INSIDER
San Antonio River Authority to thin out trees along Mission Reach riverbanks
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority to thin out trees along Mission Reach riverbanksChainsaws, skid steers, and wood chippers will join the sound of birds and running water along the Mission Reach portion of the San Antonio River for the next four months.
āA monumental achievementā: Texas Water Development Board adopts first-ever statewide flood plan
Read full article: āA monumental achievementā: Texas Water Development Board adopts first-ever statewide flood planIn what the Texas Water Development Board chairwoman called a āmonumental achievement,ā officials voted Thursday to adopt the stateās first comprehensive flood plan, setting in motion yearsā worth of planning.
SARA reintroduces freshwater mussels in first-in-Texas conservation effort
Read full article: SARA reintroduces freshwater mussels in first-in-Texas conservation effortThe San Antonio River Authority is reintroducing 5,000 freshwater mussels into the river over the next month or two, generally between Interstate 10 and a little below Loop 410 on the South Side.
Scientists find new species living in Mission Reach portion of San Antonio River
Read full article: Scientists find new species living in Mission Reach portion of San Antonio RiverThe discovery was made during a recent Mission Reach Intensive Nekton Survey (MRINS) conducted by SARA scientists along with scientists from Texas A&M University and Texas State University.
San Antonio River Authority removes over 2,000 invasive snails during River Walk draining
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority removes over 2,000 invasive snails during River Walk drainingDuring draining portions of the River Walk between Jan. 12-14, San Antonio River Authority (SARA) biologists collected and relocated 2,000 Apple snails to other parts of the river.
San Antonio River Authority, WAZE partnership brings real-time, low-water crossing data to drivers
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority, WAZE partnership brings real-time, low-water crossing data to driversThe San Antonio River Authority (SARA) this week announced a strategic partnership with WAZE, a crowd-sourced navigation app, to provide real-time information on low-water crossings to drivers.
Volunteer day at Trueheart Ranch Park brings native plants, grasses to new park
Read full article: Volunteer day at Trueheart Ranch Park brings native plants, grasses to new parkThe effort was made possible by a $50,000 national grant awarded to SARA to aid the development of new trails and native species planting in the area.
San Antonio River Authority endorses Prop. 6, aimed at strengthening Texasā water infrastructure
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority endorses Prop. 6, aimed at strengthening Texasā water infrastructureThe San Antonio River Authorityās (SARA) Board of Directors adopted a resolution endorsing Proposition 6, which would ā if approved by voters in November ā create more investments in Texasā water infrastructure and finance water projects.
š³ FULL BALLOT: Nov. 7 state constitutional amendment, general, special, charter and bond election
Read full article: š³ FULL BALLOT: Nov. 7 state constitutional amendment, general, special, charter and bond electionthere are 14 state constitutional amendments on the Nov. 7 ballot, and depending on where you live in Bexar County, your ballot could also other items including for director at large of the San Antonio River Authority as well as elections in Converse, Helotes, Hill Country Village and Schertz.
New parks with trails and educational facilities opening along Medina, San Antonio rivers
Read full article: New parks with trails and educational facilities opening along Medina, San Antonio riversThe San Antonio River Authority is opening a 74-acre park in West Bexar County and a 351-acre park in South Bexar County just in time for fall outings.
San Antonio River Authority to host information sessions on Westside creeks design progress
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority to host information sessions on Westside creeks design progressThe project is a community-based creek restoration effort started by SARA in 2008. It encompasses the AlazƔn, Apache, Martinez and San Pedro Creeks.
San Antonio parks seeing string of thefts, vandalism over last few weeks
Read full article: San Antonio parks seeing string of thefts, vandalism over last few weeksA string of thefts and vandalism has hit local parks. In the last several weeks, a 3D model, an interactive microphone, and two plaques have been stolen.
Decades-long river restoration project sees strides with public feedback session
Read full article: Decades-long river restoration project sees strides with public feedback sessionSeveral creeks that weave through San Antonioās West Side will soon be restored and enhanced under the long-awaited Westside Creeks Ecosystem Restoration Project.
Recent rains causing big mess at Espada Park as trash builds along San Antonio River
Read full article: Recent rains causing big mess at Espada Park as trash builds along San Antonio RiverOfficials with the San Antonio River Authority said trash and litter buildup is an ongoing issue at many waterways, especially near Espada Dam.
