Stem Density Removal Efforts Begin Along Mission Reach to Maintain Flood Control & Preserve Project Restorations

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Crews working on natural vegetation

Last Updated on January 4, 2024

(SAN ANTONIO,TX) – Beginning this week, teams of San Antonio River Authority (River Authority) experts will begin stem density removal efforts along the Mission Reach in order to maintain the flood conveyance requirements as set forth by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The effort is slated to last through the end of 2023, and will focus on three stretches of the San Antonio River Basin: from Mission Road to Roosevelt Road; Hot Wells to Padre Park; and Acequia Park to Bergs Mill.

“These stem density efforts are a routine part of the preservation and flood control efforts associated with supporting and maintaining the Mission Reach ecosystem for all to enjoy–humans and wildlife alike,” said Tommy Mitchell, Manager of Watershed & Park Operations for the River Authority. “Although seemingly counterintuitive, stem removal is actually essential to ensuring proper flow of flood water, supports diversity of tree species and ultimately, helps keep our residential, migratory, and wildlife communities safe.”

Trees originally planted as part of the ecosystem restoration project will be preserved, while additional “volunteer” trees and woody vegetation that arrived since the opening of the project will be mulched. The River Authority’s engineering staff utilizes the most up-to-date floodplain maps along with other engineering software and on-the-ground evaluations to review the vegetation zones and update stem density values for stem count per acre that must be achieved to maintain the project’s top priority, which is flood protection.

During the removal process, trail access will be intermittently impacted. All material removed during the effort will be mulched to support grassland restoration, and roots will remain in place for bank stabilization.

For additional information about annual stem density removal efforts, visit sariverauthority.org.

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Alerts

Trail Closure Notice

The trail from Burgerteca to Eagleland Bridge will be temporarily closed as part of our Stem Density maintenance efforts.

Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to keep our trails safe and well-maintained.

Museum Reach at Pearl

San Antonio River trail on the west side between Myrtle Street and the South Bridge.

* Trail temporarily closed from 2/3/2025 until 3/28/2025.
* For southbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river and utilize the Hotel Emma bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Access to the east side river trail via the elevator or stairs.
* For northbound pedestrian traffic, please exit the river trail at the south bridge to gain access to the east side river trail. Continue north through Pearl towards Hotel Emma. The west & east side river trail accessible via the Hotel Emma bridge.

Stem Density Efforts

Please be advised that trails near the Confluence Park and Conception Park area will be temporarily closed due to ongoing Stem Density efforts. We appreciate your cooperation and ask that you remain mindful of workers and closures when in the vicinity. Thank you for your patience as we work to improve our natural spaces!

 Stem Density efforts in the Eagle Land segment will be extended through the end of February 2025.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail Temporarily Closed

Staff have removed two large log jams just downstream of Helton Nature Park, keeping the southern portion of the SASPAMCO Paddling Trail temporarily closed. Staff are working to contact adjacent landowners to support a land-based removal solution.

SASPAMCO Paddling Trail

The SASPAMCO paddling trail is open from River Crossing Park to Helton Nature Park.
*Please Note: Paddling Trail from Helton Nature Park to HWY 97 is still closed due to blockages. 

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