Managment of Floating Vegetation Mats and Litter - Edwards Aquifer Authority

Managment of Floating Vegetation Mats and Litter

2013 RFP and Accepted Proposal for Management of Floating Vegetation

Texas State University currently harvests submerged vegetation from Spring Lake with a harvester boat and manually cuts vegetation from around spring openings, the underwater archaeological site, along the wall by the River Systems Institute, and in the foundation area. All vegetation is removed in order to enhance viewing from the River System Institute’s glass-bottom boats and prevent entanglement of plant material in the boat propeller.

The San Marcos River is heavily used for recreation Spring Lake Dam to IH-35. Additionally, lower flows increase the likelihood of vegetation mats forming on top of Texas wild-rice plants which interfere with flowering and reproduction, block sunlight and interfere with photosynthesis, and slow current velocity. Texas State University will remove floating vegetation mats and litter from the River to enhance the aesthetics and enjoyment of recreational activities, such as tubing, swimming, canoeing, and fishing, in area from Spring Lake Dam to City Park.

The EAA Board Meeting will take place on April 9, 2024 at 1pm.
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