Leona River Recreational Use Attainability Analysis Summary of Findings (First Survey Event) Texas Institute for Applied Environmental Research Stephenville, Texas July 19,

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

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

Steamflow and stream type Current air and water temperature Riparian zone, ease of bank access, dominant substrate Stream channel and pool measurements Types of recreation observed or signs of recreation Factors that may promote or impede recreation Field Data Sheet Information

Complete field data sheet Document weather conditions Photograph stream conditions – Transects - upstream, downstream, left bank, and right bank – Evidence of human use Field Surveys

1.Air temperature over 70° F 2.Sustained or typical dry, warm- weather streamflow 3.Performed when use is likely (Spring Break, Weekends, Holidays & Summer) Sampling Conditions for Surveys

Any Questions on RUAA Background?

2012 – First RUAA Survey – Data Collected May 22 nd – 26 th (Tuesday thru Saturday) 2012 – Second RUAA Survey – Scheduled for July 17 th – 21 st (Tuesday thru Saturday) Survey Dates for Leona River

Conducted May 22 nd – 26 th (Tuesday thru Saturday) Summary – Limited water for recreation – No direct recreation observed – Some signs of recreation indicated Findings First RUAA Survey

Leona River Photographs Stream AU03_09 Stream AU03_10

Leona River Photographs Obstruction at AU01_01 Obstruction at AU01_04

300m upstream of AU01_02 300m downstream of AU01_06 Leona River Photographs

A hog wallow at AU01_02 A hog wallow at AU01_06 Leona River Photographs

A trash pile at AU01_07 A backpack at AU02_01 Leona River Photographs

Walkways at AU03_05 Leona River Photographs

Canoes at AU03_03 Upstream view of AU03_07 Leona River Photographs

Animal tracks at AU03_07 Leona River Photographs

Beer can, fishing tackle, and tires at AU03_07 Leona River Photographs

Second Field Survey – Scheduled for July 17 th – 21 st (Tuesday thru Saturday) Historical Review – on-going – Request information on past recreational use of the Leona Next Steps

Interviews – on-going – We need feedback on current and past recreational uses of the Leona River Interview Forms available 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