Staff at Arroyo worked to improve critical habitat for the Comal Springs Riffle Beetle, a federally endangered species in Spring Run 3 and Landa Lake in New Braunfels, Texas. This work included: bank stabilization and re-profiling, construction of erosion control structures, exotic vegetation removal, revegetation of the native riparian plant community, fine sediment removal from select underwater areas, and routine sediment and biological monitoring (i.e. vegetation within planted areas, endangered species and spring openings). This restoration work increased the amount of usable habitat and available food sources by reducing existing sediment deposits in Spring Run 3 and Landa Lake, reducing sediment runoff to spring openings and shoreline areas, and enhancing the native riparian plant community.
Arroyo staff have been working with representatives from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) and members of the Lake Wichita Study Committee to begin planning and developing a habitat restoration project plan for Lake Wichita, begin USACE Section 404/401 permit pre-application meetings, US Fish and Wildlife consultation, as well as submit the USACE Section 404/401 permit application. The main focus of this project is to identify and characterize essential reservoir fish habitat, wetland areas, recreational area public access needs, etc. Initial studies will include wetland delineation of the project area, water supply analysis, sediment load analysis, water quality modeling (specifically chlorides), soil sample analysis for dredge material disposal, mitigation requirements and topographic survey.