Chapter 1 Behind the leadership of Jimmie Lee, clubs conservation coordinator, on Saturday February 22, 2008, Tarrant Christian Bass Club took the first step towards a long time commitment to working within our means to protect Texas' waters.

Jimmie was joined by Kelvin Stapleton, Daryl Reid, Greg Anderson, and Robert Brown for a full day of educational and hands-on field exercises.

After a hearty breakfast at the local Denny's, these members of TCBC attended a morning lecture/lab training exercise, referred to as "Phase I" of the certification training, taught by Tom Routt.  Through this training, participants learned the specific techniques for measuring conductivity, dissolved oxygen, and pH.  For the data collection to yield useful results, TCBC members learned the importance of the proper ways to calibrate equipment, collect samples, wash collection containers, meniscus readings, etc.  Tom stressed the value of consistent measurement approaches in order to identify when a particular parameter may change abruptly from prior samples. 

After a fine lunch, the club members  went over to a nearby stream within the confines of UTA to perform "Phase II" field work.  The club performed these measurements under Tom's guidance.

At the conclusion of the day, the club members took three used kits with them to "practice" on their selected water systems.  Members will be sending in an application for official designation of their selected water source.  "Phase III" certification will be completed when Tom revisits with each member at their location and validates successful execution of the tests with no guidance.

Once certified, monthly assessments of each selected location will be provided back to Texas Watch in order to identify any water issues as soon as possible.