Joint Letter

March 6, 2003

Senate Natural Resources Committee
Honorable Kenneth Armbrister, Chair
Honorable Mike Jackson, Vice-Chair
Honorable Gonzalo Barrientos
Honorable Robert L. Duncan
Honorable Craig Estes
Honorable Troy Fraser
Honorable Juan “Chuy” Hinojosa
Honorable Jon Lindsay
Honorable Eddie Lucio, Jr.
Honorable Florence Shapiro
Honorable Todd Staples

Committee on State Cultural and Recreational Resources
Honorable Harvey Hilderbran, Chair
Honorable Charlie L. Geren, Vice-Chair
Honorable Kevin Bailey
Honorable Byron C. Cook
Honorable Dawnna M. Dukes
Honorable Edmund Kuemple
Honorable Larry Phillips

A JOINT LETTER SUPPORTING PASSAGE OF SB 155 AND HB 305

Dear Senators/Representatives:

The undersigned individuals, representing our respective organizations, would like to convey our full support for the passage of Senate Bill 155 and House Bill 305, each relating to the protection of freshwater areas. These important pieces of legislation would ban the use of off-road vehicles within the state’s rivers and streams.

Not long ago, there were very few vehicles driving in Texas rivers. However, in the last few years our rivers and streams have become the playground for thousands of off-road enthusiasts. The result is alarming. One site study by Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist Dr. Gary Garrett, reported, “Their (off-road vehicles) impact was dramatically evident. There was little to no aquatic vegetation, virtually no riparian vegetation, and the substrate had the appearance of heavy scouring.” In addition, comparisons of fish populations at pristine locations and vehicle-traveled locations reflected a sharp disparity.

Also at issue is the safety of other river users who enjoy such traditional activities as swimming, canoeing, fishing, and picnicking. These traditional uses of Texas rivers are all but taken away when faced with an oncoming caravan of 4x4 vehicles.

As you will note, our organizations represent a wide variety of interests. We are united in our support for these bills because they represent a balanced approach to a serious problem. Please note Section 90.005 that states, “…no person may restrict, obstruct, interfere with, or limit public recreational use of a protected fresh water area.” While these bills do limit the means by which one may access a river, they do not limit access.

In conclusion, our rivers are not roads and should not be treated as such. Thank you for your consideration of this legislation. If we can ever be of assistance on this or any other issue, please let us know.

Sincerely,

AUDUBON TEXAS

HILL COUNTRY CONSERVANCY

LONE STAR CHAPTER, SIERRA CLUB

NATIONAL WILDLIFE FEDERATION

NUECES RIVER AUTHORITY

SAN MARCOS RIVER FOUNDATION

STEWARDS OF THE NUECES

TEXAS CHAPTER OF THE WILDLIFE SOCIETY

TEXAS FARM BUREAU

TEXAS RIVERS PROTECTION ASSOCIATION

TEXAS SHEEP AND GOAT RAISERS ASSOCIATION

TEXAS AND SOUTHWESTERN CATTLE RAISERS ASSOCIATION

TEXAS WATER CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION

TEXAS WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION

Each entity has given express written consent to be listed as may be confirmed by contacting the Nueces River Authority or the individual entity.