Leona River Recreational Use Attainability Analysis Summary of Findings (Field Surveys, Historical Review & Interviews) Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research Stephenville, Texas January 24,

Lead Agency - Texas Soil & Water Conservation Board Support provided by Nueces River Authority Acknowledgements

To confirm primary contact recreation or provide information that might support changing the recreational use category of the Leona River Purpose of RUAA

Field Surveys – to document current stream conditions and uses Historical Information Review – to document past recreational uses Interviews – to obtain feedback on current and past recreational uses of the Leona River Components of a RUAA

First RUAA Survey – May 22 – 26, 2012 (Tuesday thru Saturday) Second RUAA Survey – July 17 – 21, 2013 (Tuesday thru Saturday) Field Survey Dates for Leona River

Field Surveys 33 sites Total 9 sites in AU01 11 sites in AU02 13 sites in AU03 Field Surveys

What they entail: – Transects 300 meter reach per site 11 transects spaced 30 meters apart – Document Stream characteristics that may promote or hinder recreational use Observations of direct use or signs of recreational use Interviews with individuals Field Surveys

Review of documented historical recreational use of the Leona River – Looked primarily at: Printed materials Websites Historical Review

Conducted with landowners and others knowledgeable of use of the Leona River – Characterize stream flow – Personal use & activities – Observed use & activities – Heard of use & activities Interviews

RUAA Summary of Findings

Print & Web Sources indicated – Some fishing from the bank noted in a picture on the Edwards Aquifer website html Historical Review Findings

Print & Web Sources indicated – Wading by children learning about aquatic insects noted in the Uvalde Leader-News ws/image_04e24f26-3a36-564c-a0a0- b298eeb9a404.html ws/image_04e24f26-3a36-564c-a0a0- b298eeb9a404.html Posted: Thursday, December 23, :00 am Historical Review Findings

No recreation directly observed Some limited signs of recreation – Fishing bobbers & lures – Rope swing – Canoe & flat-bottom boat on the bank – Walkways to the river – Trash & backpacks (?) Field Survey Findings

Observed Stream Characteristics – Limited water in the river for recreation May – very low flow July – dry in most locations Field Survey Findings

Observed Obstructions to recreation – Fallen trees – Brush piles – Dense vegetation within stream channel and on the banks – Stream access only from private property in many locations Field Survey Findings

58 Total Interviews AU01 – 8 interviews AU02 – 22 interviews AU03 – 22 interviews General – 6 interviews No individuals were seen recreating during the field surveys. All interviews were conducted at other times. Landowners along the Leona River were specifically contacted, while others were obtained from interested stakeholders. Findings are grouped by location along the Leona River where recreation from interviews was indicated. Interview Findings

Summary of Interview Findings AU01 SiteSwim Wade HuntFish Boat Canoe Kayak AdultChildren AU01_01 11 AU01_02 11 AU01_03 11 AU01_04 11 AU01_05 11 AU01_06 AU01_ AU01_08 AU01_ General AU Totals

NE = not encountered No recreation was observed during field surveys Recreation indicated is from interviews

Summary of Interview Findings AU02 SiteSwim Wade HuntFish Boat Canoe Kayak TrapTube Wash car Ski AdultChildren AU02_ AU02_02 1 AU02_03 AU02_ AU02_ AU02_ AU02_07 AU02_08 AU02_09 AU02_ AU02_11 General AU Totals

NE = not encountered No recreation was observed during field surveys Recreation indicated is from interviews

Summary of Interview Findings AU03 SiteSwim Wade HuntFish Boat Canoe Kayak Walk AdultChildren AU03_01 11 AU03_ AU03_ AU03_04 AU03_ AU03_062 4 AU03_072 4 AU03_08 AU03_ AU03_10 AU03_11 AU03_12 1 AU03_13 1 AU03_14 1 Whole2 311 Totals

NE = not encountered No recreation was observed during field surveys Recreation indicated is from interviews

Prepare draft report for public review and comments RUAA draft report will be available electronically from Nueces River Authority, TIAER or from the project website Next Steps

Contact Information Nikki Jackson Office Phone: Jeff Stroebel Office Phone:

Questions? Thank You Jeff Stroebel Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research