In the wake of the groundbreaking “Water in the Desert” conference held in January, Sul Ross State University (SRSU) is poised to amplify its role in addressing water challenges prevalent in West Texas. The conference, a pioneering initiative in the region, witnessed an impressive turnout of over 260 attendees, comprising Texas legislative members, local groundwater conservation district leaders, scientists, and landowners, convened on the Alpine campus on Jan. 18.
SRSU President Carlos Hernandez expressed optimism about the university’s pivotal position in facilitating discussions on water-related issues. “Our university, in the Chihuahuan Desert, in the Big Bend, is perhaps the most appropriate location for teachers and researchers, legislators and landowners, conservationists and innovators, to meet and share information and ideas,” said Hernandez. “We were pleased to see the immense interest in this important topic, and we hope this will be the first of many years of partnership with the Water in the Desert conference.”
Financial support from diverse organizations across the state, including the Dixon Water Foundation, Environmental Defense Fund, and Horizon Foundation, underscored the significance of the conference. Key organizing partners such as the Borderlands Research Institute and Rio Grande Research Center played instrumental roles in shaping the event’s agenda.
Central to the conference were panel discussions addressing groundwater management, land stewardship, and water policy formulation at the state level. Eminent figures like Sen. Charles Perry and Rep. Tracy King delved into the intricacies of Texas water policy, highlighting recent legislative developments. The creation of the Texas Water Caucus and the establishment of the $1 billion Texas Water Fund underscored the state’s commitment to addressing water challenges comprehensively. “Water’s not sexy. It’s long term and it’s expensive,” said Sen. Perry.
Dr. Louis Harveson, founder of the Borderlands Research Institute and Associate Provost of Research and Development at SRSU, outlined the university’s evolving role in the realm of water resource management. “Sul Ross State University is uniquely positioned to become a research hub and an area-wide water resource for the greater Big Bend region,” said Dr. Harveson. “The Water in the Desert conference has injected new energy and interest in enhancing university resources devoted to this critical issue. As drought deepens, cities spread and pumping increases, the pressure on this most precious desert resource will only grow.”
