What: On February 6, The San Marcos City Council voted 6 to 0 in favor of a new ordinance that is a major step toward protecting the ecological and esthetic values of the San Marcos River, where many of us paddle. The current version of the ordinance will ban disposable beverage containers on the San Marcos River, but only within the San Marcos City Limits. Letters are requested as soon as possible in support of the ordinance under consideration, with a couple of extensions as outlined in the two attachments, below.
When: Time is of the essence since the next vote by City Council may come as soon as Tuesday, February 20.
To Whom to Address Your Letter: councilmembers@sanmarcostx.gov (Please send by email to speed delivery)
How You Can Help: You may find the list of key points in the first attachment helpful for composing your letter from scratch. An example of a finished letter is in the second attachment.
Attachment 1: Key Points
Please include some or all of the following key points, as they apply to you, and according to which ones strike you, as an individual, as being the most important. Feel free to add other points that reflect your personal interest and experience paddling on the San Marcos River. For example, you might want to mention that you pick up trash during your outings on the river, and that you support the local economy, such as restaurants, motels, and stores, during your visits to the area.
* I want to thank the members of City Council for your favorable vote for a ban on the use of disposable beverage containers on the San Marcos River within the San Marcos city limits.
* I travel to the San Marcos River for recreation and to participate in educational activities for adults and youth. (You might say how often, such as several times a year)
* It is important to me that the ecological and esthetic values of the San Marcos River be protected.
* I request that the ordinance be extended to also cover the city’s Extra Territorial Jurisdiction, where discarded beverage containers currently pose a serious problem.
* I request that the ordinance be expanded to include single-use electronic cigarettes (vapes), which are frequently disposed of in the river.
* This ordinance will complement the single use container ban that was adopted by the city of Martindale and the enforcement activities of Caldwell County Constables.
A Geographical note: Caldwell County, which includes the City of Martindale, occupies the left bank of the San Marcos River from a point just upstream from Pecan Park, down to a point a little downstream from Interstate 10.
Attachment 2: A Sample Letter
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[City, State, ZIP Code]
[Your Email Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Date]
City of San Marcos
City Hall
630 E. Hopkins
San Marcos, TX 78666
Dear City Council Members,
I am writing to advocate for the extension of the current can ban to include the Extra Territorial Jurisdiction (ETJ) of San Marcos, while also urging for the inclusion of single-use vapes within the ban.
As a person who is deeply invested in environmental preservation, I am increasingly concerned about the adverse effects of littering, particularly along the river section from Westerfield Crossing to Don’s Fish Camp within the ETJ. The continuous disposal of single-use beverage containers and electronic vapes not only degrades the natural beauty of our environment but also poses significant threats to local ecosystems and water quality.
Expanding the can ban to encompass the ETJ is paramount in addressing these environmental challenges and upholding the city's commitment to sustainability. Additionally, by including single-use vapes within the ban, we can further mitigate littering and minimize the detrimental impact of electronic waste on our environment.
While I acknowledge the potential enforcement challenges, particularly in remote areas within the ETJ, I am confident that collaborative efforts and innovative solutions, such as empowering Park Rangers to enforce the ban alongside existing enforcement agencies, can help overcome these obstacles and promote responsible behavior among river users.
I urge the City of San Marcos to consider this request and take decisive action to extend the can ban to the ETJ, while also incorporating the banning of single-use vapes. By doing so, we can protect our cherished natural resources and ensure a cleaner, healthier environment for all residents and visitors.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your favorable response and continued efforts to safeguard our community and environment.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]