands of America Water Willows in their greenhouse and aquatic propagation tanks. To date, over 125 incarcerated men have participated in this project and volunteer their time back to the community. They provide a critical resource for the FoLL project while also receiving conservation education and education on becoming Texas Master Naturalists.
“Carolina Creek Christian Camp (CCCC) is a non-profit summer camp which is run on the north end of Lake Livingston. For several years, this camp has provided an operating base for launching our high school plantings. They provide pontoon boats, lunches, as well as camper volunteers. Of note, the FoLL project worked with CCCC to provide a planting conservation effort for a visiting group from Camp Hope. Camp Hope is a national organization supporting children who have been exposed to physical or sexual abuse. In early 2023, FoLL worked with CCCC to host an aquatic planting event for over 150 middle school and high school students.
“Texas Master Naturalists (TMN) groups from two TMN chapters, Livingston and Conroe, respectively, provide a source for the leadership team of over 20 people who lead the FoLL non-profit conservation group. Further, both TMN chapters provide adult volunteers at each planting to help lead high school students at each event.
“The Hookers Fishing Club of Livingston works with high school students. FoLL soon recognized that many had never been fishing, nor had the chance to learn to fish. FoLL worked with the Hookers and Fishing’s Future Texas to incorporate training methods, equipment, and source volunteers to work with kids at each planting, thus providing a new additional benefit to the kids. All students live around the southern end of the lake and the area is largely rural. Due to the students’ fishing activities, they see the benefits of the natural environment and the need for conservation.
“In summary, FoLL and its partners have successfully introduced over 50,000 plants into 15 sites around the lake valued at $8 per plant; have raised and invested over $150,000 to enhance the plants, macroinvertebrates, and fish in and around Lake Livingston, especially north of the causeway; have encouraged schools to maintain plant nurseries and volunteer thousands of hours of teacher and student volunteers to grow and plant aquatic vegetation into the lake; have used state prisoners, under the direction of FoLL and Lee College, to contribute this much or more of volunteer time; have recorded similar hours by adult volunteers, including Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners, participating, directing, and planning this 11-year effort; have facilitated the contribution of volunteer time, equipment and funds to support the project from Texas Parks & Wildlife and the Trinity River Authority; and have won numerous state and federal awards of excellence for this project.”
