SAN MARCOS RIVER FOUNDATION NEWSLETTER
Vol. 15, No.3 Printed Quarterly on Recycled Paper July 25, 2005

SMRF BOARD MEETINGS

Join the SMRF board at their 6:30 monthly meetings at Logan’s Roadhouse or at the SMRF office. Eat supper if you like, dutch treat during the meetings at the restaurant, and discuss many river issues. The meetings are always interesting, and about two hours long. Call 393-3787 to check the location, in case last minute changes are made, or sign up for the SMRF email list so you receive weekly reminders of the meetings and other volunteer projects. (See page 7 article re email list.)

4TH OF JULY LIGHTED RIVER PARADE

Three photos of the SMRF parade entry are joined together for this composite photo below, plus a closeup of the fourth canoe. Members in their lighted and decorated canoes displayed four patriotic messages. Thanks to Jack Fairchild, John Hohn, Kevin Ryan, John Tolbert and Jon Cradit with his two sons Weston and Sawyer, and friend Blake Whitten, for helping with SMRF’s 2nd Prize-winning entry in the parade. (They won tubing passes from the Lions, parade sponsors.)

The Lions had a great float as always, with plenty of bright lights, the Mayor, Council members, and city staffers aboard. There were several family groups that had fun entries too, but the sandcastle building group was missed this year.

The “Pond Scum” entry with drums and exotic musical instruments won Third Prize with their natural jungle theme, palm leaves, and great music. Their brave use of elephant ears tucked into their swimsuits may have caused some of them to have itchy skin, later. Those elephant ears have a very irritating sap, which they probably learned about that night!

The First Prize winners in the parade are also pictured in a composite photo on the back page of this newsletter, showing their great use of lighting outlining each colorful translucent petal, shaped into giant flowers and elephant ear leaves. The entire float glowed as it floated downstream. Their spectacular makeup and costumes made it hard to identify these creative women, but we tracked them down. Left to right, Danise Rogers, Martha Ash, Cynthia Castle and Tosca Cesaretti worked about a month on the float, with assistance on the wooden frame and generator connections by Kevin Huffaker and Nordby.

The night of the parade, two young men jumped into the river on the spur of the moment to steer the flowered float with human paddle-power, which turned out to be essential. Mason Hager and Cole Huddleston kept the float from smashing into other floats and the walls of Sewell Park, but it was not easy paddling against the current to slow the float down. They did a great job. Thanks to this group for inspiring everyone to want to be in the parade next year, with their beautiful lighted float titled San Martian Paradise. (See back page photo.)

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PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS

We recently received the annual report on how well the A. E. Wood Fish Hatchery discharge treatment plant has performed during 2004. This reminded me that “We have come a long way, baby!” since the environmental/conservation movement got its big boost in 1966 with the publishing of Rachel Carson’s book Silent Spring. Regardless of the accuracy of the book in light of current knowledge, it certainly spurred interest and action to save our environment. SMRF became an agent of this move to protect the environment in 1985, twenty years ago.

The settlement agreement between SMRF, the Sierra Club, Texas River Protection Association, and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) in December 1999 outlined the TPWD plan to construct a treatment facility for the hatchery discharge. This agreement marked the completion of the cleanup of the three major wastewater discharges into our beautiful San Marcos River. SMRF worked toward this goal for many years. We dearly appreciate the cooperation of TPWD and their personnel at the Fish Hatchery in accomplishing a cleanup of their discharge.

The hatchery’s annual report to SMRF , Sierra Club and TRPA shows that the discharge did not exceed the permit limits of 5 million gallons per day on a daily average, nor the 10 million gallon per day maximum. Since the river flow never fell below 65 cubic feet per second, the low flow permit limits were not in play. Total Suspended Solids, Oxygen Demand, Total Ammonium Nitrogen, Dissolved Oxygen, and pH were all within the limits of the permit issued by TCEQ. Congratulations!

Now, if we could just solve the pollution problems caused by thoughtless tubers entering the river at Westerfield Crossing and creating a public disturbance by their noise, trash, drunkenness, and generally unsafe, obnoxious behavior as they float down the river toward Martindale. Any suggestions? We are working on it.

---Jack Fairchild, SMRF Board President

CHECK LABEL DATE

Check to see if the date on your mailing label on the front of this newsletter is accurate. This date notes the last date a donation or dues were received, so please let us know if the date is incorrect. (353-4628 SMRF office)

SMRF’S WATER RIGHT APPLICATION

SMRF’s court case about its water right application, denied in 2003 by TCEQ, is still underway---a project that will take many years to finish but is well worth the perseverance. Without SMRF’s application and court case calling attention to the lack of state planning to leave Texas rivers flowing in the future, future generations stand to lose the rivers and bays that make Texas economically healthy and a good place to live.

