Res 1997-045 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

-;- 7vr: Clean Cities 2000 Application Page 6 PHASE II - WATER POLLUTION PREVENTION INITIATIVE (Additional submission: not required for cities under 50,000 population) I I. San Marcos River Management Plan Goal: To conserve and restore the San Marcos River's natural resources and associated watershed. Description: .' The San Marcos River Management Plan is being developed by the City of San Marcos in partnership with Southwest Texas State University. The plan was begun in 1995 with completion of the plan anticipated in 1997. The San Marcos River Management Plan will provide measures designed to improve the broad diversity and integrity of riverine habitat, while enhancing educational and recreational opportunities for future generations. The San Marcos River Management Plan offers a comprehensive approach te protect one of the rarest natural resources in Texas, both for its ecological value and economic value. The project is benefiting the environment by controlling river bank erosion, restoring wetlands habitat, protecting endangered species, improving river water quality by preventing or minimizing runoff into the river, dealing with both point and nonpoint source pollution, and managing exotic species harmful to native species. To accomplish the goals of !mproving the riverine habitat, the San Marcos River Management Plan addresses the entire watershed and details projects that are needed to restore and/ or conserve the habitat. Key points in the plan are as follows: Conservation and restoration: The project addresses river bank stabilization, habitat resto.ration, point source and non point source pollution control, and management of introduce specIes. Education and public awareness: The River Habitat Project will provide public education through the construction of an interpretive center about the river; extension of nature trailers for ecological tours, youth education outreach with traveling exhibits, community activities, and a variety of public information outreach efforts. Research and monitoring: The plan will offer continued monitoring of the status of water quality and endangered species to assess the success of the point and nonpoint source pollution controls. The success of this project will be measured through the continual monitoring of water quality in the San Marcos River, quantifying the removal of floating vegetation and trash from the river through the River Stewardship Program and volunteer clean up campaigns, through the investments made by the City and other entities in erosion control, habitat restoration and management, pollution control, and continuing public education campaigns by the City, SWT and