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Leona River. Recreational Use Attainability Analysis Summary of Findings (Field Surveys, Historical Review & Interviews). Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research Stephenville, Texas January 24, 2013. Acknowledgements. Lead Agency - Texas Soil & Water Conservation Board
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Leona River Recreational Use Attainability Analysis Summary of Findings (Field Surveys, Historical Review & Interviews) Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research Stephenville, Texas January 24, 2013
Acknowledgements • Lead Agency - Texas Soil & Water Conservation Board • Support provided by Nueces River Authority
Purpose of RUAA • To confirm primary contact recreation or provide information that might support changing the recreational use category of the Leona River
Components of a RUAA • Field Surveys– to document current stream conditions and uses • Historical Information Review– to document past recreational uses • Interviews – to obtain feedback on current and past recreational uses of the Leona River
FieldSurvey Dates for Leona River • First RUAA Survey • May 22 – 26, 2012 • (Tuesday thru Saturday) • Second RUAA Survey • July 17 – 21, 2013 • (Tuesday thru Saturday)
Field Surveys Field Surveys • 33 sites Total 9 sites in AU01 11 sites in AU02 13 sites in AU03
Field Surveys • What they entail: • Transects • 300 meter reach per site • 11 transects spaced 30 meters apart • Document • Stream characteristics that may promote or hinder recreational use • Observations of direct use or signs of recreational use • Interviews with individuals
Historical Review • Review of documented historical recreational use of the Leona River • Looked primarily at: • Printed materials • Websites
Interviews • Conducted with landowners and others knowledgeable of use of the Leona River • Characterize stream flow • Personal use & activities • Observed use & activities • Heard of use & activities
Historical Review Findings • Print & Web Sources indicated • Some fishing from the bank noted in a picture on the Edwards Aquifer website • http://www.edwardsaquifer.net/leona.html
Historical Review Findings • Print & Web Sources indicated • Wading by children learning about aquatic insects noted in the Uvalde Leader-News • http://www.uvaldeleadernews.com/news/image_04e24f26-3a36-564c-a0a0-b298eeb9a404.html • Posted: Thursday, December 23, 2004 12:00 am
Field Survey Findings • No recreation directly observed • Some limited signs of recreation • Fishing bobbers & lures • Rope swing • Canoe & flat-bottom boat on the bank • Walkways to the river • Trash & backpacks (?)
Field Survey Findings • Observed Stream Characteristics • Limited water in the river for recreation • May – very low flow • July – dry in most locations
Field SurveyFindings • Observed Obstructions to recreation • Fallen trees • Brush piles • Dense vegetation within stream channel and on the banks • Stream access only from private property in many locations
Interview Findings 58 Total Interviews • AU01 – 8 interviews • AU02 – 22 interviews • AU03 – 22 interviews • General – 6 interviews No individuals were seen recreating during the field surveys. All interviews were conducted at other times. Landowners along the Leona River were specifically contacted, while others were obtained from interested stakeholders. Findings are grouped by location along the Leona River where recreation from interviews was indicated.
NE = not encountered No recreation was observed during field surveys Recreation indicated is from interviews
NE = not encountered No recreation was observed during field surveys Recreation indicated is from interviews
NE = not encountered No recreation was observed during field surveys Recreation indicated is from interviews
Next Steps • Prepare draft report for public review and comments • RUAA draft report will be available electronically from Nueces River Authority, TIAER or from the project website http://www.leonariver.org/
Contact Information Nikki Jackson Email: njackson@tiaer.tarleton.edu Office Phone: 254.968.1920 Jeff Stroebel Email: jstroeb@tiaer.tarleton.edu Office Phone: 254.968.9556
Questions? Thank You Jeff Stroebel Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research jstroeb@tiaer.tarleton.edu 254.968.9556