Local leaders call for collaboration at 4th Annual River Guardianship Symposium

Spirits could not be dampened at the 4th Annual River Guardianship Symposium on Wednesday, as researchers, nonprofit leaders, and public officials gathered to celebrate the progress made on the Great Springs Project and “engage in a conversation with diverse stakeholders about a single-use disposable container ban for the San Marcos River.”

Great Springs Project CEO Garry Merritt opened the symposium with a status update on the project to connect four springs — San Antonio, Comal, San Marcos, and Barton — from the “Alamo to the capital” through 100 miles of trail.

Merritt said his organization has already laid 30 to 33 miles of the trail and is working with conservation buyers and public dollars to acquire the rest.