Updates from the Comal/Dry Comal Watershed Protection Plan The Ci t y of New Braunfels is continuing to work toward protecting and improving the rivers and creeks wi thin the por tion of the Guadalupe River watershed located in and around New Braunfels. The Ci t y’s water quali t y and watershed protection ef for ts are primarily associated wi th the Dr y Comal Creek and Comal River Watershed Protection Plan (WPP), the Ci t y’s Stormwater Management Program (a.k.a. the MS4 stormwater program) and the Edwards Aquifer Habi tat Conser vation Plan. As par t of the Dr y Comal Creek and Comal River WPP, the Ci t y continues to implement bacteria management measures to reduce bacteria loading to these waterbodies. These ef for ts include, but are not limi ted to, management of urban and non-native wildlife, pet waste management and outreach/education. Specif ic activi ties that have been conducted as par t of the WPP include: • Implementation and enforcement of a wildlife feeding ordinance; • Installation of “No-feed” educational signage at strateg ic locations to educate residents and visi tors on the negative impacts of wildlife feeding and overabundant urban wildlife; • Trapping, removal and management of non-native waterfowl populations in L anda Park; • Installation of pet waste management signage at key locations; • Installation of pet waste dispenser stations in Ci t y Parks, neig hborhood green spaces and multi-family uni ts; • Education and outreach regarding the WPP and bacteria pollution prevention. Includes publication of education materials in local newspapers, classroom presentations and a par t-time Watershed Educator staf fed at the Headwaters at the Comal facili t y; • Production of a watershed educational video to air at local movie theatres and on social media platforms; and • Development of educational activi ties that can be utilized in conjunction wi th WPP-related curriculum and presentations, including t wo web-based games, a watershed visualization stor y map and a hands-on learning module where students can learn about growing bacteria cultures in a laborator y set ting. The Ci t y intends to continue implementing the Dr y Comal Creek and Comal River WPP and fur ther minimize bacteria loading to these waterbodies. More information on the Dr y Comal Creek and Comal River WPP can b e found on the Ci t y of New Braunfels webpage: w w w. nbtexas.org/wpp. The Ci t y continues to mi tigate stormwater pollution throug h the implementation of the Ci t y of New Braunfels Stormwater Management Plan (SWMP) and Municipal Separate Storm Sewer System (MS4) Program. Per the SWMP the Ci t y conducts stormwater pollution prevention activi ties that include but are not limi ted to: Wat e r she d Ou t re a c h a t t he Ne w Bra u n fe l s Do g Pa rk
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2022 B A S I N H I G H L I G H T S R E P O R T