āDonāt Let Litter Trash Your Riverā: Local initiative working to keep rivers clean
Read full article: āDonāt Let Litter Trash Your Riverā: Local initiative working to keep rivers cleanThe āDonāt Let Litter Trash Your Riverā initiative intends to educate the communities throughout the basin and encourage the public to take part in helping keep area creeks and rivers clean by not littering and picking up trash when they see it on the ground.
Local artists share stories through murals along San Pedro Creek
Read full article: Local artists share stories through murals along San Pedro CreekThe Art of Four Art Initiative was selected last fall by the San Antonio River Authority to create special murals that will be placed along the San Pedro Creek.
Residents can view Bexar County draft floodplain maps ahead of adoption process
Read full article: Residents can view Bexar County draft floodplain maps ahead of adoption processWhen it comes to flood safety, keeping lives, property, and the natural environment safe and secure from the devastating effects of major flooding is a top concern for the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority).
Changes to flood zones in Bexar County could impact your property. Hereās what you need to know.
Read full article: Changes to flood zones in Bexar County could impact your property. Hereās what you need to know.The San Antonio River Authority is working to help property owners and renters figure out how changes to the floodplain map could impact their plans for the future.
FEMA releases new flood maps for San Antonio, Bexar County; effective in July
Read full article: FEMA releases new flood maps for San Antonio, Bexar County; effective in JulyThe maps affect portions of China Grove, Elmendorf, San Antonio and St. Hedwig along with some unincorporated areas of Bexar County.
Free River of Lights festival to take place along San Antonio River Walk this weekend
Read full article: Free River of Lights festival to take place along San Antonio River Walk this weekendThe San Antonio River Authority is celebrating the holiday season with the 2022 River of Lights festival this Saturday, Dec. 3.
Native freshwater mussels are being reintroduced to San Antonio River
Read full article: Native freshwater mussels are being reintroduced to San Antonio RiverA team at the San Antonio River Authority is working on a project to reintroduce native freshwater mussles to the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk.
Snitch on the snails: Invasive species spotted in San Antonio River can lay up to 2,000 eggs
Read full article: Snitch on the snails: Invasive species spotted in San Antonio River can lay up to 2,000 eggsSee a snail, report a snail. The San Antonio River Authority needs water warriors to help report sightings of an invasive species.
San Antonio River Authority reminds people not to dump aquarium pets into river
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority reminds people not to dump aquarium pets into riverThe San Antonio River Authority says they continue to find non-native species that are wreaking havoc on the San Antonio River ecosystem, from fish to snails.
Will the San Antonio River ever be swimmable? KSAT Explains
Read full article: Will the San Antonio River ever be swimmable? KSAT ExplainsThe San Antonio River defines our community. However, few of us would ever willingly jump into the urban reaches of the waterway. Itās not, by any stretch of the imagination, as clean as the nearby Comal or Guadalupe. Why is that? KSAT Explains.
Cityās river basin grade for trash collection is an F. Hereās what the city is doing (and how you can help)
Read full article: Cityās river basin grade for trash collection is an F. Hereās what the city is doing (and how you can help)A clean river is a happy river, and thatās been to goal for the āDonāt Let Litter Trash Your Riverā public outreach initiative.
Looking for a fun weekend activity? Check out this cool kayaking event
Read full article: Looking for a fun weekend activity? Check out this cool kayaking eventWhat are you up to this coming weekend? We have an idea for you. The San Antonio River Foundation and its partner, the San Antonio River Authority, will host the official kayaking event of Fiesta San Antonio: the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta.
People are dumping aquarium pets into San Antonio River and it could cause bank collapse
Read full article: People are dumping aquarium pets into San Antonio River and it could cause bank collapseA public service announcement from the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) details the risks to the ecosystem when people dump fish into local waterways.
Cityās river basin grade for trash collection is an F. Hereās what the city is doing (and how you can help).
Read full article: Cityās river basin grade for trash collection is an F. Hereās what the city is doing (and how you can help).When it rains, litter from streets, parking lots and neighborhoods washes into ditches and storm sewers, which drain into area creeks and rivers.
