Vanessa Zuniga Guerrero

This document provides an update on the Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Protection Plan, a community-driven and voluntary initiative focused on restoring and protecting the creeks. The plan addresses water quality issues, specifically contact recreation impairment and nutrient enrichment, by identifying and managing various sources of pollution including urban runoff, septic systems, and agricultural operations. Key strategies involve grant-funded projects for septic system decommissioning, field technician support for agricultural runoff management, implementation of Low Impact Development (LID) techniques, and an isotope study to pinpoint nitrate sources. Educational outreach and stakeholder engagement are central, with initiatives like high school collaboration for feral hog control, various workshops (e.g., Texas Watershed Steward, Lone Star Healthy Streams, septic system maintenance), and annual creek clean-up events. The overall goal is to improve water quality through collaborative management and community participation.

The 2023-2028 Strategic Plan for the Guadalupe-Blanco River Authority (GBRA) outlines its direction for water resource management and services across a 10-county watershed. The plan is structured around five strategic commitments: Focus on the Future, Operational Excellence, Cooperative Collaboration, Invest in Our People, and Integrated Communications. It details specific goals, objectives, and initiatives aimed at leading cooperative stewardship of water resources, ensuring financial sustainability, and effectively delivering critical water and wastewater treatment services.

The meeting agenda included consideration and possible action on several items. Key discussion points involved the Chairman's consideration of Board Committee assignments for calendar year 2026, and the review of monthly financial and operations reports for January 2026, along with Directors' expense vouchers for January 2026. General Manager/CEO items included various executive reports on GBRA activities such as water/sewer utility operations, hydroelectric operations, resource protection, and legislative updates. Action items focused on approving amendments to the Fiscal Year 2026 Work Plan and Budget to adopt new water rates for specific retail systems, adopting Board Policy - 403 Investment Policy, declaring public necessity for acquiring wastewater collection system pipeline easements for the GBRA FM 725 TXDOT Relocation Project, authorizing the execution of service agreements for residential development and general contractor selection for specific projects, and ratifying change orders for the Lake McQueeney and Placid Spillgate Replacement and Dam Armoring Project. Discussion items covered the Base Flow Report, Water Quality Index, and basin conditions. During executive session, potential litigation and real property acquisition matters were discussed. Upon reconvening in open session, the Board approved the salary, compensation, and benefits for the General Manager/CEO.

The meeting included an overview of the Clean Rivers Program with updates on equipment budgeting, monitoring sites, and the draft 2016 Texas Integrated Report, noting several impaired segments and new monitoring locations. Water Quality monitoring summaries were presented, including data on sampling events and concerns regarding dissolved oxygen in specific creeks. Discussions covered the City of New Braunfels Wildlife Feeding Ordinance, effective March 10, 2019, addressing bacteria source tracking and wildlife management. Updates were provided on the Headwaters at the Comal project, detailing restoration efforts, stormwater mitigation, and plans for an education center. The American Eel studies focused on its life history, conservation status in Texas, and data collection methods. A presentation on National Fish Conservation Areas (NFCAs) highlighted Texas fish diversity and ongoing conservation projects. Additionally, the meeting covered the One Water WISD Primary School project, an overview of the GBRA wastewater treatment process, and details regarding the TCEQ permitting process for WWTP applications on Geronimo Creek, including public participation guidelines.

The document outlines the mission and goals of the Upper San Marcos Coordinating Group, affiliated with The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, to restore and preserve the Upper San Marcos River through research, education, and stewardship. Key goals include improving water quality, protecting spring flows and habitat, engaging stakeholders, and educating the community. The plan details major tasks such as building partnerships, characterizing the watershed, setting goals, designing an implementation program, implementing the plan, and measuring progress, culminating in the finalization and implementation of a Watershed Protection Plan.