Another water right application came along after SMRF’s, which SMRF protested (Canyon Regional Water Authority’s), and it took most of 2004 and part of 2005 to deal with that. If water had been granted to CRWA, it would have affected the amount that SMRF had applied for to protect the flow of the river to the bays---which is the subject of SMRF’s ongoing, separate court case.

Oddly enough, the state agency that grants water rights had staff who recommended that the CRWA permit be denied because it was obvious to the staff that there was not enough water left in that part of the river, after decades of granting water rights. But the three Commissioners of the state agency overruled their staff and sent the CRWA permit to a hearing. (They sure didn’t treat SMRF’s permit so kindly in 2003!) SMRF protested, along with San Antonio and the Guadalupe/Blanco River Authority and several other large entities. This required SMRF attorneys to go through several meetings of many other attorneys and state agencies on the CRWA permit. CRWA ended up withdrawing its application this year, and reimbursed all parties involved for their technical study costs, but not legal fees.

In May 2005 SMRF filed an amended petition to the judge in the SMRF case explaining this long story, since it is relevant to the court case. A court date on the SMRF permit is expected this summer or fall, and the judge may require several cases to be heard together. There are several other groups that filed water right applications for instream flow like SMRF did, to preserve adequate water in their rivers elsewhere in Texas. Stay tuned for further developments.

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CAVERN DISCOVERED UNDER SPRING LAKE

At Aquarena Center on June 30 the largest underwater spring in Texas was seen for the first time in fifty years when a cap with a diversion pipe was removed from the spring. The pipe was used to divert water to the once heavily used underwater theatre, to keep the water fresh around the mermaids and Ralph the swimming pig.

(See photo of cap at right, with pipe coming from the concrete base, after it was pulled out and placed on land.) The pipe rusted with age and was full of holes. It was lifted with a forklift donated from Nation’s Rental.

The main use for it these days, as a device with a net on its end to catch blind salamanders for research purposes, was no long viable. The holes in the rusty pipe and around the concrete base allowed the salamanders to come out all over the place as the spring discharged, instead of directly into the net at the end of the pipe. The fish in Spring Lake learned to wait near the holes for tasty tidbits as the salamanders were blown out of the aquifer via the spring. Blind salamanders can only live safely in the aquifer, underground.

Not enough salamanders were caught in recent years for research into their reproduction. Reproduction of this endangered species in captivity, at the refugium on McCarty Lane, will become very important someday when drought and overpumping could possibly dry up the springs and the river. So the decision was made to replace the pipe with a new one to facilitate capture of the salamanders, especially during low flow periods. The divers from American Underwater Services who were working to remove the cap in June had to wear special diving helmets. These kept the breathing devices from being blown out of their mouths as they worked next to the vigorous spring flow, and also protected their heads.

As reported in the San Marcos Daily Record, when the cap was removed a larger than expected opening was found in the floor of the lake, leading to a small cavern. An underwater video camera was sent down to explore further. A new pipe (donated by the San Antonio Water System) will be installed August 17. It is 30” in diameter, so during low flow periods divers may be able to do further exploration of the cavern, or send in cameras when the spring flow is less vigorous than it is right now. It is hoped that someday when enough salamanders are supplied to the refugium, more studies can be done on how to capture the salamanders without keeping the cap on this spring.

The divers who came from Fort Worth to work on the pipe were astonished by the clarity of water in Spring Lake. To see the spring uncapped, take a glass bottom boat tour before August 17! The underwater photo at right is Ethan Chappel looking at the spring opening, and the last photo shows him inside the opening., with his air bubbles rushing upward from the spring’s force.

HYACINTH REMOVAL ON 4th SATURDAYS

Come on out to boat on Spring Lake and help remove water hyacinth during the regular monthly (4th Saturday) volunteer day. It is a cool and fun way to help control the invasive floating plants that clog up the river. Meet between 8 and 9 a.m. at Aquarena wearing clothes and shoes that can get wet. Bring sun block, a hat, and a bottle of water. Read the instruction sheet and sign a liability waiver at the starting point, at the far end of the parking lot near the aquatic plant nursery. You can bring your own canoe or kayak, or use one of the several already there. Bring a friend---this is a great way to have time to visit while doing something helpful for the river. Work as long as you are comfortable doing so. If it is hot, a couple of hours may be enough, but it is up to you to set your own limits. In July SMRF had 19 volunteers, who were rewarded with a glass bottom boat ride to see the uncovered spring opening in the lake.