San Antonioās River Walk exists because of a devastating flood 100 years ago this week
Read full article: San Antonioās River Walk exists because of a devastating flood 100 years ago this weekThe remnants of a category 1 hurricane in 1921 caused death and destruction in San Antonio, but they also helped push for change.
More than 21,000 pounds of trash found along Mission Reach of River Walk
Read full article: More than 21,000 pounds of trash found along Mission Reach of River WalkCrews with the San Antonio River Authority have been picking up large amounts of trash along the Mission Reach of the San Antonio River Walk.
Celebrate Earth Day by becoming a citizen scientist with the SA River Authority
Read full article: Celebrate Earth Day by becoming a citizen scientist with the SA River AuthorityHappy Earth Day! In celebration of Earth Day, the San Antonio River Authority wants you to become a citizen scientist. Find out how!
Ever wondered about the health of our river? This helpful tool makes it easier to understand
Read full article: Ever wondered about the health of our river? This helpful tool makes it easier to understandThe San Antonio River Authority has a new tool dedicated to educating Bexar County residents.
Record-breaking catfish pulled out of San Antonio River along Saspamco Paddling Trail
Read full article: Record-breaking catfish pulled out of San Antonio River along Saspamco Paddling TrailA local fishing enthusiast named Matt caught the fish of a lifetime āuntil the next one that isā on the San Antonio River along the Saspamco Paddling Trail.
Artists wanted to create massive installation for downtown San Antonioās San Pedro Creek
Read full article: Artists wanted to create massive installation for downtown San Antonioās San Pedro CreekSAN ANTONIO ā The San Antonio River Authority is calling for Bexar County artists to apply for a unique opportunity to create a mural for the San Pedro Creek Culture Park downtown. The segment of the creek, which is the second for the park, is currently under construction. The opportunity is open to artists who live in Bexar County and are at least 18 years old. The selected team will have to review designs with SARA and Bexar County officials, and it will be voted upon by the Bexar County Commissioners Court. SARA officials said the artwork should depict the history of San Pedro Creek.
Diversity in plant species helping San Antonio River Walk after severe winter weather
Read full article: Diversity in plant species helping San Antonio River Walk after severe winter weatherSAN ANTONIO ā Brown plants have littered South Texas after many died or were damaged in Februaryās winter storms. But along the River Walk, the SA River Authority said they might be in better shape than they thought. However, the River Authorityās Sustainable Landscape Ecologist, Lee Marlowe, said the River Walk will still be able to support wildlife during the important spring migration. Marlowe said many of the plants that died during the winter weather are actually non-native species people may be growing in their yards. AdNow that it is March, we can expect to see a number of species migrate through South Texas.
Families invited to 3-day virtual space adventure at Planets in the Park event
Read full article: Families invited to 3-day virtual space adventure at Planets in the Park eventThe San Antonio River Authority is welcoming all children and their families to take part in a three-day, virtual space adventure. SAN ANTONIO ā The San Antonio River Authority is welcoming all children and their families to take part in a three-day, virtual space adventure. This is the sixth year for SARAās Planets in the Park event, which is set for Feb. 26 -28. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, this yearās event will be in a virtual capacity instead of being held at Helton Nature Park. The event will be virtual on the river authorityās Facebook page, which can be found here.
Fish found dead along San Antonio River, Texas coast after freezing weather event
Read full article: Fish found dead along San Antonio River, Texas coast after freezing weather eventThe Environmental Sciences Department is continuing to monitor the sightings, and officials said the dead fish are not caused by poor water quality. Anyone who spots dead fish along the river is asked to contact the River Authorityās Environmental Investigations team online or by calling 866-345-7272. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department said fish on the Texas coast first started dying off on Feb. 14. Among the fish species impacted were spotted seatrout, red drum, sheepshead, grey snapper, snook, black drum and tarpon. Other wildlife species impacted by the storm include axis deer, blackbuck, nilgai antelope and multiple bird species, according to TPWD.
San Antonio River Authority conducts prescribed burn in Mission Reach area
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority conducts prescribed burn in Mission Reach areaSAN ANTONIO ā The San Antonio River Authority conducted a prescribed burn Tuesday in the Mission Reach area. The burn is part of ongoing maintenance and helps with vegetation management efforts, officials said. Park trails in the Mission Reach area were closed to the public while the burn took place. SARA officials contracted with Raven Environmental Services and coordinated with the San Antonio Fire Department, Bexar County and the National Park Service for the prescribed burn.
