Lower Sabine River Basin - Instream Flow Studies

Lower Sabine River Basin MapThe Lower Sabine River (downstream of Toledo Bend Reservoir) is one of six priority river studies being conducted by the Texas Instream Flow Program.  This study is being completed in cooperation with the Sabine River Authority of Texas.

Update Meetings

The TIFP held update meetings for the public and stakeholders on May 6 and 7, 2008 in Orange, Texas.  These meetings provided an overview of the TIFP and completed and ongoing research related to the river.  Those in attendance were given an opportunity to list what they value about the Sabine River and ask questions.  Further opportunities for members of the public to collaborate on the instream flow study of the Lower Sabine River were also described.  A similar meeting was held in Many, Louisiana on July 29, 2008 to accommodate the public residing in the upper portion of this study area.

Study Design Workgroup Meetings

A series of workgroup meetings were conducted in 2008 through 2010 in order to develop the study design for an instream flow study of the lower Sabine River.  The workgroup was composed of members of the public, stakeholders, and agency staff who agreed to work together.  Meetings were open to the public.  Results of those meetings are provided below.

1st Workgroup Meeting

The first workgroup meeting related to development of an instream flow study design for the Lower Sabine River was held August 19, 2008 in Orange, TX.  The workgroup developed the following goal: "Our goal is a healthy, functioning Lower Sabine River Basin that has high quality water, sufficient flow and a sustainable ecosystem to assure a dynamic balance between human needs and the environment."

2nd Workgroup Meeting

The second workgroup meeting related to development of an instream flow study design for the Lower Sabine River was held November 18, 2008 in Orange, TX.  This workgroup meeting focused on development of objectives necessary to accomplish the goal developed in the first workgroup meeting.

3rd Workgroup Meeting

The third workgroup meeting related to development of an instream flow study design for the Lower Sabine River was held January 6, 2009 in Orange, TX.  This workgroup meeting focused on development of indicators necessary to accomplish the goal and objectives developed in previous meetings.

4th Workgroup Meeting

The fourth workgroup meeting related to development of an instream flow study design for the Lower Sabine River was held April 9, 2010 in Orange, TX.  This workgroup meeting focused on review and comment related to the draft study design developed by TIFP based on the goal, objectives, and indicators developed during previous meetings.  The draft study design is being revised in response to comments from the workgroup and will subsequently be submitted for scientific peer review.