SAN MARCOS RIVER
Flows will be critically low in the San Marcos river this summer, more so than has been seen since the mid-1950s, according to San Marcos Habitat Conservation Plan Manager Mark Enders. Although San Marcos did have several flooding events that helped to stabilize the decline in aquifer levels, Enders said it is not enough “to really change the trajectory of this drought.” But the city of San Marcos is doing its part to protect what’s left of the local aquatic plants and animal species’ environment by bolstering native plant populations and improving stormwater outfalls.
The city recently hosted a ribbon cutting at Bicentennial Park to unveil a River Aquatic Ecosys- tem Restoration Project, which began in 2022 and focused on the stretch of the San Marcos River from City Park to downstream of Stokes Park, according to a press release issued by the city. Enders said improvements included removal of invasive species — Elephant Ears, Chinaberry Trees and Chinese Tallow that are native to Asia — and planting native riparian and wetland vegetation as well as improving stormwater outfalls to decrease erosion and the accumulation of sediment.
“The project aimed to restore ecological functions that had been disrupted by urbanization, invasive species and altered hydrology,” the press release stated. “This project enhanced water quality, stabilized riverbanks and created a healthier, more sustainable habitat for local aquatic life. The restoration helps to support federally listed endangered and threatened species that rely on the unique spring-fed ecosystem of the upper San Marcos River.”
At the ribbon cutting, Enders said the city is involved in the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan Program, which has similar goals to the project being unveiled that day.
“Both of those projects together really did help us do some great things as far as restoring the native habitat along the San Marcos River,” he said.
San Marcos Mayor Jane Hughson noted that, in addition to the ample amount of recreational opportunities provided by the river, it is also home to federally protected species.
“The river is home to several federally protected endangered species that help to ensure that the San Marcos River continues to flow during extreme drought periods, such as the one we’re currently enduring,” Hughson said. “The San Marcos Ecosystem Restoration project and partnership with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Fort Worth Division, helped to provide resources for ecosystem improvements along the river, which will help to ensure that the natural ecosystem remains intact for generations to come.”
Enders said residents can help the river by picking up after themselves, not trampling aquatic vegetation or creating rock dams in the river, all of which are behaviors that can negatively impact habitat.
“We have a lot of signage in our city parks, and also within Texas State University parks that have information about the river and the endangered species,” Enders said, adding that people can also abide city conservation guidelines and requirements and “try to conserve water however they can.”
Enders stressed that although we had recent flooding events, the river flows will still be lower than most have seen in their lifetime unless significant rain occurs over the next couple of months. He said the city is working hard through the Habitat Conservation Plan to lessen declines in aquifer and river levels, in addition to diversifying its water supply, and it’s important that residents understand the importance of decreasing water usage as well.
Daily Record photos by Shannon West