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NEW SIGNS AT BURLESON’S DAM

The new signs near the dam on Spring Lake are due to the many 911 calls for rescues at this location. The city is encouraging all residents who are aware of the dangers of jumping in near the dam, to educate any visitors who might not be aware of the strong currents that push swimmers during these high flow periods. The University and City police are handing out cards to let people know about the danger. One person died this summer and six others have been caught in the currents formed by the force of the water coming over the dam below the deck of Joe’s Crab Shack.

The currents tend to push swimmers under the building, into the old chambers where turbines were once housed. Once under there, some swimmers find air pockets to survive, but some do not. It is difficult to swim out, since the currents push swimmers back in, especially since the river flows have been higher than usual this year. The new signs point out the danger and encourage people to stay away from the danger zone, especially when jumping in to the river. Some of the signs are readable from the water as well.

The University and the City are sincerely worried about the safety of swimmers. A recent incident involving a rescue of a swimmer forced under the building by the swift currents, prompted national TV coverage when the local rescuer, David Newman, was arrested for not following police orders to exit the water when the police came on the scene. Newman made a judgement call and thought that he had a chance of rescuing the swimmer if he did it quickly. This particular rescue ended well and police dropped the charges, but everyone is concerned about the repeated rescues that have been necessary at this site. Since the police are responsible for rescues, they are seeking ways to decrease the number of swimmers in trouble. Signs may help, but locals need to educate the out of town swimmers also, about which areas to avoid near the dam and base of the building, where those foaming currents overpower swimmers.

LEGISLATURE FAILS TO PASS WATER BILLS

The Legislature did not pass bills to preserve an adequate amount of water in Texas rivers to supply the freshwater inflows that coastal bays and estuaries need, in the regular session or the first special session, despite the fanfare with which they were introduced. A second special session begins as this newsletter is being written. The badly needed bills on water conservation also stalled, setting Texas further behind, and allowing gross water waste to continue in many regions and cities.

That’s the bad news. The good news is that a really harmful set of bills that essentially stopped cities from enacting laws that protected water quality, was killed! The City of San Marcos, San Antonio, Austin and many others have ordinances to protect the recharge zone of aquifers that would have been harmed by those bills. In this case, cities and environmental groups worked together to speak out about the harmful bills.

GARDENVILLE AND TDS: GOOD NEIGHBORS

Stephen Coley was SMRF’s summer intern who took responsibility for many varied tasks at the SMRF office in the Price Center. He added compost to the gardens at the Price Center in June, which helped them triumph over the difficult heat and dry conditions of June and July. Gardenville’s donation of TDS compost and organic soil conditioners to the Price Seniors Center made all the difference, and the gardens are thriving and blooming this year, despite the poor clay soil that the gardens started with. TDS is Texas Disposal Systems---they own Gardenville and make compost, as well as operate an environmentally sound landfill. SMRF pays its rent at the Price Center by providing volunteers for many projects there, and there is plenty of gardening work for all who like to do that in their spare time. Additional compost needs to be spread in August or September, and further remodeling projects at the center will require painting help too. A small masonry repair is also on the to-do list, if anyone has that skill to offer.

THANKS TO GENEROUS DONORS

The San Marcos River Foundation is grateful for the generous donations received recently to carry on the many river and aquifer preservation and monitoring projects. The Lions Club is pictured below. Friends of Steve Smith arranged a benefit this summer at the Red Eyed Fly in Austin, to raise money for SMRF in memory of Steve, his wife Amber and baby daughter Opal. These friends added to the memorial donation already made by friends who gathered to plant cypress and anacua trees at the river, pictured in the last SMRF newsletter. The Red Eyed Fly was generous with their facility, and their staff person Ashley worked the door, collecting donations. The bands playing for this benefit were Activator, Super Heavy Goat Ass, Honky, and Teabag. One of Steve’s good friends Scott Cerda organized the event and plays in two of the bands. Suzanne Miller assisted in coordinating the donation for SMRF. Steve had so many good friends in this area who miss him and remember what he added to their lives.

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LIONS CLUB DONATES TO SMRF

Lions Club First Vice-President Cody Dailey hands SMRF Executive Director Dianne Wassenich a check at a recent meeting. The donation will be used for supplies for river monitoring by the San Marcos River Rangers, equipment for aquifer monitoring in Ezell’s Cave, and the river cleanups. The Lions are one of the founding members of SMRF---major donors for 20 years. Their tube rental in City Park generates funds that support many local charities in the community.

EARTH SHARE OF TEXAS

One Environment. One Simple Way To Care For It.

Earth Share of Texas represents SMRF in workplace payroll contribution plans throughout Texas. For more information on how you can support SMRF and other leading environmental groups at your workplace, call 1-800-GREENTX, visit www.earthshare-texas.org , or come by the SMRF office for an Earth Share brochure.

