Groundwater stewardship director resigns

GIDDINGS — Lost Pines Groundwater Conservation District Director Sheril Smith resigned from the board last month after more than nine years advocating local conservation and sustainable development efforts.

Smith served in several leadership roles representing Bastrop and Lee counties, including board president from September 2021 through December 2022, and chaired multiple committees focused on groundwater management and district operations.

Smith’s resignation took effect Feb. 9, according to the district.

“Sheril has been fervently committed to achieving the district’s mission of conservation and stewardship of its groundwater in a fair and equitable manner,” Board President Nicholas Textor said in a statement. Officials also said Smith helped lead the effort to hire and train the district’s education and outreach coordinator and worked to strengthen administrative protocols, rules and regulations for the district.

“She is deeply committed to the people and communities of Lee and Bastrop counties,” Lee County Judge Frank Malinak III said in a statement.

The LPGCD aims to manage, conserve and protect local groundwater resources.