Guadalupe River Basin Strategic Conservation Plan
Date
2019-09
Authors
Ogren, Jonathan
Coakley, Clare
Pietruszynski, Dave
Florence, Jade
Gonzales, Karina
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Abstract
The Guadalupe River Basin provides ecological value and natural resources to over 600,000 and growing basin residents. Ecologically, it is home to numerous endemic species, along with Guadalupe bass and freshwater mussels. Furthermore, it empties into the San Antonio Bay, where one of the most endangered bird species in the world-the Whooping Crane- breeds every winter. The basin also provides ecosystem services that are vital to human communities. Surface and groundwater provide drinking water, while open, unpaved spaces have the demonstrated ability to mitigate flood damage. Numerous cultural resources are provided by the basin, including farming, ranching, hunting, birdwatching, fishing, and recreation. However, rapid growth around several highway corridors threatens to substantially degrade the Guadalupe Basin, limiting the river's ability to provide these services.
By analyzing the distribution of these valuable natural resources, the Guadalupe River Basin Strategic Conservation Plan is intended to assist the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment and its conservation partners in taking a strategic, proactive approach. The goal of this work is to safeguard resources in the region by identifying the most advantageous lands for protection. This project assessed over 3 million acres of land in the Guadalupe Basin using a geographic procedural model. Model inputs included variables associated with water, cultural, and ecological resources.
Description
Keywords
Guadalupe River Basin, conservation, ecological resources
Citation
Ogren, J., Coakley, C., Pietruszynski, D., Florence, J., & Gonzales, K. (2019). Guadalupe River Basin strategic conservation plan (Report No. 2019-03). Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas.