New Braunfels looks to approve ordinance change to protect endangered species

New Braunfels City Council approved an ordinance change on first reading that would prohibit public entry to the Comal River Old Channel from all city-owned property March 23.

What it means

The Old Channel of the Comal River is required to be protected from public access under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan. But the city's current ordinance only restricts entry to the Old Channel from the Landa Park Golf Course, leaving access points at Landa Park, Hinman Island Park and Prince Solms Park, according to agenda documents.

Recent invasive tree removal in the area has also made the Old Channel more visible, leading to an increase in activity at Hinman Island Park and Prince Solms Park, agenda documents state.

The ordinance change would help protect the endangered fountain darter habitat in the Old Channel, as required under the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan, according to agenda documents.

The area will need additional signage, but funding is available through the city's River Activities Fund budget, according to agenda documents.

One more thing

The ordinance was approved on first reading, which means it will be presented to council for a second and final reading at a future meeting. If approved, city staff would be given a clearer legal basis for enforcement along the full stretch of city-owned property bordering the Old Channel, according to agenda documents.