1. (a) The State Board, in cooperation with affected SWCDs, other agencies, universities, and appropriate local interests, shall evaluate and rank brush control areas.
2. (b) Evaluations shall, where apppropriate, assess brush type, density, and location; management methods; revegetation options; geology and soils data; water needs or potential needs; hydrology; potential water yield; wildlife concerns; economics; and landowner interest. The TPWD shall be consulted when evaluating wildlife concerns. The TWDB shall be consulted in regards to the effects of the brush control program on water quantity. The TDA shall be consulted in regards to the effects of the brush control program on agriculture.
3. (c) Specific areas for evaluation will be determined by the State Board in consultation with SWCDs, other agencies, and universities. SWCDs may submit written requests to the State Board for evaluation of areas for brush control.
4. (d) The State Board shall consider water needs of the area and potential for water yield when selecting areas for evaluation.

5. (e) Following evaluation, the State Board shall rank brush control areas considering:

   1. (1) the location of various brush infestations;
   2. (2) the type and severity of brush infestations;
   3. (3) the various management methods that may be used to control brush;
   4. (4) the amount of water produced by a project and the severity of water shortage in the project area;
   5. (5) the cost effectiveness of utilizing brush control to conserve water;
   6. (6) the potential water quality impacts;
   7. (7) the availability of funding; and
   8. (8) any other criteria that the State Board considers relevant to assure that the brush control program can be most effectively, efficiently, and economically implemented.
6. (f) In ranking brush control areas, the State Board shall give priority to areas with the most critical water conservation needs and in which brush control and revegetation projects will be most likely to produce substantial water conservation.

Source Note:The provisions of this §517.25 adopted to be effective February 13, 2003, 28 TexReg 1209; amended to be effective March 21, 2004, 29 TexReg 2651.