NewsUpstream Downstream

TRWD Board resolves to preserve a native prairie in Tarrant County

By February 22, 2023

TRWD’s Board of Directors passed a resolution yesterday at its February 21 board meeting that will preserve a six-acre parcel of prairie land it owns in southern Tarrant County.

The action by the board ensures the undisturbed land, located south of Sycamore Road, will be preserved until the District needs the space for a future water supply pipeline. TRWD plans to build an additional connection to its existing infrastructure near Lake Benbrook, where it stores raw water for use by its wholesale customers.

Once water demands dictate the construction of the new pipeline, TRWD has committed to work with the community to design an area that minimizes the impact on the natural areas on the parcel and surrounding properties.

“As a board member of TRWD, I have been very supportive of the District preserving this six-acre parcel,” said TRWD Board Member Marty Leonard. “I feel it is very important that we help preserve our original, pristine Fort Worth Prairie. Jarid Manos, founder of the Great Plains Restoration Council, has also worked tirelessly for years to preserve this prairie for future generations who perhaps have never seen authentic prairie.”

“We strive to act as stewards of the natural environment and the communities we serve,” said TRWD General Manager Dan Buhman. “Everything we do is focused on enriching communities and improving the quality of life through water supply, flood control, and recreation. This action is a perfect union of those ideas and I’m excited for the open space and environmental benefits this will provide.”

Lake Current Level Conservation Level* Level Difference**
Arlington 542.65 550.00 -7.35
Benbrook 690.64 694.00 -3.36
Bridgeport 827.28 836.00 -8.72
Cedar Creek 318.83 322.00 -3.17
Eagle Mountain 642.67 649.10 -6.43
Lake Worth 591.07 594.00 -2.93
Richland-Chambers 313.24 315.00 -1.76
*Conservation Level: The permitted level of water an entity is allowed to hold in a lake. Any amount above the conservation level is used for the temporary storage of flood waters and must be released downstream.
**Difference: Amount above or below conservation level.
For more information read our daily reports or the TRWD Lake Level Blog.

Check out the TRWD OneRain portal for a visualization of this information and more.

Stay connected with TRWD!

Sign up for our newsletter!

Newsletter Sign Up