San Antonio River Authority releases inaugural Basin Report Card
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority releases inaugural Basin Report CardAs part of the San Antonio River Authorityās commitment to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers, the agency created the San Antonio River Basin Report Card. The expert engineers, scientists, technical and specialized staff of the River Authority exercised their best professional judgment to determine the most meaningful list of indicators for this inaugural river basin report card. For this inaugural San Antonio River Basin Report Card, the overall basin grade is 66.2. Given the broader spread in scores, the overall river basin report card numeric score of 66.2 equates to a āBā grade. The River Authority intends to issue future river basin report cards each September to correspond with World Rivers Day.
San Antonio River Authority releases inaugural Basin Report Card
Read full article: San Antonio River Authority releases inaugural Basin Report CardAs part of the San Antonio River Authorityās commitment to safe, clean, enjoyable creeks and rivers, the group created the San Antonio River Basin Report Card. The expert engineers, scientists, technical and specialized staff of the River Authority exercised their best professional judgment to determine the most meaningful list of indicators for this inaugural river basin report card. For this inaugural San Antonio River Basin Report Card, the overall basin grade is 66.2. Given the broader spread in scores, the overall river basin report card numeric score of 66.2 equates to a āBā grade. The River Authority intends to issue future river basin report cards each September to correspond with World Rivers Day.
āThereās no place for this in the River Walk,': SA River Authority says wakeboarding is illegal at city parks
Read full article: āThereās no place for this in the River Walk,': SA River Authority says wakeboarding is illegal at city parksSAN ANTONIO ā Wakeboarding may be a fun, enjoyable water sport but there is no place for it at the San Antonio River Walk or the San Pedro Creek Culture Park, the San Antonio River Authority said. A video surfaced on YouTube earlier this week, showing a man wakeboarding on the River Walk. It jeopardizes the safety of those doing it, passersby who are out enjoying the recreational amenities, and features along the river," SARA said in a statement. If youāre looking for a safe area to wakeboard, or for more on approved recreational activities in San Antonio, click here. RELATED: Investigation underway after San Antonio Riverwalk becomes target of graffiti
UTSA researchers see success in first phase of tracing COVID-19 in wastewater
Read full article: UTSA researchers see success in first phase of tracing COVID-19 in wastewaterWastewater surveillance isnāt new. Many universities across the nation have also used wastewater surveillance to track COVID cases among students. UTSA has partnered with the San Antonio River Authority to collect weekly samples over a 24-hour period from its treatment plants. The first phase included testing the Salitrillo Wastewater Treatment Plant in Converse. Researchers will now focus on the River Authorityās Martinez II Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Parts of Alamo Street reduced to 2 lanes through 2023 as construction of San Pedro Creek Culture Park continues
Read full article: Parts of Alamo Street reduced to 2 lanes through 2023 as construction of San Pedro Creek Culture Park continuesSAN ANTONIO ā Portions of Alamo Street will be reduced to two lanes of traffic as construction continues on San Pedro Creek Culture Park, The San Antonio River Authority announced. Construction of the park is entering Phase 2, spanning from Guadalupe Street to just north of Cevallos Street. According to the River Authority, the partial street closure is necessary to begin work on replacing the Alamo Street bridge. The San Pedro Creek Culture Park construction process is phased in four total phases, with three segments in Phase 1, The River Authority said. When the four phases are complete, the San Pedro Creek Culture Park will span 2.2 miles through downtown.
San Antonio, Bexar County, River Authority parks closed for Labor Day weekend
Read full article: San Antonio, Bexar County, River Authority parks closed for Labor Day weekendSAN ANTONIO The City of San Antonio is joining Bexar County in closing its parks over Labor Day weekend. Temporarily closing parks encourages the community to stay home, wear face coverings, and practice physical distancing. The San Antonio River Authority announced this week that its parks will be closed including:Confluence Park (310 W. Mitchell St.)Portions of the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River WalkPavilion along the river near Roosevelt ParkConcepcin Portal and adjoining green space near Concepcin ParkPavilion along the river between Theo Ave. and Mission Rd. Pavilion along the river between Mission Rd. SARA encourages people to wear masks and practice social distancing while on the trails.
