General Information
The City of San Marcos participates in the Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan (HCP), the culmination of a decades-long conversation on how to best protect the endangered species of the San Marcos and Comal rivers and springs. The City embarked on the Habitat Conservation Plan in coordination with the Edwards Aquifer Authority, Texas Parks and Wildlife and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
The Edwards Aquifer Habitat Conservation Plan has many projects in and along the San Marcos River that work together to protect and enhance the river’s water quality and habitat. Projects such as removing invasive, non-native plants like hydrilla in the river or ligustrum and elephant ears along its banks, and planting a diversity of historically native plants, create a healthier ecosystem that protects not only the endangered species, but all of the river’s creatures. Contractors continuously work to implement EAHCP measures in both the Comal and San Marcos Rivers, so if you see individuals wearing safety vests in the river, know that they are working to keep the river beautiful.