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The long-discussed Marvin Nichols Reservoir is gaining momentum. The project, proposed on the main stem of the Sulphur River in Red River and Titus counties, would flood more than 66,000 acres of family farmland, hardwood forest, and wetlands in Northeast Texas. It would pipe water to the DFW Metroplex. In response, landowners, business owners, community leaders, conservationists, and local elected officials have formed a coalition opposing the Reservoir, and they launched a new campaign called “*Preserve Northeast Texas: Stop Marvin Nichols.”
Press Release From “Stop Marvin Nichols”
MARVIN NICHOLS RESERVOIR GAINING MOMENTUM;
NEW GROUP LAUNCHES TO MOBILIZE NORTHEAST TEXANS AGAINST IT
Private land, jobs, and natural resources at stake
Northeast Texas – The long-discussed Marvin Nichols Reservoir is gaining momentum. The project, proposed on the main stem of the Sulphur River in Red River and Titus Counties, would flood more than 66,000 acres of heritage farmland, hardwood forest, and wetlands in Northeast Texas to pipe water to the DFW Metroplex.
In response, landowners, business owners, community leaders, conservationists, and local elected officials have formed a coalition opposing the Reservoir, launching a new campaign called “Preserve Northeast Texas: Stop Marvin Nichols.” The association is fighting to protect the region from one of the most significant private land transfers to the public in modern history.
“This project would have a devastating effect on our economy, drowning resources for our timber and agriculture-based economy,” said Bill Ward, Owner of Ward Timber Company. “It would also impact the area’s wildlife habitat and inundate archaeological and historic sites and cemeteries, capturing thousands of acres of family lands.”
Water providers in the Dallas-Fort Worth area predict a strain on the region’s future water supply, based on expected population growth continued high per capita water use. Rather than looking to viable solutions through conservation efforts and existing reservoirs, Metroplex has proposed yet another reservoir to meet their water demands. In addition to the flooded land, the proposed reservoir would require that at least another 130,000 acres be taken from private ownership to mitigate wildlife habitat losses.
“This project is in our backyard,” said Gary Cheatwood, Member of the Preserve Northeast Texas Steering Committee. “But the benefits would go to urban areas to the west of us. The Marvin Nichols Reservoir would rob us of vital natural resources so that DFW-area residents can water their lawns and fill their swimming pools.”
They first raised the issue in 2001. It has recently gained momentum and remains a serious threat to Northeast Texas’s people, economy, and natural character. They have moved forward the proposed timeframe for building the reservoir, and supporters are stepping up their current State Water Plan efforts. Preserve Northeast Texas hopes to familiarize folks in the region with these dramatic impacts and garner support from residents and elected officials to advocate for Northeast Texas and private property rights.
The Preserve Northeast Texas Steering Committee includes:
Bill Ward, Jim Thompson, Max Shumake, Shirley Shumake, Atlanta Mayor Travis Ransom, Linda Price, Richard LeTourneau, Cynthia Gwinn, Gary Cheatwood, Janice Bezanson
They invite residents of Northeast Texas to join the campaign and add their names to the growing list of those opposed to Marvin Nichols. You can learn more about Preserve Northeast Texas: Stop Marvin Nichols online at www.PreserveNortheastTexas.org and on Facebook and Instagram at @PreserveNortheastTexas.