Conservation

HEADLINES

Dear TRPA Board Members,

This is Tony Plutino from Mason, Texas. I’m originally from Austin and have been out here for almost 20 years. I’ve been a paddler for over 30 years, and served as the president of the Austin Paddling Club for a couple of years. I operate a small rental, shuttle and guide service on the Llano River. Many of you know me, but some do not, so I thought I’d add that tiny bio. Now, to the meat of the matter…

TXDOT has proposed, and plans are well underway, for a new bridge over the Llano River at White’s Crossing. Currently the existing low water bridge is slated for removal after the new bridge is built. The most current information I have shows the project starting in July, 2020. There has been almost no information shared with the public about this project, but through a persistent, almost year long effort, TXDOT will hold a public meeting to present and listen to the public on February 24th at 9am at the Mason County Commissioners Court.

While the question of whether spending $3.2 million of federal and state tax money on a high bridge out here is a top priority, the issue that concerns me most is what public access to the Llano River will be after a bridge is built.

I am requesting that at least one Board member of the TRPA attend this meeting to represent the organization and the river using public at-large. If you will be there, please confirm with me as I’m counting on some key stakeholders attending.

It has been a very time-consuming and frustrating process to get this meeting. According to TXDOT they are not required to hold public meetings for projects in this category. I think this is something that needs to change and perhaps is something that can be added to TRPA efforts.

Please let me know if you have any questions and please let others know about this meeting. I’m looking forward to seeing anyone who can attend.

Regards,
Tony

Llano River Region Adventures
http://HeadForTheHillCountry.com
https://www.facebook.com/LlanoRiverRegionAdventures/?fref=photo
512.496.2020

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Basic Club Conservation Information

Conservation is one of the founding principles of the Federation of Fly Fishers. Contributing over 40 years of conservation work, the Federation of Fly Fishers is proud to continue protecting our fisheries and angling opportunities for the future. As an IFFF Charter Club, the Alamo Fly Fishers strive to protect our fisheries.

Fly Fishers International Tips on Freshwater Catch and Release

Fly Fishers International Tips on Saltwater Catch and Release

Texas Wade Paddle & Pole and on Facebook

Friends of Lydia Ann Channel

Texas Council of International Federation of Fly Fishers – Conservation Page

Coastal Conservation Association – Texas

Texas Rivers Protection Association

List of River Clean-Ups

Tribal Bonefish (Conservation)

San Antonio River Authority Watershed Wise Warriors Program

Texas Stream Team helps keep our streams clean through water quality monitoring.

Invasive Species