Last Updated on March 12, 2026
This series provides readers the opportunity to learn about the unique insight and experiences of the San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) Board of Directors and their personal connection to the San Antonio River in hopes of inspiring stewardship of area creeks and rivers.
Michael W. Lackey, P.E., Bexar County Board Member
Michael W. Lackey, P.E., is Principal of Lackey de Carvajal Cx (LCCx), which is an Energy Efficiency Engineering firm. As a LEED Accredited Professional, Lackey verifies that complex building systems perform as intended to achieve energy and water efficiency, reduce CO2 emissions and improve indoor environmental quality.
Name an interesting fact about the San Antonio River Basin that most people might not know.
Although the San Antonio River is just one of fifteen major rivers in Texas, it is the cradle of Texas civilization. The City of San Antonio was given its name in 1691 and was among the first continuously inhabited settlements in Texas. The headwaters of the San Antonio River have been a gathering place for indigenous peoples for over 12,000 years. There are numerous springs in the headwaters area. The Blue Hole is the largest and most well-known, located on the University of the Incarnate Word campus north of downtown San Antonio. This is where the San Antonio River begins.
The San Antonio Spring, the Blue Hole, was once a geyser spring, shooting as much as twenty feet into the air.
What value does the River Authority provide to the community?
The San Antonio River is the heartbeat of our community. San Antonio is known for the river and the River Walk. Indigenous peoples were the first to rely on the San Antonio River for their livelihood and as the premier source of drinking water. The colonists that came later relied on the river for farming, agriculture, and industries. At the San Antonio River Authority, our commitment to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers encompasses the conservation of the San Antonio River.
The 1936 Texas Centennial was celebrated with a parade on the San Antonio River. Photo Credit-Visit San Antonio
What is the best way to interact with the San Antonio River?
To get to know the river, you have to have some sort of appreciation for it. The best way to grow an appreciation for the river is to get close to it by walking on trails or visiting one of the nature parks. The San Antonio River Walk Mission Reach provides many opportunities to learn about this natural resource. With over 16 miles of shared hike and bike trails and an eight-mile paddling trail, and fishing access points, there is so much along the Mission Reach for the entire family to enjoy.
Kayakers on the Mission Reach Paddling Trail during the Mission Reach Flotilla Fiesta.
How can we ensure the San Antonio River is preserved for future generations?
Preserving the river for future generations is at the forefront of our mission. There are over 300 people at the River Authority, and we are doing everything we can to ensure the future of the river by preserving it, protecting it, and improving it. Our job is to communicate this vital message to other members of the community so that they will realize its importance and join us in protecting this tremendous resource. One way to get involved is by taking the pledge to Be River Proud and don’t let litter trash your river.
Luther Burbank High School students collect litter after learning about the impacts of pollution during a River Authority-led field trip.
The River Reach is back!
River Reach is a quarterly, 12-page newsletter that is designed to inform the San Antonio River Authority’s constituents about the agency’s many projects, serve as a communication vehicle for the board of directors and foster a sense of unity and identity among the residents of Bexar, Wilson, Karnes, and Goliad counties.
If you wish to be placed on the mailing list for River Reach, please contact us or complete the form.