Swamp rats live along the San Antonio River Walk
Read full article: Swamp rats live along the San Antonio River WalkSAN ANTONIO ā Swamp rats are having a moment. After a story about their invasion of a Texas park went viral, KSAT reached out to the San Antonio River Authority (SARA) and learned that the orange-toothed rodents live here, too. The number of swamp rats trapped in past years:2019 - 10 nutria2018 - 60 nutria2017 - 32 nutriaDid you know the worldās largest bat colony can be found just outside San Antonio? If you see a nutria along the San Antonio River you can report the sighting to the San Antonio River Authority at (866) 345-7272 or on the SARA website sariverauthority.org/contact-us-0. āOur staff worked to find an appropriate solution to the damage caused by the Nutria-rat population in an effort to preserve the projectās ecosystem and the health of the San Antonio River.ā
Ammonia spill kills more than 50 fish at San Pedro Creek
Read full article: Ammonia spill kills more than 50 fish at San Pedro CreekSAN ANTONIO In a statement to KSAT, the San Antonio River Authority confirmed an ammonia spill that happened at San Pedro Creek on Wednesday and is affecting fish and animals who call the creek home. Yviand Serbones-Hernandez, brand and communications coordinator for the San Antonio River Authority said in a statement that the spill is believed to have happened Kiolbassa Smoked Meats plant by a storm drain inlet on S. San Marcos Street. Hernandez said the River Authoritys Environmental Investigations team confirmed the odor and reported that approximately 50 fish were killed. Hernandez said River Authority staff has continued to monitor the area and reported an increase of dead fish on Wednesday. The River Authority was also made aware of dead fish observed at the river junction of San Pedro Creek and the San Antonio River on the Mission Reach segment.
19,500 Bluegill stocked along Mission Reach of San Antonio River and in Elmendorf Lake
Read full article: 19,500 Bluegill stocked along Mission Reach of San Antonio River and in Elmendorf LakeSAN ANTONIO ā Nearly 20,000 fish were stocked in two bodies of water in San Antonio Wednesday as part of an ongoing proactive ecological restoration by the San Antonio River Authority (SARA). The Texas Parks and Wildlife Departmentās Inland Fisheries Division stocked approximately 15,500 adult Bluegill in the Mission Reach section of the San Antonio River Walk and 4,000 Bluegill in Elmendorf Lake, according to Shaun Donovan, the environmental sciences department manager for SARA. More than 100,000 fish, including Guadalupe Bass, Channel catfish and Bluegill, have been stocked along the Mission Reach since the completion of an ecosystem restoration project in 2013, according to Donovan. He also noted that āMission Reach has become a hotspot for birding; a three-year avian study resulted in the observation of more than 200 species.āThousands of catfish to be stocked in two San Antonio neighborhood lakesDonovan pointed out that instream ecosystems are slower to recover despite the success with the reintroduction of plants and birds. āRiver Authority staff will continue with additional fish stockings and reintroductions and are exploring a reintroduction of freshwater mussels that could begin as early as 2021,ā Donovan said.
City parks to be closed over Easter weekend, officials say
Read full article: City parks to be closed over Easter weekend, officials saySAN ANTONIO ā Update 4/3/20San Antonio city leaders officially announced on Friday that city parks would be closed to the public on Easter weekend. Update 4/2/20:City leaders said Thursday that city parks will be closed to the public on Easter weekend. āRight now weāre looking at closing all the city parks on Saturday and Sunday of Easter weekend, starting midnight on Friday, all the parks will be closed. Easter camping is a long-standing tradition in San Antonio when the city usually lifts the curfew at parks for three nights leading up to Easter Sunday. Now, the city is looking to close the parks entirely over Easter weekend to keep people from holding celebrations and gatherings.
River Walk levels to return to normal after draining
Read full article: River Walk levels to return to normal after drainingPublished: January 9, 2020, 4:39 am Updated: January 9, 2020, 8:54 amSAN ANTONIO ā The River Walk is expected to be back to normal Thursday following a draining for regular maintenance. Crews drained the river from Josephine Street to Nueva Street Monday to make some needed repairs. Biologists with the San Antonio River Authority also removed an invasive species called the apple snail. San Antonio River Walk drained for maintenanceThe snails were discovered in October and several pink egg sacks were collected then. Water levels should be back to normal later today.