SAN MARCOS RIVER
The single-use container ban has been in effect for over a year now, with May 1 marking the day that enforcement starts. The ban was adopted into the city ordinance last year as a way to combat the increased litter at city parks near the river due to increased tourism during weekends and summer months. Local groups such as The Eyes of The San Marcos River and Wild Rice Studio have organized weekly river cleanups to help clean up litter left behind at and in the river.
The ordinance states that, “It is unlawful for any person to possess any glass or single-use beverage con- tainer in or on the public waterway or in any designated areas where signs prohibit them on city park property”. The ordinance goes on to state, “Any person who shall violate any provision of this section shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished by a fine not more than $500.” When asked about the schedule of enforcement officers at the river, and plans to enforce the can ban Jamie Lee Case, Parks and Rec director said, “The ordinance will be enforced just as any other park rule is enforced currently.”
In comments on Facebook community groups such as the Eyes of the San Marcos River page, citizens are questioning the effectiveness of the can ban, many saying they never see enforcement officers at the city parks during the weekends when river attendance is at all time highs. David Zambrano is the Education and Outreach Coordinator for The Eyes of the San Marcos River, and has been cleaning up rivers for over 14 years. He has been organizing weekly cleanups at the river, and has not seen an effect from the can ban.
“I don’t feel [the can ban] has been effective. I was down at Rio Vista on Easter Sunday, and if anything, it seems to be the litter problem is actually worse,” Zambrano said. “I’m really kind of worried about what it’s going to look like during peak summer usage.”
To combat the increasing litter situation his group has started to organize monday morning river clean ups until labor day. Clean ups are open to the public. Volunteers will be present at Rio Vista between 6:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. with supplies including mesh bags and gloves. The city program Keep San Marcos Beautiful will also be volunteering during Monday mornings, providing cleaning supplies. The city of San Marcos also contracts with Easter Seals and in-stream litter removal through the HCP Conservation Crew staff. They employ Park Ambassadors which help with education and abatement.
“The city informed the public/tourists of the Single Use Beverage Container Ordinance in the same traditional methods we utilize each summer to reach our river patrons about park rules – through our social media platforms, websites, phone conversations and physical signage; verbal interactions on site from staff, Habitat Conservation Crew workers, Park Ambassadors, law enforcement officers and volunteers,” Case said. “Additionally, we utilized two digital billboards along I-35 North near Kyle, affixed stickers along the ground on sidewalks at City Park and Rio Vista Park, circulated printed materials/ads, and gave out branded giveaways at events.” Case emphasized that the public can help by spreading the message, either via word of mouth or through social media platforms.
“The more we can get the word out to visitors, the better chance we have of reducing litter in our parks and along the river,” Case said.
Zambrano acknowledged that multiple groups have been working together to aid in clean ups including The Eyes of the San Marcos River, Keep San Marcos Beautiful, The San Marcos River Foundation, The Mermaid Society and students and staff from Wild Rice Studio.
“Treat our river like it’s any other natural park or wild place that we understand to be sensitive and protected,” Zambrano said. “Pack in what you pack out, leave no trace.”
He emphasizes that our city’s litter issue is not an isolated event, that every community has a problem with litter because we have the same consumption patterns.
“You just kind of have to be a good ambassador and change the culture yourself by changing how you consume,” Zambrano said.
River clean ups run every Monday morning, but one can clean up the river anytime by bringing gloves and trash bags when enjoying the natural beauty of the San Marcos River.
Above, Kileigh Reed, owner of Wild Rice Studio, and David Zambrano are both board members of The Eyes of the San Marcos River who meet up weekly to clean litter from the river. Below, An empty glass beer can left behind balances on a rock next to the rushing San Marcos River. Photos courtesy of David Zambrano
