We are getting some results. I think the Mayor will bring it up at the CPS Board meeting Monday. Citizen's input is not allowed at these meetings, but I wrote the Mayor (who is on the Board) and asked him to bring it up.

In the meantime, Sam has given us some hope...

Mr. Gadberry,

I understand that you are upset about the lake levels. I was not aware that the levels had gotten so low. I don't see lake levels on a regular basis. I heard from Dale Bransford last week and began inquiring about the lake levels. I am told that the pumps were down for some repairs, but are now working so the lake levels should be improving.

I wanted to send you the link below to the Texas Instream Flows Program. This effort is mandated by Senate Bill 2 in the 2001 legislature. The TPWD, TCEQ, and TWDB are required to set up a research design and determine the flow requirements to sustain the biota/ecosystem in all the river systems in the state. The Lower San Antonio basin is one of the first basins under study. The lower San Antonio basin is defined as the stream channel from 1604 south to the confluence with the Guadalupe River. There is a stakeholders group that meets every 2 months to help set up the study priorities and define the values important to area stakeholders. The SARA is one of the local sponsors. The next meeting is scheduled for Dec. 9 at the Floresville City Hall. The meeting will be from 8-4. You may be interested in attending.

Hope to see you there,

Sam Helmle

CPS Energy

The message is ready to be sent with the following file or link attachments.

Shortcut to: http://www.twdb.state.tx.us/instreamflows/index.html

Prop washout is a real problem that needs to be addressed also. A fine should be imposed on boaters that feel they have to use their 100hp motors to move the boat an extra 6" instead of using the crank. I saw a guy literally blowing water up 10' in the air and it took him several "tries" before he was happy. And that was after the bull rock was placed. Whose attention should I bring this up to?

I'll try this again...fingers did some wrong walking.

I noticed that when I launch my boat that the boat goes off the trailer in a more vertical angle than it usually does when the water is at normal pool. I have a roller-breakaway trailer which I first used in Minnesota where they have dirt ramps which are on deep water areas. I am afraid that launching my boat at the shallow ramp on Calaveras may result in my prop hitting the bottom of the ramp...it is really hard launching when the water is low...I have to push the boat off and it gets harder everyday. Last Tues I saw a guy trying to load his boat onto his trailer and he ended up ramming it, damaging the trailer guide-on and the lights...

I am emailing CPS per your suggestion....they nee to open that other ramp...Thanks for taking your time to help us all out with this situation...

Any TFF'ers who are out there in the 181 cover, please take a look and report here or by PM whether the pump is running or not. Thank you.

I drove by the 181 cove today and observed the water pump working. It looks like the lake is up a few inches.

Scott Smith of CPS, the one in charge of the lake and overseeing the park services, called me today about emails he had been receiving. He wanted to know the details about the problems we were encountering. A really nice fellow. He did not know anything about the ramp problems and promised to look into that and the lake level and get back with me.

Thanks, guys, for emailing and generating interest. It pays to be nice until they quit trying.

Was just out there. They have replaced a few of the missing/broke boat ramp rubber sidings and the lake looked like it had come up a couple of inches but still severely low, Braunig the same.

I called out to the office this afternoon...nice lady, but she seemed like she had answered the questions I had all day. She said that people are still launching and having a little difficulty at times...said that this happens every winter. I didn't get the impression that it was that big of problem from her... I'll be out there tomorrow morning...we'll see what happens.

I think a lot has to do with the size of your rig & if you have T & T. My neighbor was driving his 23 footer on to his traier a couple of days ago & said he felt the prop hit bottom. Luckily no damage.
Roger

It was also running on Sunday.

...was out yesterday. It's low...but I didn't have a problem launching or recovering. I have a smaller boat...but even the larger boats I saw launched went in no problem.

Good news...I hope the lake rising a little helps everyone.

Good work Don, thanks for the legwork.

Have they opened the deep ramp yet? Any new reports on the water level?

Thanks,
SportFisher

The north (deep) ramp is still closed. Hopefully, the lake is up a little, but that ramp needs some work before more trailers drop off the end.

CPS is totally involved now and after the holidays, I predict something will be done. Most of you know that CPS is going to release an RFP for a park service. Hopefully, the RFP will include some maintenance guarantees for the boaters and fishermen. I will ask to see the RFP or be a participant in its creation.

Thanks for all the work on all of our behalfs Texas Alien!

I was out at the lake today with a buddy that has a 20' boat and we had no issue loading or unloading. The "deep" ramp is still closed.

Thanks for the input. I drove out 181 Sat afternoon and the pump was running slowly.

Was out at the lake yesterday and the North ramp is open again. Looks like the water level is almost back to normal.

Thanks fo the info. I'll be heading out there tomorrow.

Out there on Thursday. The pump was running hard and the lake was about normal. Did not try the cove. Good luck.