San Antonio's serene riverscape is slated to quickly become a hub of activity as the San Antonio River Authority commences its flood management project along the Mission Reach. This initiative, which began this week and is set to carry into early spring, is geared towards reducing the risk of flooding. Describing the endeavor, Tommy Mitchell, San Antonio River Authority’s Watershed & Park Operations Manager, explained the necessity of tree removal for stormwater management. "We will be doing some of the removals mechanically, but then also through [manual] efforts as well," Mitchell told San Antonio Report.
To efficiently complete the task, San Antonio River Authority will employ a combination of chainsaws, skid steers, woodchippers, and manual tools along a 2.4-mile stretch. Beyond managing overgrowth, this procedure aims to lower the risk of floodwaters reaching historically safe areas. Mitchell conveyed to KSAT, "Some of these homes that are maybe outside the floodplain, we could put those in the floodplain," emphasizing the dire need to carefully remove the trees.
The trees targeted for removal, referred to by San Antonio River Authority as “volunteers,” are those that have sprouted naturally, especially non-native species such as chinaberry trees. Native species like elms and mesquites will also be thinned out if their density could impede water flow. However, not all trees are on the chopping block. "We have actually 500 trees that are going to stay in this section here," Mitchell stated during an interview at Concepcion Park with KSAT. This selective process strives to balance flood control with maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
Residents can expect temporarily closed trails near Confluence Park and Concepcion Park during removal operations, with San Antonio River Authority not providing exact maps but initiating a rigorous outreach campaign. This outreach was enhanced after the January 2022 removals left some residents unsettled. This time, San Antonio River Authority aims to thoroughly inform with flyers, emails, and social media engagements to keep the community apprised. To minimize ecological disruption, the timing is set to avoid nesting seasons for birds along the Central Flyway, and while most above-ground vegetation is to be cleared, root systems will largely remain to prevent soil erosion, according to conversations Mitchell had with San Antonio Report.
The overarching goal of these operations, as was stressed in a public meeting in August, harkens to prioritizing flood mitigation. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Wildlife Biologist Danny Allen emphasized to attendees that "public safety must come first," ensuring compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency floodplain regulations, as per San Antonio Report. This complex interplay between protecting the community and nurturing the ecosystem reflects a dynamic dance that San Antonio River Authority must navigate diligently as it reshapes the arboreal landscape of Mission Reach.