HOTEL SITE NEAR LAKE COULD BE PARK

The City, County, and University signed a joint resolution to work together in pursuit of funds for the purchase of the 250 acre Spring Lake Hills property. Part of this property was originally slated to be the hotel-conference center, now being located on McCarty Lane. Mayor Susan Narvaiz, County Judge Jim Powers and Texas State University President Denise Trauth held a signing ceremony on the lawn of Aquarena Center in May. The agreement was helped along by the Rivers Systems Institute with a little help from the Nature Conservancy. San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance is strongly supporting these efforts and encouraging its members to contact representatives of each organization involved, to thank them and encourage their leadership.

As part of the City’s commitment to help fund the purchase of the land, the City Council will place a special item on the City’s bond election ballot in November. The item will provide up to $2 million which will leverage contributions from a variety of public and private sources (provide seed money for grants). The watershed of this hilly property directly contributes to Sink Creek at the head of the river , and to the aquifer which forms the San Marcos springs and river. It includes woodlands, meadows, a beautiful year-round pond and some spectacular views. There are plenty of opportunities for low impact, passive recreation including trails that may someday be part of a larger trail system throughout the city or along rivers and creeks.

SMRF’s board will discuss the park bond proposal for at their summer meetings. (Thanks to the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance July newsletter from which most of this information is reprinted. To receive SMGA’s newsletter via email, call Todd Derkacz at 754-9321)

PRICE CENTER LASER LIGHT SHOW

Friday, August 26, local electronic wizard Tim Walsh will give three performances of a laser light show at 7, 8, and 9 p.m. Walsh has a University of North Texas music composition degree and is a professional musician on several instruments. He created a musical program to go with his 45 minute Laser Magic show which will wind up with a patriotic finale. Seating is first come, first served, and tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children and students, and free for children under 6. This show is a fundraiser for the Price Center’s renovations with Walsh donating his artistry for this benefit. He travels the world presenting this distinctive and highly creative form of entertainment, so don’t miss it! (The completed renovation of the Price Center auditorium with its original pressed tin ceiling and beautiful woodwork, drapes, and chandeliers is worth seeing too. It is a great place to see this light show.)

A special added attraction will be the Spaghetti Supper in the Price Center Tea Room, running from 6 to 8 p.m. for a $5 contribution. Tickets are on sale at the Price Center at 222 West San Antonio, the Parks office at 510 E. Hopkins, and the Chamber at 202 N. C. M. Allen.

Thanks to Ron Jager of the Price Center for this article, reprinted from the Price Center newsletter that is also published quarterly. Dues are $10 and up, call 392-2900 for information on joining. You can also support the Price Center by having lunch at the tearoom there on Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday of each week.

Remember, SMRF members, that any hours you can spend serving the spaghetti supper as volunteers, or helping with the cooking, will pay our rent at the Center. Call our office at 353-4628 to volunteer.

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BIRD CHECKLIST READY FOR HAYS COUNTY

The Hays County Chapter of Master Naturalists have finished their magnificent Bird Checklist for Hays County, and what a long list it is! It includes details like expected occurrences of birds by season, their nesting status, and a list of accidental sightings. This will be very useful since birding has become a good reason for tourists to visit San Marcos, with its many migratory and resident birds in public parkland. Locals will also enjoy the list as a way to count up the species that they have personally seen.

The great variety of good local birding sites, especially along the river, was recognized in the Texas Parks and Wildlife central Texas birding map released last year. San Marcos and Hays County was very well-represented on the map. The brushy habitat that is so important to protect river banks from erosion is important for food and shelter for birds as well, so drawing attention to birding has been a SMRF goal for many years. This check list the Master Naturalists have done was a lot of work and they should be very proud of it.

The checklist was compiled from previous more informal lists from Wimberley, San Marcos, San Marcos Springs, and the banding records of Driftwood Wildlife Association. It is nicely printed on stiff cardstock for in-the-field use, and the list sells for $1.00 by mail. Order from Winifred Simon, P. O. Box 398, Wimberley, TX 78676. The Aquarena gift shop has them for sale also.

Please help find places to distribute them for sale by emailing or calling ideas to SMRF.
353-4628 or wassenich@sanmarcos.net

HOW TO HAVE FUN WITH SMRF

Join the SMRF email list to get weekly updates about volunteer projects, and special events. Send an email to wassenich@sanmarcos.net to join this list today! Remember to update SMRF when an email address changes. SMRF’s office rent at the Price Seniors Center is paid for by volunteer hours. There are many little jobs around the center, so come by and see what you can do to help. Garden, paint, repot plants, vacuum, fold newsletters, arrange flowers, and enjoy working with fellow SMRF members on a community project.

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