The Upper Guadalupe River Authority

A Public Forum entitled “The Value of the Upper Guadalupe” was hosted by the Upper Guadalupe River Authority in early 2004. A succinct summary of the Forum was provided on the Editorial Page of the Kerrville Daily Times, which noted:

"As [the panel and moderator] clearly stated, the river is an invaluable resource

that has a huge impact on our economy."

At the Forum’s conclusion, its Moderator, Dr. Tim Summerlin, President Schreiner University, stated:

“It’s very clear that the river is respected, loved, valued deeply for a number of reasons. Secondly, that there are real concerns . . . that should not be lost . . . after a forum like this. . . I hope that this Forum can lead to other kinds of thought and actions to preserve what is loved so much.”

The following are selected quotes from Forum Panelists:

“Our River is characterized by shallow stretches of rather slow moving water with occasional deep pools and holes. The water is clear and relatively clean. The river is scenic and attracts many species of birds and wildlife along these banks. Most of the river bottom is limestone and can be waded by fishermen and swimmers. During times of sufficient flow, it is suitable for canoeing and kayaking.”

Bob Miller, Local Sportsman

“As the river is a powerful economic engine benefiting very many people in its path, it can also be a runaway train, if not properly cared for and respected as a natural resource.”

Brian Bondy, President, Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce.

“The Kerr County youth camp industry is what it is today largely in part because of the Upper Guadalupe River . . . .The Guadalupe River is our life’s blood.”

Blake Smith, Camp Director, Camp La Junta

“It is my opinion as a Realtor in Kerrville for many years that the value of the Guadalupe River is of paramount importance to our area. . . .Of course it goes without saying that the river has to be well taken care of. ”

Ginger Stehling, Owner, Ginger Stehling & Associates, Inc.

“The river is the lifeblood of our community. . . The river and activities along or in the river make personal memories and keep our visitors coming back for generations.”

Sudie Burditt, Executive Director, Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau

“The Texas Community Future Forum . . . identified [water as one] . . . of the major critical issues . . . in Kerr County .”

Roy Walston, County Extension Agent, Kerr County

“Man has the advantage of being able to foresee the possibility of disaster and hopefully find means to avoid it. What we do now with the respect to the use of water from the Guadalupe River and from the aquifer will have a positive or negative impact in the future on us and other living things.”

Dr. James Dobie, Retired Biology Professor and Volunteer, R.N.C.

“With regard to planning for a community . . . water is going to be a key issue. . . . We’ve got to preserve that resource . . . that resource is our life blood.”

Ron Patterson, City Manager, City of Kerrville

"Let’s start thinking about systems management rather than just managing the river and let’s start looking for solutions rather than just addressing the symptoms. . . . If you have a healthy system, you have drinking water, you have recreation, and you have businesses that do well economically along the river. . . . and if the systems healthy, then I think we are all going to benefit.”

Donnie Frels, Manager, Kerr Wildlife Management Area